Startup hires VP of business development

Startup hires VP of business development

Andy Renz. Courtesy Vestaron

A startup developing bio-insecticides for the agriculture industry has added a technology acquisition and business development expert to its executive team.

Kalamazoo-based Vestaron Corporation said last month it hired Andy Renz as VP of business development.

Renz will facilitate the startup’s efforts to engage in further discussions with strategic partners.

“(Renz’s) strong technical background and business development expertise, his strategic thinking and track record in deal-making perfectly complements our team,” Vestaron CEO John Sorenson said.

Renz’s background

Previously, Renz was VP of business development at early stage Benson Hill Biosystems. He also worked for BASF, where he was responsible for international technology scouting and acquisition.

Renz has also worked as an independent consultant, working with ag-tech startups and venture capital firms and has built a strong network covering the ag industry.

He serves on the advisory boards of Growcentia, The Yield Lab and the Ag Innovation Showcase.

Renz holds both a bachelor of science and doctorate of science from the University of Bayreuth in Germany.

“I am truly impressed by the competence, commitment and seriousness of the Vestaron team, and I’m looking forward to taking on the business development tasks as part of this team,” Renz said.

Vestaron

Vestaron specializes in developing bio-insecticides using natural properties from of a class of peptides deemed safe for humans, birds, fish and the environment, but deadly to insects.

In August 2016, Vestaron announced it closed its $18-million Series D round of financing.