Hi, I’m Katie Troutman

I consider myself a strategic facilitator and conduit for authentic capital. The through line of my work is to weave connections, develops opportunities, and takes bold initiatives within the capital ecosystem that create reciprocal benefits for investors and high impact ventures. You can find me at the intersection of being in relation, connecting people and resources, and building the tools + capacity for the tech, art, and culture for humanity to thrive.

Based in Melbourne, Australia. I work with impact-driven investors and founders across Australia and New Zealand.

My intention with anything I work on is to build a legacy of trust-based relationships, pragmatic + impactful partnerships, and generational stewardship, so the future we hand forward is one we’re all proud of.

Together we Tend.

Let’s Work Together

More on my background:

  • Venture operator with 10+ years across startups, venture, and innovation ecosystems, spanning fundraising, partnerships, go-to-market, operations, and community growth

  • Deep experience designing venture communities, education programs, and events that create both serendipitous and intentional, high-value outcomes

  • Currently Head of Investor Relations & Community at an Australian venture capital Fund of Funds, supporting both aspiring investors and emerging LPs through structured engagement and education

  • Former enterprise SaaS commercial leader, leading teams and managing complex stakeholder processes and decision support across long deal cycles

  • Hands-on research into regenerative technologies, including recycling pathways and natural materials testing across nonprofit and commercial contexts

Materials Memory

Something I am passionate about is the materials revolution that is underway. As a legacy to the first version Tend, the materials map remains as homage to the journey. The Tend IG page contains more artefacts of my work in sustainable materials.

Texas-grown cotton is milled in North Carolina, then cut and sewn in Austin, TX

US-grown cotton is milled in the Netherlands, travels to Austin, TX for assembly

Materials Journey

Fabric

Sewing Thread

Malaysian natural rubber and Austrian-milled Turkish cotton, travels to Berlin, then Austin.

Completed Garment

In comparison, the average garment in todays market travel an average of 40,000 miles

Miles traveled: 25,800

Tend Journey

It all started with a desire to make underwear rooted in nature’s wisdom. Nature has been the guide, from product design to material choices, to how it is traded in community. Along the way, research in earth’s metabolics has been our goal from the start. 

Inspired by the 150 mile wardrobe challenge created by Rebecca Burgess of Fibershed. Tend was created in the Fibershed soil-to-soil model. Being based in Austin, our goal was to have the first collection made in Texas from Texas-grown and processed fibers, dyes, and notions.

However, that ideal is currently untenable, so we work with international suppliers sourced throughout years of research. Each supplier is selected for their integrity to natural, organic fibers, their commitment to omitting synthetic chemical use, and their dignifying employment practices.

In Spring 2024, Tend was launched to our local community of Austin, TX through educational workshops. We are now collaborating on new opportunities to bring Tend to more regions around the world. More to come in 2025!

FAQs

  • Tend is foremost a practice and is available through our in-person workshops. Pre-orders for custom eco-print pairs are now open now for Fall 2024.

  • Yes, we would love to work with you to host a Tend workshop! Please fill out this brief form.

  • Please send a note to hello@togetherwetend.com

  • Yes, after attending the Tend workshop you will have the opportunity to purchase more pairs.