RZ

Ronald Zink

Technology Executive | Legal/J.D. | Business Development | AgTech | Sustainability (xMicrosoft, xJohnDeere)

Mercer Island, Washington

Invests in

Stages:

Locations:

  • Min Investment:

    $500,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $1,500,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $1,000,000.00

Work Experience

2023

  • Chief Operating Officer, Verity Carbon Solutions

    2023

    Gevo is commercializing the next generation of renewable gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel with the potential to achieve zero carbon emissions, addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. Verity, a subsidiary of Gevo, is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle.

  • Agriculture Executive | Strategy | Sustainability | ESG | Emerging Tech Advisor

    2023

    Advisory on technology, product, and strategy with an emphasis on sustainability.

  • Board Member

    2017

    Promotes Washington State's Connected Intelligence ecosystem, working with fellow board members, industry leaders and the state government.

2021

  • Board Member

    2021

    Member of the board of a haptics technology and IP company.

2020 - 2023

  • Vice President, Product & ESG

    2020 - 2023

    Trace Genomics has pioneered the application of human genomics sequencing technology to grow crops in a more sustainable manner.

2017 - 2023

  • Member

    2017 - 2023

    Alliance of Angels is the largest and most active angel group in the Pacific Northwest, investing $10M+ into 20+ companies annually. Advisor to several companies.

2017 - 2019

  • Chief Technology Officer

    2017 - 2019

    Led product development, technical and strategic initiatives at Growers, a startup focused on digital farming. Growers was acquired by ICL.

2012 - 2016

  • Director, Mobile and Digital Applications

    2013 - 2016

    Created and grew a new internal business unit leveraging mobile and cloud technology to develop and market a series of new digital farming products and applications.

  • Director, Business Development

    2012 - 2013

    Led an initiative to accelerate strategic, business and product development efforts related to digital technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data.

2005 - 2012

  • Chief Operating Officer European Affairs

    2009 - 2012

    Managed the European Union (EU) government and corporate affairs team supporting a business generating more than $20B in annualized revenue. Led Microsoft’s approach to policy issues in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Served as a company spokesman.

  • Chief IP Counsel EMEA

    2005 - 2009

    Managed the EMEA Intellectual Property team and led substantive and strategic positions in policy areas including patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, interoperability, standards and related antitrust issues.

1995 - 2004

  • Associate General Counsel

    1995 - 2004

    Managed a team of legal professionals handling worldwide patent matters for four of the seven business divisions at Microsoft. Promoted to Senior Attorney in 1999 and Associate General Counsel in 2001.