About
Zest AI provides ML-based credit underwriting software for banks and credit unions. Raised $200M from Insight Partners in 2024; serves nearly 300 lenders including Citi, Truist, and First National Bank of Omaha. Has deployed 500+ proprietary credit models with 50+ patents. Claims 25% approval lift with no added risk and 20% default reduction. Forbes Fintech 50 (2024). Recent customer-led round included SchoolsFirst FCU and Citi Ventures.
Key Facts
- [1]Founded: Founded in 2009 in Burbank, United States.
- [2]Funding: Total funding: $357M. Last round: Dec 2024. Stage: Growth.
- [3]Customers: Key customers include Citi, Truist, First National Bank of Omaha, SchoolsFirst FCU.
- [4]Employees: Employee count: 51-200.
- [5]Website: Official website: zest.ai.
- [6]AI Technology: Core AI/ML technologies: Predictive ML.
- [7]Region: Region: Americas (United States).
Founders
Douglas Merrill
Founder
Mike de Vere
CEO
Key Customers & Partners
AI Technology
Predictive ML
Traditional ML algorithms for classification, regression, and scoring models
Classification
Market Segments
Tech Stack Layers
Details
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zest AI?
Zest AI provides ML-based credit underwriting software for banks and credit unions. Raised $200M from Insight Partners in 2024; serves nearly 300 lenders including Citi, Truist, and First National Bank of Omaha. Has deployed 500+ proprietary credit models with 50+ patents. Claims 25% approval lift with no added risk and 20% default reduction. Forbes Fintech 50 (2024). Recent customer-led round included SchoolsFirst FCU and Citi Ventures. Zest AI is classified in the Lending & Credit segment at the Models layer of the financial AI stack.
Who founded Zest AI?
Zest AI was founded by Douglas Merrill (Founder) and Mike de Vere (CEO) in 2009 in Burbank, United States. The company has been operating for 17 years.
How much funding has Zest AI raised?
Zest AI has raised $357M in total funding, placing the company at the Growth stage. The most recent round closed in Dec 2024. Among 81 funded Lending & Credit companies, Zest AI ranks #26 by total capital raised. (Source: AIFI Map directory.)
What AI technology does Zest AI use?
Zest AI primarily leverages Predictive ML technology. Traditional ML algorithms for classification, regression, and scoring models. Within the Lending & Credit segment, 58 companies use this technology.
What market segment does Zest AI operate in?
Zest AI operates in the Lending & Credit and Enterprise Finance market segments. AI lending and credit companies are reimagining how creditworthiness is assessed, loans are originated, and debt is managed across consumer, small business, and commercial markets. The company also has a footprint in enterprise finance, reflecting its cross-functional approach to financial AI.
Where is Zest AI headquartered?
Zest AI is headquartered in Burbank, United States. The company operates in the Americas region. The team consists of 51-200 employees. United States is home to 324 financial AI companies tracked by AIFI Map.
Who are Zest AI's competitors?
Companies similar to Zest AI in the Lending & Credit space include Feedzai ($431M raised), Sardine ($170M raised), Hawk AI ($83M raised), Resistant AI ($55M raised), Flagright ($8M raised). These companies operate in related areas of financial AI: Feedzai focuses on ai-native fraud and financial crime prevention platform for major banks. Sardine focuses on ai risk platform for fraud, credit, and compliance. Hawk AI focuses on ai-powered aml and fraud detection for banks and fintechs. (Based on AIFI Map classification data.)
What products does Zest AI offer?
Zest AI builds models-layer solutions for the financial services industry. The company's core offering: AI-automated underwriting for credit unions and banks. The platform is powered by Predictive ML technology. Notable users include Citi, Truist, First National Bank of Omaha, SchoolsFirst FCU.