Professional Overview
Ross Fastuca is a co-founder and technology executive at Locomote, a Melbourne-based corporate travel management technology company. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Co-Founder, Ross architected Locomote’s product suite and leads its technical strategy with a focus on revolutionizing business travel by providing organizations control and visibility over their global travel programs and supply chains. His technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities have been instrumental in scaling Locomote from a startup to a global business travel platform.
Company Background and Achievements
Locomote was founded in 2011 by Ross and his cousin David Fastuca, after jointly launching multiple businesses over the prior 15 years. The company specializes in corporate travel management technology, targeting an underserved niche within the travel industry. Locomote experienced significant growth, achieving:
- Annual revenue of $3.5 million in 2014, with growth exceeding 240% annually since inception, positioning Locomote as a leading innovator in travel technology.
- Recognition as the 4th fastest growing company on the Smart50 list.
- Numerous accolades including the SmartCompany Top Digital Innovator, BRW Fast Starter, and the Asia Pacific Stevie Award for Innovation in Technology Development.
- Successfully building a robust infrastructure with global clients and securing multi-million dollar backing, notably from Travelport, a publicly listed travel commerce platform.
In 2016, Ross and David Fastuca executed a strategic exit, selling Locomote to Travelport (NYSE: TVPT) for an 8-figure sum. After Travelport's acquisition by private equity owners in 2019 and their divestment from corporate travel, the Fastuca cousins reacquired Locomote in 2020, during a period when corporate travel was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With renewed leadership, they secured additional funding from Escala Partners and revitalized the company’s original vision to become a global leader in making business travel hassle-free.
Roles and Responsibilities
Ross serves as the principal technology strategist and product architect of Locomote, responsible for:
- Directing the company’s technical vision and software development.
- Overseeing product innovation aimed at improving the management and operational efficiency of business travel.
- Leading a global team scaled from an initial core group to approximately 140 employees.
- Prioritizing scalable solutions that integrate complex supply chain logistics within corporate travel programs.
- Maintaining responsibility over Locomote’s technical infrastructure and software product roadmap.
Prior to Locomote, Ross held leadership roles including:
- CEO and Co-Founder of MBG Interactive (2007–2011), a digital agency focused on web development.
- Co-Founder of S2KA Creative Agency (2000–2007), specializing in digital design and marketing services.
Ross holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia from Charles Sturt University (2001–2004).
Industry Recognition & Awards
Ross Fastuca’s entrepreneurial and technological leadership has been recognized with:
- Inclusion in SmartCompany’s 2015 Hot 30 Under 30.
- Shortlisting for the SmartCompany Awards (2014).
- Nominee in ACTE’s 3 Under 33 program (2012), identifying rising stars in business travel.
- Winner of the Stevie® Award for Innovation in Technology Development (2016).
Professional Influence and Network
Ross is actively engaged in professional communities and innovation forums, leveraging:
- An extensive network within the travel technology and startup ecosystems.
- Experience in business coaching, mentorship, and speaking engagements.
- Over 5,500 LinkedIn followers as a recognized thought leader in technology-led business travel solutions.
Additional Insights
- Ross and his cousin David share a long-term business partnership with a track record of successful collaboration, strategic technology development, and scaling ventures.
- Locomote under Ross’s leadership transformed from a small startup operating from a home-based setting to a major player with global reach and high-profile corporate customers.
- Ross’s leadership style has been described as highly supportive and motivating, earning positive recommendations from team members acknowledging his effectiveness as a leader.
Summary: Ross Fastuca is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with a strong track record in founding, scaling, and successfully exiting a high-growth SaaS business in the corporate travel sector. His leadership at Locomote demonstrates a focus on innovative product development, strategic growth, and operational excellence within a highly competitive, tech-driven industry.
