# Zest AI

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/zest-ai

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Burbank, US
- Website: www.zest.ai/
- Total disclosed funding: $119M
- Latest round: Series F (Nov 2, 2022)
- Investors on record: 15

## About

Zest AI, based in the US, develops advanced machine learning solutions that enhance lending processes for financial institutions, focusing on automation and equitable access to credit. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Burbank, California, Zest AI specializes in machine learning technologies that transform lending operations. In November 2025, the company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Citi Ventures, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, ORNL Federal Credit Union, and Truliant Federal Credit Union, with participation from other unspecified investors. Zest AI has executed 13 deals since its inception and is led by co-CEOs Madhusudhan Prasanna and Mike de Vere. Zest AI specializes in advanced artificial intelligence solutions designed to enhance the lending processes for financial institutions. Their core offerings include AI-driven underwriting technology, fraud detection systems, and lending intelligence tools, which collectively aim to automate decision-making, improve risk management, and ensure equitable access to credit. Zest AI's technology allows lenders to streamline their operations by automating pre-screens and pre-qualifications, achieving auto-decisioning rates between 70-83%. The platform serves a diverse clientele, including credit unions, banks, and specialty lenders, focusing on fostering equitable lending practices across various demographic groups. Zest AI's solutions are employed primarily in the United States, with potential outreach to other global markets as they expand their client base. Zest AI generates revenue through subscription-based models and partnerships with financial institutions, enabling them to integrate AI capabilities into their lending processes. Clients typically engage with Zest AI for ongoing support and access to their suite of products, which enhance operational efficiency and decision accuracy. The company’s flagship services, such as AI-automated underwriting and lending intelligence, form the backbone of these transactions, providing significant value to their clients. As financial institutions seek to modernize their processes amid evolving market conditions, Zest AI's offerings position them as a leader in providing intelligent automation solutions tailored for the lending sector. The company will use the November 2025 funding to accelerate automation across the entire borrower journey and scale adoption of its AI-based lending platform LuLu.

## Funding rounds

- Series F, Nov 2, 2022, $50M — Insight Partners, Northgate Capital, Next Level Ventures, CMFG Ventures, Suncoast Credit Union, Golden1 Credit Union, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union, CU Direct
- Series E, Sep 22, 2021 — Next Level Ventures
- Series E, Oct 26, 2020, $15M — Insight Partners
- Series C, Jul 31, 2013, $20M — Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Northgate Capital, Eastward Capital Partners, Kensington Capital Holdings
- Series B, Jan 19, 2012, $23M — Lightspeed Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Lighthouse Capital Partners, Upfront, Flybridge Capital Partners
- Series A, Mar 17, 2011, $11M — Lightspeed Venture Partners, Upfront, Flybridge Capital Partners

## Investors

- Lightspeed Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/lightspeed-venture-partners) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Upfront (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/upfront) — Series A, Series B
- Flybridge Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/flybridge-capital-partners) — Series A, Series B
- Matrix Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/matrix-partners) — Series B, Series C
- Lighthouse Capital Partners — Series B
- Northgate Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/northgate-capital) — Series C, Series F
- Eastward Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/eastward-capital-partners) — Series C
- Kensington Capital Holdings — Series C
- Insight Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/insight-partners) — Series E, Series F
- Next Level Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/next-level-ventures) — Series E, Series F
- CMFG Ventures — Series F
- Suncoast Credit Union — Series F
- Golden1 Credit Union — Series F
- Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union — Series F
- CU Direct — Series F