Zest AI, a leader in AI lending technology, has been recognized on Fast Company’s 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators List for its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. This accolade highlights the company’s efforts to drive industry-first solutions, enhance access to credit, and deliver measurable results for financial institutions. Recognized in the Midsize Companies category, Zest AI continues to transform the lending ecosystem through artificial intelligence, empowering lenders with cutting-edge tools.
Zest AI earns a spot on Fast Company’s 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators List.
Recognized for AI-driven lending solutions, including automated underwriting and fraud detection.
Holds over 50 AI patents and 600+ proprietary consumer credit models.
Diverse workforce with 34% women and 49% people of color drives innovation.
AI tools deliver up to 25% higher loan approval rates and 20% fewer defaults.
Employee Resource Groups foster collaboration and shape fintech solutions.
Zest AI has been a pioneer in AI lending technology for over a decade, modernizing how financial institutions approach credit decisions. With a portfolio of more than 50 AI patents and 600 proprietary consumer credit models, the company empowers lenders to make smarter, more inclusive decisions. Its AI-driven tools, such as automated underwriting and fraud detection, are used by over 250 financial institutions across the U.S., strengthening the $17 trillion consumer credit market.
“For over a decade, Zest AI has been a leader in modernizing financial institutions' lending ecosystem through AI to improve access to credit and expand economic opportunity,” said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. “Today, we’re continuing to push the envelope when it comes to innovation by delivering first-of-its-kind products like generative AI tools for lenders, alongside powerful fraud detection and AI-automated underwriting.”
Zest AI’s suite of AI tools, including LuLu for lending intelligence and Zest Protect for fraud detection, offers unparalleled accuracy. The company’s machine learning technology is twice as effective as traditional credit scores in predicting loan defaults across all credit tiers. Additionally, its automated underwriting technology boosts approval rates by up to 25% while reducing defaults by 20%, enabling lenders to expand access to credit responsibly.
The company’s innovation is fueled by a diverse and collaborative workforce. With 50% of its employees being technical experts—data scientists, engineers, and product developers—Zest AI creates a strong foundation for groundbreaking solutions. Notably, 34% of employees are women, 49% are people of color, and 62% of leadership roles are held by women or underrepresented groups. Employee Resource Groups, such as Women at Zest and Pride, ensure diverse perspectives shape the company’s fintech innovations.
The 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators List by Fast Company celebrates organizations across industries like biotech, education, and healthcare for their commitment to innovation. Zest AI’s inclusion underscores its role in advancing AI lending technology while fostering a workplace culture that empowers employees to drive change.
Zest AI’s recognition on Fast Company’s 2025 list reflects its dedication to transforming lending through AI and fostering an inclusive, innovative workplace. By combining cutting-edge technology with a diverse team, the company continues to lead the fintech industry, delivering solutions that drive growth and opportunity.
Founded in 2009, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology with a mission to modernize lending and strengthen the financial system. The company is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy credit methods, while leveling the playing field for financial institutions of all sizes to harness AI. With over 600 custom AI models and 50+ issued and pending patents, Zest AI is providing financial institutions with a comprehensive suite of solutions spanning underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions that power growth and profitability. The company has been named on Forbes 2024 Fintech 50 List and CNBC’s 2025 World’s Top FinTech Companies list in the Enterprise FinTech category.
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