Top VCs in New Zealand: The 2024 Startup Investor List

Who Are the Leading VCs in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s startup ecosystem has flourished thanks to a dynamic group of venture capital funds with a proven appetite for innovation. These firms do more than inject money—they’re the backbone behind some of the country’s most exciting growth stories. Here’s a closer look at the most influential VCs that founders across Aotearoa keep on speed dial.

Movac

Movac has a reputation for backing Kiwi tech successes before the rest of the world catches on. They helped launch household names like Trade Me and Vend, and their deep roots in local tech circles mean they’re always close to the next big thing.

Icehouse Ventures

Icehouse Ventures stands out for sheer volume—hundreds of investments and a commitment to nurturing founders from the earliest days through to global expansion. They’ve made waves supporting early-stage startups that have grown into export leaders.

GD1 (Global from Day One)

With a sharp focus on startups that have global ambitions from the start, GD1 injects capital and international perspective into fast-moving companies. Their network bridges New Zealand founders to Silicon Valley and Asia, accelerating big, borderless ideas.

Blackbird Ventures

Though Blackbird began in Australia, their New Zealand team has made a serious imprint—backing visionary founders that aim for impact on a planetary scale. Expect funders who challenge, connect, and cheerlead as loudly as founders dare to dream.

NZ Growth Capital Partners

As a government-backed fund, NZGCP is all about amplifying private sector investment and plugging early gaps for startups. Their evergreen funds support pre-seed to Series A, acting as a stepping stone for founders ready to scale.

Aera VC

Aera is not your ordinary VC—they back bold climate tech and deep science breakthroughs with global scope. If you’re working on moonshot ideas with real potential to shift the world’s needle, Aera is one to watch.

Pacific Channel

Pacific Channel specializes in science and engineering-led startups, especially in life sciences and advanced materials. They thrive in the deep tech trenches, partnering tightly with research institutions and technical founders.

Hillfarrance Venture Capital

Hillfarrance’s focus is on passionate, early-stage founders—especially in Web3, gaming, and creative industries. They’re known for hustling alongside their teams and building a strong founder-first community.

WNT Ventures

WNT backs pre-revenue deep tech companies, rolling up their sleeves to help researchers make the leap from lab to launch. Their close partnerships with universities make them a magnet for frontier-tech founders.

Punakaiki Fund

Punakaiki Fund targets growing, cash-flow-positive companies in software, high-value manufacturing, and sustainability. They’re not afraid of “unsexy” businesses that quietly become giants—and they prove that patient capital pays off.

Each of these VCs brings a distinct approach, sector focus, and attitude to the table. As you navigate your funding journey, understanding what differentiates each fund can give you an edge—and help match your vision to the investor most likely to share it. Next, we’ll break down exactly what to consider when deciding which VC is the ideal fit for your startup goals.

Essential Criteria for Choosing a VC in New Zealand

Industry Focus

Every VC has areas they know best. Some gravitate towards fintech or SaaS, while others prefer deep tech, agritech, or climate solutions. Dig into where the VC is already active: do their interests and previous investments match your startup’s mission? The right alignment here means better advice, connections, and conviction when things get tough.

Investment Stage

Some funds back you while you’re still building your prototype, others will only jump in with traction and revenue in hand. Make sure the VC’s usual cheque size, and risk appetite, fit your current reality—don’t try to turn a late-stage specialist into an early believer, or vice versa. Learn more about startup fundraising stages to align with the right investor type.

Portfolio Strength

Scan their current portfolio. Have they backed market leaders or breakout brands? Strong portfolios mean more potential for introductions—to customers, partners, or future investors—and signal that the VC has picked winners before. If their investees are thriving, there’s a better chance you’ll benefit from that momentum.

Founder Support & Added Value

Money matters, but what happens after the wire lands is just as crucial. Do founders from their previous investments mention real, hands-on support—hiring advice, partnership help, strategy sessions? The best New Zealand VCs know that ongoing guidance, not just dollars, sets companies up for scale.

Once you’ve fine-tuned your criteria, it’s time to look at which firms are currently shaping the New Zealand landscape and where you’ll find the best fit for your vision.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Kiwi VC?

New Zealand’s venture ecosystem thrives on genuine connections, founder-friendly investors, and a shared ambition for impact. The right investor isn’t just writing cheques—they’re your partner on the road to global scale.

