OUR
PRODUCT
THREE EASY STEPS
01
CATCH
Catch an image of a plant by taking a photo with your phone. We make it easy to identify plants through a combination of image recognition software and input from our local plant experts.
02
DISCOVER
Discover fascinating facts about your plant on our searchable database filled with in-depth plant info. Learn more about invasive and native species. Find out how to grow your plant using our easy-to-follow plant recipes.
03
CONNECT
We connect you to local garden retailers, fellow plant lovers, nature conscious clubs, environmental groups, and others that care about the natural world. Talk with our local plant experts and receive insightful answers. More than an App; we’re also a growing community.
WHY BLOOMCATCH?
Our solution is both accurate and affordable. BloomCatch combines cutting edge machine learning with live human expertise. For one low monthly subscription fee, you get access to our extensive database AND unlimited questions to our local plant experts. You’ll also join a community of local garden retailers, plant lovers, plant conscious clubs, environmental groups, and others that share your passion for nature.
The power
of nature
in the palm
of your handTM
ABOUT US
OUR STORY
What started as a search to distinguish local foliage on a family hike is now BloomCatch, a versatile mobile plant identification app and our team of tech and plant enthusiasts. Every one of us is devoted to providing reliable, useful, and thought-provoking information about plants along with an exceptional customer experience.
OUR MISSION
Plants are essential in so many ways. BloomCatch connects those who love plants with folks who love to grow ‘em. Our goal is to help you quickly identify your local native plants AND provide access to accurate horticultural expertise at the touch of a button. When you download BloomCatch, we invite you to join a growing community that is as enthusiastic about plants as you are.
OUR TECHNOLOGY
Combined with the power of human intuition, BloomCatch technology is a harmonious blend of man and machine. Our image recognition platform is designed for accuracy. Our technology uses machine-learning to continually grow our product and to instruct it to make more accurate plant identifications.
OUR VISION
Because we love plants, we also care about what happens to them. BloomCatch is dedicated to supporting organizations that make conservation, environmental education, and sustainability a priority. Ten percent of every dollar that we earn goes to a charity that aligns with our philosophy- that plants are important for our lives and for the wellbeing of our planet.
OUR CHARITIES:
Washington Youth Garden
Washington Youth Garden, a program of the Friends of the National Arboretum, nurtures curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. Donations from BloomCatch will support hands-on garden and food education for 6,500 D.C. area youth annually at elementary school campuses and within the 446 acre U.S. National Arboretum.
City Blossoms
City Blossoms cultivates the well-being of our communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. Applying our unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, we “blossom” in neighborhoods and schools where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.
OUR TEAM
RAY MAGEE, MBA
CEO / Founder
Ray is excited to lead the BloomCatch team. As a life-long nature enthusiast, Ray was hiking with his family when he was inspired to build a better plant identification App. Using his education in computer science and business administration, Ray launched BloomCatch, combining innovative AI with planting and gardening. His experience includes 10 years of public service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and three years in the private service at a National FoodService Manufacturer. Ray holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Elmhurst College and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from George Washington University.
DAVID J. MUCHOW, PLC, JD
General Counsel
A corporate lawyer, serial entrepreneurial, and investor, Dave enjoys helping companies launch and grow. He has over 30 years of experience with international projects, tech, military, intelligence, energy, corporate law, finance, non-profits, litigation, and lobbying. Dave was a founder and CEO of SkyBuilt Power, the world’s first solar/wind plug and play prepackaged systems for military and commercial customers. As an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University, Dave teaches corporate and startup law, business, and finance. He is thrilled to combine his love of gardening with his business and legal experience to help make BloomCatch a success.
DARA PADWO-AUDICK
Communications | Marketing
An award-winning communications professional, Dara’s passion for storytelling has taken her around the globe. She has written, produced, and directed programs for Animal Planet, CBS, Discovery Channel, ESPN, Fox, HGTV, Lifetime Television, National Geographic Channel, Outdoor Life, PBS, and Science Channel. She’s also spearheaded numerous media projects for academic institutions, associations, corporations, and government agencies. As an Adjunct Professor at American University since 2004, Dara holds a B.A. in Individual Studies and an M.A. in Film and Video. She’s working on cultivating her green thumb.
