Understanding investment areas

Aspire NZ Seed Fund is a generalist early-stage investment fund that invests in Kiwi start-up companies with a focus on the following four technology areas/sectors:

Our focus areas were chosen following an intensive deep dive by our investment team including;

• The New Zealand Government’s policy initiatives and focus areas for growth
• The largest technology export areas in New Zealand
• Local talent pools and areas where New Zealand can compete on a global scale
• Where NZGCP, angel investors and venture capital firms have consistently performed and generated positive returns
• Areas that are highly innovative and currently benefiting from large macro growth trends.

We understand that clarification of some areas can be a little confusing, so here are the descriptions we use to help identify and categorise them, and why we are choosing to invest into each.

Software     

Software includes the use of computer programming and the internet to provide more insightful decision making, to automate/simplify workflows, and to enable greater connectivity. Software companies are rapidly scalable, generally less capital intensive and benefit from global markets’ constant innovation of new products and technology. Because of these factors, we have seen significant success for Kiwi software companies including Xero, Pushpay and FNZ. 

Examples of software companies within our portfolio include:

• Fuel 50
• Kami
• Author-IT
• Narrative
• FileInvite

Agri-tech

Agri-tech is the use of technology to improve the efficiency and output of agriculture. New Zealand’s agricultural exports are world class and globally competitive.  There are significant efforts being made across this industry to aid in increased profitability, productivity and sustainability. Local success stories include Engender, ZeaKal, Robotics Plus, Compac, Tru-Test, and Waikato Milking systems.

Examples of agri-tech companies within our portfolio include:

• BioLumic
• Mastaplex
• CertusBio
• Winely
• CertusBio
• Onside

Health-tech

Health-tech includes the use of technology to provide patients faster, cheaper, and more accessible care. Health-tech implementations can be found both in and out of clinical settings. Applications within this sector range from devices, to diagnostics, to digital health. Health-tech is one of the biggest technology sectors in New Zealand, generating $1.8bn of revenue and 10% CAGR in 2018. Not only is this a large and rapidly growing industry, but it delivers multiple social benefits through improved care and patient outcomes that align with our core values. 

Success stories include Fisher and Paykel Healthcare and recently Aroa Biosurgery from our portfolio, with upcoming health-tech pioneers within our portfolio including;

• InsituGen
• The Clinician
• Objective Acuity

Deep-tech

Deep-tech innovations are disruptive solutions built around unique, protected or hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances.  Examples within this sector include bio-tech, nanotechnology, clean-tech, advanced materials, robotics and automation, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and internet of things.

We’re constantly looking to the future for emerging markets, technologies and trends. Our long history of “Number 8 wire” inventors has led to New Zealand being responsible for a number of leading edge technology developments. From nuclear science to jet systems and space travel, New Zealand has a proud history of pushing the boundaries of science, hence why we will continue to invest in deep-tech ventures. Recent Kiwi success stories include Rocket Labs, Lanza Tech, Power by Proxi and Buckley Systems. 

Examples of deep-tech companies within our portfolio include:

• Inhibit Coatings
• Tectonus
• Zenno Astronautics
• Invert Robotics
• Ligar

To check out more start-up companies that we have invested in, visit our PORTFOLIO page.