Tech founders usually follow a script. They raise millions, talk about "disrupting" a legacy industry, and then quietly disappear when the unit economics don't make sense. But when you look at the trajectory of Kristi Riordan, the CEO and co-founder of Harvest B, the story feels different. It’s less about Silicon Valley flash and more about the gritty, unsexy reality of supply chains and ingredient science. If you’ve been following the social media trail—searching for kristiknaackriordan or tracking the evolution of plant-based proteins—you’ve likely noticed a shift. The "fake meat" hype of 2019 has died. In its place, people like Riordan are trying to build something that actually lasts.
She isn't just another executive. Before diving into the world of sustainable food, Riordan spent years at the top of the "future of work" movement, notably as the Chief Operating Officer at General Assembly and later at Guild Education. She knows how to scale. But moving from digital education to physical food manufacturing in Sydney, Australia, is a massive leap. It’s the kind of career pivot that makes you wonder what she saw in the data that everyone else missed.
Why the Harvest B Approach Isn't Your Average Veggie Burger
Most people think the plant-based industry is just about making a burger that bleeds. It’s not. That was Phase One. Phase Two is what Harvest B is doing: focusing on the "middle of the plate" and the ingredients that make up the meals we actually eat every day.
Harvest B doesn't just sell a finished product to a grocery store. They are a B2B business. They create high-quality, plant-based proteins that other food manufacturers and food service providers use to create their own dishes. This is a crucial distinction. By focusing on the technology of textured vegetable protein (TVP) and novel blends of grains and legumes, they are solving the biggest problem in the industry: texture. Honestly, most plant-based meat tastes like cardboard because the structural integrity isn't there. Riordan and her team are obsessed with the "shear" and "bite" of the protein. They want it to feel like chicken or beef without the heavy processing that usually turns consumers off.
The facility in Penrith, New South Wales, is a testament to this focus. It's not a lab; it's a factory. They are using Australian-grown crops—wheat, soy, and other legumes—to create a localized supply chain. This is a major hedge against the global logistics nightmares we've seen lately.
The Identity Behind the Brand: kristiknaackriordan
If you’ve looked into the digital footprint of the founder, you’ve probably come across the handle kristiknaackriordan. It’s a glimpse into the person behind the professional "CEO" veneer. While her public-facing LinkedIn is all about decarbonizing the food system and sustainable manufacturing, her broader presence reflects a long history in operational excellence.
🔗 Read more: The Stock Market Since Trump: What Most People Get Wrong
Kristi Riordan (formerly Kristi Knaack) didn't start in a kitchen. She started in the law and moved into operations. That matters. It means she approaches Harvest B as a logistics and manufacturing problem rather than just a culinary one. You can see this in how the company raised its seed funding—pulling in millions from big names like Tiger Global and Aura Ventures. They weren't just betting on a recipe; they were betting on a system.
The Reality of the Plant-Based Slowdown
Let's be real for a second. The plant-based market took a hit. Sales for some of the biggest names in the space plummeted as consumers realized that many "meat alternatives" were hyper-processed and expensive.
So, how does Harvest B survive?
- Price Parity: They are targeting the price of animal meat. If it's more expensive, people won't buy it. Simple as that.
- Clean Labeling: People want to recognize the ingredients. Riordan has been vocal about moving away from methylcellulose (a common binder) and toward more "whole food" inputs.
- The "Blended" Future: This is the most interesting part. Harvest B isn't necessarily trying to convert every person to veganism. They are looking at "blended" products—mixing plant proteins with animal proteins to reduce the carbon footprint without asking the consumer to give up meat entirely.
It's a pragmatic approach. It’s also a risky one because you're trying to please two different crowds. But in a world where climate change is forcing us to rethink how we use land, it might be the only viable path forward.
What the Industry Experts Are Saying
The shift toward local manufacturing is a trend that experts like those at the Good Food Institute (GFI) have been preaching for years. We can't keep shipping pea protein across three oceans just to make a nugget. By using Australian grains, Harvest B is cutting down on "food miles" significantly.
💡 You might also like: Target Town Hall Live: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes
Industry analysts often point out that the "first generation" of plant-based meat relied too heavily on novel science. The "second generation," led by companies like Harvest B, is relying on engineering. It’s about the machinery. It’s about the temperature of the extruder. It’s about how the protein fibers align. This is where Kristi Riordan’s background in high-growth operations becomes a competitive advantage. She isn't trying to invent a new molecule; she’s trying to optimize a manufacturing process.
Navigating the Public Perception
There is a lot of noise surrounding Kristi Riordan and her various ventures. Because she has been involved in several high-profile companies, there is always scrutiny. Some wonder if a tech executive can truly understand the nuances of the food industry.
The proof is in the output. Harvest B has already moved from a concept to a fully operational manufacturing site that can produce thousands of tons of protein. That’s not a "tech" timeline; that’s a "heavy industry" timeline. It’s fast.
The company is also leaning into the "made in Australia" brand. For a country that is a massive exporter of high-quality grains, it makes no sense to export the raw materials only to import the processed protein. Riordan is essentially trying to keep that value-add within the country. It’s a smart move for getting government grants and local support, but it also makes sense for the bottom line.
Key Insights for Investors and Consumers
If you're watching this space, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, ignore the stock price of the major public plant-based companies for a moment. They are dealing with "first-mover" baggage. The real innovation is happening in private companies that are fixing the supply chain.
📖 Related: Les Wexner Net Worth: What the Billions Really Look Like in 2026
Second, the "kristiknaackriordan" presence online shows a founder who is deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem. This isn't her first rodeo. She knows how to navigate a pivot, which is exactly what Harvest B had to do as the market changed between 2021 and today. They moved from a "maybe we'll do direct-to-consumer" vibe to a "we are the backbone for other brands" reality.
Third, the tech is getting better. We are seeing a move toward "slow-cookable" plant proteins. If you’ve ever tried to put a standard plant-based burger in a slow cooker, you know it turns into mush. Harvest B is working on proteins that hold their shape in stews, curries, and braises. That’s a game-changer for industrial kitchens.
Actionable Steps for the Future of Protein
Whether you're an investor, a food service professional, or just someone interested in the future of food, here is how you should be looking at this:
- Look for "Ingredient-First" Companies: Stop following the brands that spend 80% of their budget on marketing. Look for the ones spending it on stainless steel and R&D.
- Monitor the Hybrid Market: Watch for "meat-plus" products. These are sausages or burgers that are 50% beef and 50% high-quality plant protein. This is likely where the volume will be in the next five years.
- Evaluate the Supply Chain: A company’s sustainability isn't just about the product; it's about the source. If a company isn't using local crops, their "green" claims are likely thin.
- Follow the Leadership: Founders like Riordan, who have a track record in scaling complex operations, are generally safer bets than those who are purely "visionary."
The story of Harvest B is still being written. It’s a gamble on the idea that we can rebuild the middle of the food supply chain to be more resilient and less dependent on intensive animal agriculture. It’s not about getting rid of farmers; it’s about giving them new markets for their crops. It’s a tough road, but with the right operational grit, it’s a necessary one.