Wichita tech entrepreneur Jonathan George departing for new city, greener pastures

Jonathan George, one of Wichita’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, is leaving for a position with a company in Dallas.

He will become vice president of engineering for Robin Technology, an uber-like technology for lawn care. The company is seeing explosive growth and wants to bring its technology development in-house, George said.

George, originally from Coffeyville, has built or helped build three software companies in Wichita, selling them or parts of them.

Between companies, he was in Dallas this fall to meet a friend and learned about the position. He said he and the company founder just hit it off.

George, who has served as a role model and elder statesman for Wichita’s developing tech scene, conceded that he couldn’t find this same opportunity in Wichita, despite its growing momentum.

“Yeah, it does say something,” he said. “There’s no way it doesn’t. This kind of company just doesn’t exist here.”

But, he said, it’s too early to say the move is permanent. He and his wife, Tamaira, still have family here in Wichita.

He said he also would continue his Angels on the Plains venture fund, and expects to announce its first investment in a local company soon.

“We’re very sad about leaving, but excited,” he said “Wichita has been great for us.”

This story was originally published December 16, 2016 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Wichita tech entrepreneur Jonathan George departing for new city, greener pastures."