Tech Founder: Austin CEO Dies in Jet Crash

Adam Robinson, a 45-year-old Austin technology executive, died Sunday in a Learjet 60 crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, alongside his wife and two young children. The aircraft carried nine people total, including two crew members, when it plunged into a residential neighborhood.

Robinson had announced a major business milestone hours before the fatal flight. He stated that his company, RB2B, reached $10 million in annual recurring revenue with a single full-time employee. He also noted that his other venture, MoltSets, was nearing $1 million in annual recurring revenue.

Two months prior to the crash, Robinson described reaching the $10 million mark with a small team as reaching the promised land. At that time, he reported RB2B generating $9.5 million in annual recurring revenue. The achievement marked a rapid growth trajectory for the Austin-based firm.

Robinson co-founded and served as CEO of Retention.com. The company helps businesses identify website visitors and target them with marketing. It later launched RB2B to assist businesses in identifying potential customers. Robinson also led MoltSets, a provider of business contact information including work emails and phone numbers.

In his final social media post, Robinson detailed a debate with friend Jesse Ouellette. Ouellette argued that combining RB2B and MoltSets could reduce customer turnover and double revenue. Robinson preferred keeping the products separate. He questioned why he needed to make either move, stating he would be thrilled if RB2B never grew another dollar.

The two planned to settle the disagreement during a live debate scheduled for Tuesday on the program Claude Did What!??. Robinson invited followers to watch the discussion and pick a side. He never made it to the event.

A joint statement from the families described Robinson and his wife, Helen Sharp, 40, as devoted parents. It noted that their children, Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives. The statement said the couple's warmth and generosity touched many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by those who knew them.

Federal investigators said Monday that weather conditions are a major focus of the inquiry. They indicated the aircraft began breaking apart before impact. The Learjet departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 10:37 a.m. Sunday. The crew reported light clear ice and moderate turbulence at 35,000 feet before requesting to climb to 37,000 feet. Less than 30 seconds after approval, the crew reported descending and issued a mayday call.