If you’re looking to navigate the fast-moving, close-knit network of Aotearoa’s top VCs, now is the time to make your move. There’s never been more expertise, diversity, or ambition in the local investor scene. Don’t just build—build with the right support behind you.

Curious about the startup investment landscape’s newest shifts? Let’s dive into the trends shaping the next wave of Kiwi innovation.

Startup Trends Shaping New Zealand Venture Funding

Growth in Deep Tech

New Zealand’s startup scene is making waves in deep tech fields like quantum computing, advanced engineering, and next-gen materials. Persistent government research funding and university spinouts have led to a flurry of innovation, and investors are noticing. VCs now rally around startups with IP-rich, defensible technology rather than quick-win software plays. As a result, teams with specialist expertise and world-class patents are suddenly on everyone’s radar, tipping the scales away from generic SaaS to gutsy science-backed ventures.

Climate & Agri-Tech Opportunities

With climate change front of mind and the nation’s strong agricultural backbone, climate tech and agri-tech have become the new darlings of Kiwi venture capital. Startups tackling carbon reduction, new proteins, precision agriculture, and on-farm automation see eager backing from funds wanting to solve real-world environmental issues—locally and globally. Investors are chasing the technology that can keep farmers profitable while treading lightly on the planet, making this a standout growth area. For more insights, check out our environmental venture capital guide.

Increased Global VC Interest

International venture funds, once distant observers, are now seeking a footing in New Zealand. Massive exits like Rocket Lab have put Kiwi founders on the map, and as global capital looks for untapped markets, New Zealand’s talent pool and close ties to Australia turn heads. Collaboration between local and overseas VCs is on the rise, allowing Kiwi startups earlier entry into global markets and scaling capital much sooner in their journeys.

Taken together, these trends are rewriting the local funding playbook—meaning aspiring founders need to understand where the smart money is flowing. Next, let’s look at the most effective ways to reach and connect with these forward-thinking VCs on your entrepreneurial journey.

How to Connect with New Zealand VCs

Founder Events and Demo Days

Each year, Aotearoa’s startup calendar fills with Demo Days and founder sessions, where local VCs actively scout talent. Look out for events run by local accelerators, coworking hubs, or city councils—these gatherings let you meet venture partners in person, pitch your vision, and swap stories with other founders.

Warm Introductions and Networking

Few things matter more than a solid introduction. Tap your existing investors, mentors, or founder friends who already know the funds you’re targeting—VCs in New Zealand rely on trusted networks to filter opportunities. Even a brief email reference from a fellow founder can cut through the noise and land your deck at the top of the pile. Leveraging warm intros startup funding can be a game changer in this process.

Accelerator Program Pathways

Entering a recognised accelerator dramatically improves your visibility with local VCs. Programs like Startmate or Icehouse Ventures’ accelerators maintain direct relationships with many funds—many even culminate in Demo Days attended by the core VC crowd. Whether you’re new to the scene or scaling up, accelerators are a proven shortcut for connecting with the right investors.

Once you understand where deal flow really happens, you can navigate the ecosystem with confidence. From here, let’s explore common concerns and insider tips for getting funding in New Zealand’s ever-evolving venture landscape.

FAQs: Raising Capital from New Zealand VCs

What’s the typical investment amount?

Most New Zealand venture funds write first cheques ranging from NZD $250,000 up to $2 million. Early-stage deals (pre-seed and seed) usually fall at the lower end, while Series A or growth rounds can attract several million. Larger rounds sometimes include a consortium of New Zealand and international investors working together.

Are international startups eligible?

Yes, but with conditions. Most New Zealand VCs prioritise Kiwi-founded or -operated ventures, or startups that have New Zealand-based operations or a clear NZ market strategy. If your company is offshore, highlighting strong New Zealand connections, technology, or market relevance helps your chances.

How fast is the decision process?

Funding timelines vary, but getting a term sheet from a New Zealand VC can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks after the first meeting. The process often involves initial screening, deeper due diligence, and sometimes committee involvement. Having a well-prepared data room and clear communication can speed things up.

If you’re looking to turn a meeting into an investment, the next steps involve making your startup stand out—and knowing what’s trending in the local venture scene is a big edge.