Biography of Patrick Gentry: Founder & CEO of Sprout Solutions & Unconventional Farmer
Patrick Gentry’s Journey
Patrick Gentry is a dynamic entrepreneur and the co-founder
and CEO of Sprout Solutions, a pioneering software company based in the
Philippines. His journey from academia to entrepreneurship is marked by a
commitment to addressing real-world challenges in the business landscape,
particularly in the realm of human resources and payroll management.
Educational Beginnings: Building a Strong Foundation
Patrick’s academic journey began at The University of
British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree between 2002 and
2007. This educational background laid the groundwork for his future endeavors,
instilling in him a solid understanding of technology and business principles.
His time at university sparked a passion for innovation that would later guide
his entrepreneurial spirit.
Early Career: Gaining Valuable Experience
After graduating, Patrick began his career at Toolwire,
Inc., where he worked as a project manager for over seven years. In this role,
he bridged the gap between engineering, design, and instructional development,
focusing on delivering eLearning solutions for high-profile clients. This
experience allowed him to hone his project management skills and gain insight
into the tech industry, preparing him for his future ventures.
The Birth of Sprout Solutions: Addressing Local Needs
In May 2015, Patrick co-founded Sprout Solutions with a
clear mission: to provide innovative software solutions that cater specifically
to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses in the Philippines. Recognizing
the challenges these businesses face with payroll and HR processes, Patrick and
his team set out to create tools that would streamline operations and improve
efficiency.
Developing Payroll Pie: A Comprehensive Solution
One of Sprout’s key offerings is Payroll Pie, which started
in 2009 as an online payroll solution tailored for the Philippine market. With
over 2,000 clients, Payroll Pie has proven to be a high-quality, cost-effective
solution for businesses struggling with payroll processing. This product
exemplifies Patrick’s vision of creating localized software that addresses
specific market needs.
Innovating HR Management: Introducing Sprout HR
In addition to Payroll Pie, Patrick led the development of
Sprout HR, a cloud-based human resource information system designed to
consolidate HR functions into one secure platform. This tool not only
simplifies HR management but also provides analytics that empower companies to
make informed, strategic decisions. Under Patrick’s leadership, Sprout HR has
become a vital resource for many businesses.
Biography of Patrick Gentry: Founder & CEO of Sprout Solutions & Unconventional Farmer-Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/investor/payroll and HR challenges/
Fostering a Passionate Team: The Heart of Sprout
Patrick emphasizes the importance of a dedicated team in driving
Sprout’s success. He believes that individuals who are genuinely passionate
about improving their surroundings can create world-class products. The culture
at Sprout Solutions is built on collaboration and innovation, where local
talent is encouraged to contribute to the company’s mission of igniting change
in the Philippine economy.
Commitment to Change: Addressing Broader Issues
Patrick is not only focused on business success; he is also
driven by a desire to tackle broader societal issues. He sees the challenges
faced by emerging markets as opportunities for innovation. His approach
involves leveraging technology to provide practical solutions that can bring
about significant changes in how businesses operate, ultimately benefiting the
economy as a whole.
A Passion Project: The Unconventional Farmer
Outside of his work at Sprout, Patrick is involved in a
passion project called The Unconventional Farmer. This initiative focuses on
alternative gardening methods and zero-input farming, reflecting his commitment
to sustainability and innovative agricultural practices. This endeavor
showcases his versatility and desire to explore diverse avenues for creating
positive change.
A Thriving Business: Recognition and Growth
Under Patrick's leadership, Sprout Solutions has flourished,
becoming the largest homegrown B2B SaaS company in the Philippines. The company
has received accolades from global software review platforms like G2 and
Capterra, and it has been recognized among the top ten on the Philippines Growth
Champions list for two consecutive years. Such recognition underscores the
impact and importance of the solutions they provide.
Securing Investment: Fueling Future Growth
In a significant milestone, Sprout recently raised $1.6
million in seed funding from various investors, including Kickstart Ventures,
Wavemaker Partners, and Beenext. This investment will enable Sprout to expand
its product offerings and enhance its technology, further solidifying its
position as a leader in the HR tech space.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Patrick Gentry continues to lead Sprout Solutions, his
focus remains on innovation and growth. He envisions a future where the company
can further revolutionize HR and payroll processes for businesses in the
Philippines and beyond. With a strong team and a clear mission, Patrick is
determined to keep making a meaningful impact in the software industry and the
communities it serves.
Timeline of Patrick Gentry’s Journey
2002-2007 - Earns a Bachelor of Science degree from The
University of British Columbia.
2007-2014 - Works as a project manager at Toolwire, Inc., focusing
on eLearning solutions.
May 2015 - Co-founds Sprout Solutions to address payroll and
HR challenges in the Philippines.
2009 - Launches Payroll Pie, an online payroll solution for
local businesses.
2016 - Develops Sprout HR, a comprehensive cloud-based HR
management system.
2018 - Sprout Solutions becomes the largest homegrown B2B
SaaS company in the Philippines.
2020 - Receives accolades from G2 and Capterra for software
solutions.
2021 - Raises $1.6 million in seed funding to fuel expansion
and innovation.
2024 - Continues to lead Sprout Solutions, focusing on
future growth and societal impact.
