Zestbio
1 known investors
Zest Bio uses engineered microorganisms to convert low-value industrial fruit and vegetable processing waste — such as citrus peels, sugar beet pulp, potato peels, and grape pomace — into higher-value products. The company applies synthetic biology and green chemistry to agricultural byproducts.
Founders & leadership
RP
Ryan Protzko
LL
Luke Latimer
JD
John Dueber
Investors · 1
Non-dilutive funding · 4 SBIR/STTR awards
Federal grants — no equity taken| Agency | Phase | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Phase II | 2022 | $650K |
| Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Phase I | 2021 | $106.5K |
| National Science Foundation | Phase II | 2020 | $749.4K |
| National Science Foundation | Phase I | 2018 | $225K |
Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Zestbio do?
- Zest Bio uses engineered microorganisms to convert low-value industrial fruit and vegetable processing waste — such as citrus peels, sugar beet pulp, potato peels, and grape pomace — into higher-value products. The company applies synthetic biology and green chemistry to agricultural byproducts.
- Who founded Zestbio?
- Zestbio was founded by Ryan Protzko, Luke Latimer, John Dueber.
- Who are Zestbio's investors?
- Zestbio's investors include Mount Wilson Ventures.