New NZGCP Board Appointments

Media Release

3 July 2026

New NZGCP Board Appointments

New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) has announced the appointment of respected technology, investment and governance leaders Debra Hall as Chair, alongside Paul Hocking and Paul Reid as directors, each for three-year terms.
The new appointees bring deep experience spanning startup leadership, venture investment, governance and capital markets and come as NZGCP continues its work to strengthen New Zealand's early-stage investment market and build a more connected, ambitious innovation ecosystem.

The new appointees join continuing directors Steve O'Connor and Marcel van den Assum, also experienced startup operators. They succeed outgoing Chair Annabel Cotton and directors Grant Straker and Nicole Buisson, whose leadership and contribution to NZGCP and New Zealand's venture capital ecosystem are acknowledged with thanks.
Incoming Chair Debra Hall said the role was an opportunity to amplify the impact she has spent nearly two decades making across New Zealand's startup community.

“For nearly twenty years I've been backing tech startup founders one at a time as a mentor, adviser, investor and early-stage director. As Chair of NZGCP, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to scale that impact across New Zealand's entire technology ecosystem.

“NZGCP's mission has never been simply about deploying capital. It's about strengthening the trust between founders and funders that allows private investment to flourish. I'm looking forward to continuing that work in partnership with James Pinner and the NZGCP team.”

Paul Hocking said he was excited about the prospect of helping strengthen both New Zealand's startup ecosystem and its capital markets.

“I'd like to see strong foundations at the startup level flowing through more broadly to New Zealand's capital markets. Building great technology is hard enough; raising capital should be challenging, but it shouldn't be impossible. Great ideas deserve the opportunity to succeed, and I want to help create an environment where entrepreneurs, investors and capital markets all thrive together.”

Paul Reid said his experience as both a startup chief executive and chair would bring a deeply practical perspective to the Board.

“Having served as CEO of two early-stage technology companies and chaired five others, I understand first-hand the challenges of building businesses and raising growth capital. I'm very pleased to be able to support New Zealand's technology sector by helping shape NZGCP's future.

NZGCP Chief Executive James Pinner said the appointments reflected NZGCP's commitment to bringing together leaders with deep experience supporting founders and building successful businesses.

“Debra, Paul and Paul each bring decades of experience backing entrepreneurs, growing companies, investing in innovation and strengthening New Zealand's capital markets. They, together with long-serving directors Marcel and Steve, understand what it takes to build successful technology businesses and the important role NZGCP plays in championing the sector, growing engagement with it and helping ambitious founders access the capital they need to grow.

“I'm looking forward to working alongside them as we continue building a stronger, more connected early-stage investment ecosystem for New Zealand in order to deliver economic growth for New Zealand.

“I'd also like to sincerely thank Annabel Cotton, Grant Straker and Nicole Buisson for their outstanding service. Each has made a significant contribution to NZGCP's development and my own, and to the wider startup and venture capital ecosystem, leaving the organisation well positioned for its next chapter.”

About New Zealand Growth Capital Partners

New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) is a Crown-owned investment company dedicated to building a vibrant early-stage investment market in New Zealand. Through its Elevate venture capital fund-of-funds, Aspire seed fund and wider market development activities, NZGCP works alongside private investors to increase the availability of capital for innovative New Zealand businesses, strengthen the venture capital ecosystem and help more Kiwi companies grow into globally successful firms.
For any enquiries, please email info@nzcp.co.nz.