New Zealand’s startup ecosystem is thriving, fueled by a wave of innovation, strong government support, and growing interest from international investors. As more founders build in sectors like SaaS, agritech, and cleantech, the need for aligned, early-stage capital has never been greater. In this article, we spotlight the top 10 venture capital firms actively investing in New Zealand startups—funds that understand the local landscape and are backing bold Kiwi founders with global ambitions.
But raising capital is just one part of the journey. We also explore the trends shaping the ecosystem in 2025, including the rise of angel investors, the growth of government-backed innovation programs, and New Zealand’s appeal as a testbed for emerging technologies. For founders looking to connect, we’ve included details on major networking events, coworking hubs, and accelerators across the country. Whether you're launching your first startup or scaling your next big idea, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the resources, connections, and capital available in New Zealand today.
Top 10 VCs in New Zealand
Hillfarrance Venture Capital
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/hillfarrance-venture-capital
About: Hillfarrance Venture Capital is a $36m New Zealand-based early-stage venture fund investing in audacious Kiwi founders developing innovations at the cutting edge of media, artificial intelligence and climate change. We are a purpose-driven fund and focus on entrepreneurs whose ingenuity will leave the planet in a better state for the next generation.
Startup Dunedin
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/startup-dunedin
About: Startup Dunedin is at the epicenter of the local community of entrepreneurs, innovators and disruptors. We are here to support anyone looking to launch a startup in Dunedin, and are the first point of contact for visiting entrepreneurs and investors from beyond Dunedin. We are committed to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with the mentorship, funding and networking opportunities they need, as well as being a key driver of growth in both the region and New Zealand as a whole.
Macdoch Ventures
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/macdoch-ventures
About: Macdoch Ventures is a private Sydney-based venture firm helping startups with financing, business development and other strategic advice.
Sweetspot check: size $ 500K
Traction metrics requirements: No
Thesis: Supporting Australian and New Zealand companies to launch globally, right at the beginning.
Flying Fox Ventures
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/flying-fox-ventures
About: Early stage capital propelling Australian & New Zealand companies across the globe
Sweetspot check: size $ 500K
Thesis: Australian early stage companies, industry agnostic
Folklore
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/folklore
About: Folklore is an Australian VC firm committed to backing Australian and New Zealand tech founders and their teams, from first cheque to forever. Since 2013, we have been investing into early-stage ANZ tech startups with big visions and ambitions, across a wide range of industries.
Ice Angels
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/ice-angels
About: Ice Angels is an organization made up of business professionals in New Zealand working together to exploit global opportunities in business.
Thesis: We invest from pre-seed to pre-IPO and across a variety of industries including software, hardware, medtech, fintech, and edtech.
Qualgro VC
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/qualgro-vc
About: Qualgro Venture Capital invests in B2B technology startups in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, at Series A and Series B.
Thesis: Provide high-impact support to exceptional entrepreneurs and to the ecosystem, through the quality and values of our people and our network, leading to strong returns for our investors.
Right Click Capital
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/right-click-capital
About: Right Click Capital is a venture capital firm backing ambitious tech startups in Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia.
Thesis: We invest in and champion bold tech.
Five V Capital
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/five-v-capital
About: Five V Capital is the growth partner to Australia and New Zealand’s leading companies.
Movac
https://connect.visible.vc/investors/movac
About: Movac is New Zealand's most experienced venture investor, investing in early-stage technology companies.
Trends in the New Zealand Startup Ecosystem
New Zealand's startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, driven by innovation, government support, and increasing international interest. Below are the key trends shaping the landscape in 2025:
Growth in Tech Startups
New Zealand has seen a surge in tech startups, particularly in sectors like SaaS, agritech, and cleantech. SaaS companies are thriving due to the global shift toward digital transformation and remote work solutions. Agritech startups, such as Halter and BioLumic, are leveraging technology to address challenges in sustainable farming and food production, positioning New Zealand as a leader in agricultural innovation. Cleantech is also gaining momentum, with startups focusing on renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies, supported by initiatives like the NZ CleanTech Mission.
Increasing Interest from International Investors
The New Zealand startup ecosystem is attracting growing interest from international investors. Venture capital funding rebounded strongly in 2024, and the outlook for 2025 remains optimistic. This recovery is partly due to the country's reputation for innovation and its ability to weather global economic challenges better than many other regions. Additionally, New Zealand's unique position as a testbed for diverse industries, such as agritech and cleantech, makes it an appealing destination for global venture capital.
Government Support for Innovation
The New Zealand government plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation through programs like Callaghan Innovation, which provides grants for research and development. These grants help startups scale their operations and develop cutting-edge solutions. Other initiatives, such as the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF), co-invest with private investors to support early-stage companies, further strengthening the ecosystem.
Rise of Angel Investors and Early-Stage Funding
Angel investors and early-stage funding networks are becoming increasingly prominent in New Zealand. Organizations like Angel HQ and Enterprise Angels are providing critical support to startups in their initial phases, helping them secure the resources needed to grow. This rise in angel investment is democratizing access to capital and enabling more entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.
Networking Opportunities for Founders in New Zealand
Major Events and Conferences
New Zealand hosts several high-profile events and conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events are excellent opportunities for founders to network, learn, and showcase their startups:
- Techweek NZ: A nationwide festival of innovation that features workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. It covers a wide range of industries, including technology, sustainability, and creative sectors.
- Southern SaaS: A premier event for SaaS companies, offering insights from industry experts and opportunities to connect with potential partners and investors.
- Startup Weekend: A global event series where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, form teams, and develop prototypes over a weekend. It’s a great way to meet co-founders and mentors.
Startup Hubs and Coworking Spaces
New Zealand is home to several innovation hubs and coworking spaces that foster collaboration and provide resources for startups:
- GridAKL: Located in Auckland, GridAKL is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers coworking spaces, events, and access to a community of like-minded individuals.
- Startup Dunedin: A non-profit organization that supports early-stage founders and startups in Dunedin, New Zealand. It offers free programs, mentorship, co-working space, and resources to help entrepreneurs validate ideas, build companies, and grow sustainably. Learn more at
- The Factory: Based in Palmerston North, The Factory supports startups in the agritech and foodtech sectors, offering coworking spaces and mentoring programs.
Accelerators and Incubators
- Sprout Accelerator: Focused on agritech and foodtech startups, Sprout offers a six-month program that includes mentoring, workshops, and access to investors.
- Creative HQ: Based in Wellington, Creative HQ runs several accelerator programs, including the GovTech Accelerator and Climate Response Accelerator, aimed at fostering innovation in specific sectors.
- Flux Accelerator: A program by The Icehouse, Flux supports early-stage tech startups with funding, mentorship, and connections to investors.
Connect With Investors in New Zealand Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of New Zealand's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
