01Independent advisory · est. 2023
Metal Dog Labs is my advisory practice. I have two and half decades of shipping software & hardware in food, agriculture, and supply chain at Google X, Bayer, Amazon, and multiple startups.
I am a product manager, technologist, writer, and podcaster.
— Rhishi Pethe
02Advisory
Engagements range from a single half-day briefing to multi-quarter retainers. Every project starts with a call and a written clear scope
Most AI work in legacy industries dies in the pilot. The hard part is the data, the workflow, the change management, and a clear-eyed view of where AI actually compounds value. I help operators choose where to bet, what to build vs. buy, and how to ship.
Food, Agriculture, and Physical industries don't move at the speed of consumer software. I have experience working at and with the food and agriculture ecosystem, supply chains to translate digital ambition into systems that create value for your customers, investors, and employees
I have experience starting and running product management teams at multiple companies like Google X, Amazon, and Bayer. My product leadership has helped two startups exit, and one to spin out. I work closely with founders and product leaders building category-defining tools for the food-and-ag economy, and multiple supply chains.
Ways to engage
A focused session with your team on a specific question. Outcome: a written brief.
Two-to-four weeks. Deep dive on a use-case, market, or capability. Outcome: a strategy document.
Ongoing partnership with founders, executives, or boards. Outcome: a thinking partner on call.
Selected engagements
Working with program teams on AI advisory, and digital tooling for smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Helping the membership think through the next decade of harvest automation in fresh produce — from picking robots and labor management to grower economics
6 month strategy engagement for company pivot including discovery for pricing, packaging, product roadmap, and customer positioning
Landscape scan and due diligence on the use of AI in herbicide discovery to help investment decisions
Additional engagements with operators, founders, and investors available on request.
03Research
I have published multiple white papers, and provide tailored, paid research for investors, agribusinesses, and startups. Full research archive →
A blueprint, drawn from four agriculture-focused organizations across cropping systems and regions, for how food and ag enterprises actually get value from generative AI.
A framework for AgriFood organizations on value identification, use cases, and how value is created — and captured — once GenAI moves out of pilots.
Why agtech software has struggled with adoption — trust, business models, and user experience — and where AI does, and does not, address those constraints.
Tailored research
Tailored research and analysis for investors, agribusinesses, and startups — delivered as a paid service.
Get in touch04Writing
One newsletter on food and agriculture systems through the lens of technology and supply chains. Another on the how, why, and when of automation and physical AI. Both are free.
05Speaking & media
Selected appearances from 2024–2025. For booking inquiries about keynotes, panels, or moderation, get in touch.
06Community
I love building community and bringing people together. I co-founded AgTech Alchemy with Sachi Desai and Walt Duflock. It is a community of operators, founders, and investors building the future of food and agriculture.
07About
I've spent twenty five years building product and technology in the food and agriculture supply chain at Google X's Mineral, at Climate Corp / Bayer, and at Amazon.
Metal Dog Labs is the consulting practice that came out of all of that. It is independent, and built around the questions operators in legacy industries actually have to answer. Recent work spans the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Western Growers Association, and a number of operators, investors, and founders.
Outside the practice, I write two newsletters, guest host podcasts, and speak regularly at industry events. I am a foodie, a big cricket fan, love going to standup comedy shows, visiting wineries, and listening to jazz.
08Get in touch
The first call is free, on a topic you bring. If we both think there's a fit, we'll write a scope. If not, you'll get a thoughtful read on your question and hopefully you will make a new friend
A free bi-weekly email on agri food tech, AI, and supply chains. Free. Alternate Tuesdays.
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