Pivot Bio
Nitrogen-fixing microbes that replace fertilizer.
About Pivot Bio
Microbial inoculants colonize roots and produce nitrogen biologically — replacing synthetic fertilizer.
§ Pitch deck breakdown
How Pivot Bio would pitch themselves.
Target customer
US row-crop farmers (corn, sorghum, wheat) — the 175M acres of land that consume $20B/year in synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.
Problem they solve
Synthetic nitrogen accounts for 2% of global CO₂ + costs farmers $300+/acre annually. Half runs off into waterways causing dead zones. The Haber-Bosch process is unchanged since 1908.
Key differentiator
Edited microbes attach to corn roots and biologically fix nitrogen 24/7. 25 lbs/acre nitrogen replacement = $40-60/acre savings + zero runoff. Proven in independent trials.
Go-to-market strategy
Direct sales via co-op + seed-dealer channel. Per-acre pricing aligned with farmer P&L. Carbon co-benefit unlocks ESG-buyer subsidies.
Company facts
- Category
- Other
- Funding stage
- Series D
- Total raised
- $617M+
- Founded
- 2010
- Team size
- 201-500
- HQ
- Berkeley
- Country
- United States
- Website
- pivotbio.com
Founders of Pivot Bio
- Karsten Temme
- Alvin Tamsir
Investors backing Pivot Bio
- DCVC
- Breakthrough Energy Ventures
- Temasek
Frequently asked questions
What does Pivot Bio do?
Microbial inoculants colonize roots and produce nitrogen biologically — replacing synthetic fertilizer.
Where is Pivot Bio based?
Pivot Bio is based in Berkeley, United States.
When was Pivot Bio founded?
Pivot Bio was founded in 2010.
How much has Pivot Bio raised?
Pivot Bio has raised $617M+ in their Series D round.
Who founded Pivot Bio?
Pivot Bio was founded by Karsten Temme, Alvin Tamsir.
Who has invested in Pivot Bio?
Pivot Bio is backed by DCVC, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Temasek.