Pivot Bio, Series D, is a leading nitrogen innovator, developing microbes that offer farmers a more efficient and sustainable nitrogen to fuel their crops. During my internship at Pivot Bio, I worked with the business development team on the project to expand into new markets. This project supported Pivot Bio’s efforts of expanding their operations beyond the United States and becoming a global company. First, I developed a report on the impact of the fertilizer shortage crisis on the fertilizer access in the markets of interest. Moving forward, I supported the development of a pitch deck that introduces the new project and describes the target customer profile. I also developed a partnership roadmap, mapping the potential partners that Pivot Bio can leverage in these markets. Finally, I developed three case studies on successful players in these markets, digging into their expansion strategies and lessons learned from operating in these markets.

Throughout my internship, I leveraged my learnings from my MBA as well as my previous consulting experience. At a high level, the sustainability classes I took at Columbia Business School (Climate Finance, Climate Change and the Energy Transition, etc.) and my role as VP of education in the Green Business Club prepared me for work in the sustainability space. Prior to starting my internship, I understood the dynamics that govern the fertilizer space and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our fertilizer usage. At the core of the work, my previous consulting skills and the classes I took focusing on advancing my consulting experience (Succeeding in Consulting, working as junior coach for four projects in the Africa Consulting Class) allowed me to push the thinking forward on my deliverables and develop the content. Finally, I leveraged the Columbia Business School network by connecting Pivot Bio with Columbia Business School alums that provided their input and best practices based on their work in the agriculture space and target markets.

During my internship, initially, it was challenging to navigate the virtual setting. However, my manager set up weekly meetings with me to align on expectations, review the work, and discuss performance. Additionally, the in-person team meeting in St Louis allowed me to meet all of the business development team and work in person with them. Another challenge was the availability of data, given that data in the agricultural space is not always readily available.

Overall, my experience at Pivot Bio was great. I enjoyed working in the sustainability space, dedicating my time to a company that is directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by substituting synthetic fertilizer. I also appreciated the exposure to the fast-paced startup environment.