Jenette Ashtekar

Jenette Ashtekar is a Venture Partner at Engine Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, MA, that focuses on investing in innovative technology founders addressing significant global challenges. In her role, she leverages her extensive background in agricultural technology and soil science to guide investments and support portfolio companies.

Professional Background

Before joining Engine Ventures, Ashtekar served as the Head of Product at CIBO Technologies, where she was instrumental in developing a SaaS platform aimed at generating carbon offsets from farmland. Her work at CIBO Technologies involved the application of advanced digital technologies to mitigate the climate impact of agriculture, showcasing her commitment to sustainability and innovation in farming practices.12

Ashtekar has over a decade of experience in soil science, having co-founded AgSoil Analytics, which was based on her PhD and post-doctoral research. She holds a PhD in Soil Science from Purdue University, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science and Environmental Science & Natural Resources from The Ohio State University.134

Expertise and Contributions

Jenette is recognized as an entrepreneurial scientist and a climate activist, skilled in translating complex scientific concepts into practical applications. Her work has included developing algorithms for predicting soil properties and enhancing precision agriculture through high-resolution soil mapping. She has also worked with agricultural communities in Central and South America, helping them access critical soil information.23

Ashtekar’s multidisciplinary approach combines technology, climate science, and agricultural practices, making her a key figure in the intersection of these fields.