PATRICIA (Patty) WANZER
Engagement Manager
As founder of Synigize LLC, a sales and marketing representation firm that catapults company’s revenue generating activities and other thought leader projects, Patty’s expertise has increased her clients’ revenues year after year. A strong proponent of collaboration, her tireless energy and positive attitude are an asset to every project she envelopes. In her spare time, Patty volunteers with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and several local animal rescues. Her personal hobbies include bike riding, hiking and caring for her plants. Patty earned a B.S. in Business Administration and is a Certified Technology Specialist.
LAUREN HOWELL
Social Media/Content Manager
Lauren's ability to put ideas into words has evolved with each chapter of her life. Her goal is to pack a punch on social media. When she is not typing away, you'll find her in the gym lifting or walking her dog for some much-needed fresh air on a local trail.
JENNY DUNKLEE
Senior Plant Expert
Jenny is an avid gardener and self-taught plant expert who is involved in a variety of community gardening projects. She’s spent the last 20 years learning through first-hand experience and enjoys spreading her love for growing vegetables and showing how others how to create their own garden. Jenny uses her English degree to write interesting and informative blog posts about gardening for a variety of publications.
RADU GRAMA
Chief Technology Officer
Radu is a technology zealot with 20+ years of experience in successfully helping customers ranging from start-ups to Fortune 50s. His experience ranges from an 8 years role at Microsoft to roles in a number of start-ups. In every role, he takes extreme pride in providing solutions to the most challenging problems customers face and helping them achieve their most ambitious goals through technology.
TAYLOR LOY
Plant Expert
Taylor learned a lot about flowers, plants, and vegetables from her father while growing up in the mountains of Virginia. It’s no wonder that getting her hands dirty settles her mind and that gardening is still a favorite hobby. When she’s not gardening, you’ll find Taylor hiking or exploring the wonders of nature.
BENITA AMOUZOU
Intern
Benita is passionate about learning how living organisms function. She enjoys tending to her succulents and watching them flourish. She is pursuing a bachelors in Biochemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. In her spare time, you can find her either biking or running along nature trails.
GERI COHEN
Bookkeeper
Geri is a dedicated and detail-oriented accounting professional who has been meeting the accounting needs of corporations and individuals in the Washington Metropolitan area for over fifteen years. She specializes in preparing assets, liability, and capital account management and analysis, as well as analyzing financial options through careful risk and benefit options. Geri enjoys international travel, especially cruises. She recently became engaged and looks forward to being able to host an in-person wedding!
Alex is a serial entrepreneur and the former owner of GardenAnswers, the former #1 gardening app. Alex has had successful exits with: BlueTitan, enterprise software, raised series-A from DFJ, sold to SOA.com in 2006. Facedouble, facial recognition, sold to Avigilon in 2014, Garden Answers, plant recognition, sold to Gardens Alive, 2019. 19 patents awarded. When not working on his new venture, Alex resides in sunny Hawaii catching the waves.
Alex Shah
Advisor
NANCY MAFFIA
Plant Expert
Nancy has been a plant person from childhood when she developed an interest in identifying and studying plants. This interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in horticulture and communications. Nancy has worked in plant taxonomy, has written and edited gardening books and plant articles, and currently works at a garden center helping customers answer plant and gardening questions. She is a freelance proofreader on the side and loves taking quiet walks in nature.
INVESTORS
DIG INTO A GROWING OPPORTUNITY
Ray Magee wanted a better plant identification App that would accurately recognize plants when he went on weekly hikes with his family. He designed BloomCatch to maximize machine-learning, engage users in a community, increase regional plant recognition, provide a robust searchable database, promote connections to garden centers, AND offer friendly exchanges with live plant experts- ALL on a socially consciousness platform for a very affordable end user cost.
To request a business meeting, contact Ray at Raymond.Magee@bloomcatch.com. He will respond within 24 hours.