WNT Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage deep tech companies in New Zealand (Aotearoa). The firm engages with entrepreneurs at the earliest stage of their idea and works to ensure their success.

WNT Ventures

WNT Ventures is deeply invested in NZ breakthrough technology

Our deep tech startup founders are passionate about solving global problems with innovative technologies.
WNT Ventures is a high conviction partner, helping founders build their vision and commercialise it globally.  We connect them to resources, expertise and support.

WNT began through a collaboration of experienced entrepreneurs and institutional capital providers who are passionate about building an environment where emerging companies can achieve success.

Our criteria: 

Pre-Revenue 
Strong Intellectual Property Potential 
Targeting a Global Opportunity 

WNT Ventures invests nationwide and  incubate science-backed, pre-revenue companies in a range of sectors including:  Agritech, Food and Hort tech, cleantech,  marine sciences, software, hardware, engineering, robotics, materials and medical devices and tools.  

We operate three funds with available funds to invest and over $25m under management and are raising Fund 4 targeting $35m to expand our investment pool. 

We receive support from the NZ government's Callaghan Innovation as a technology incubator, in which we gain direct access to the repayable loan scheme.  

We also receive access to the Pre-incubation grant scheme to enable assistance, both funding and advice, to companies and technologies who are still developing their business case.

Sortify.tm

SoundSwitch

Quayside Holdings

Enterprise Angels

Bay Trust

Awesome to see Goodair Nosebuds being profiled in the TIN 2024 Healthtech Insights report.
It's been an exciting journey and we are looking forward to further announcements over coming months.
It takes good people and trusted relationships/ partnerships to bring an idea to life. So much gratitude and thanks to the Goodair team and our extended partnerships who have helped to get us this far. WNT Ventures Booster NZ Alt Ventures deweydecimal Bianca Cornford David White Chris Thomson Daniel To Arron Judson @joshua Lindsay Grant Bai Lisa South Danielle Kooge Justin Rolfe-Vyson Melissa Yiannoutsos Chris Jagger Ali Al-anbuky Leonard Cousins Callaghan Innovation NZTE 
Follow Goodair Nosebuds and visit our website to register your interest.

We start the week with a team announcement. Congratulations to TJ Laurino on her well-deserved promotion to Investment Principal at WNT Ventures!

Since joining WNT Ventures, TJ has consistently demonstrated her deep expertise and curiosity in supporting early-stage companies, making a significant impact on our team and portfolio. 

Her promotion is a testament to her hard work, insightful leadership, and the impact she's had on our success. Based in Auckland, we're excited to see TJ continue to drive innovation and excellence in her new role.

Join us in congratulating TJ, and reach out to her if you are working on a breakthrough innovation and want to hear more about WNT and how we can support your journey. 

Maria Jose (MJ), Carl, Niamh, Grace, Anna

#DeepTech #Investment #VentureCapital #Auckland #WNTVentures

I’m often asked, "I have an idea for a startup, where should I start?" My number one answer is always market validation—understanding what problem you’re trying to solve and for whom.

That’s why I love working alongside Niamh Given and TJ Laurino to run WNT Ventures' Market Validation workshops for KiwiNet emerging innovators! These one-day intensive sessions equip researchers with essential tools to better understand their market and refine their ideas.

So far this year, we've successfully hosted three workshops, supporting over 17 innovators. What's more, since I joined WNT, we’ve empowered 79 researchers through 14 workshops all throughout Aotearoa!

It’s inspiring to see the passion and innovation coming from Kiwi researchers, and I can't wait to see what’s to come. 🌟

Maria Jose (MJ) Alvarez Carl Jones Anna Watson

#MarketValidation #Innovation #Startups  #Entrepreneurship #NZInnovators #ProfessionalDevelopment #Aotearoa

We are starting the week showcasing one of our portfolio companies. 

Tyler, from Iaso Automated Medical Systems Limited, had an insightful conversation with The Inside Adviser about turning his groundbreaking idea into a potential lifesaving product with the help of WNT Ventures and the Callaghan Innovation Deep Tech Incubator Program.

IASO’s AI-based software aims to provide predictive analytics for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a condition that affects millions annually. Their journey from self-funding to partnering with experts in their field showcases the power of strategic public/private partnerships we proudly support. 

👉 Read the full article: 'From tinkering to a real venture’: VC pioneers bringing lifesaving medtech to fruition. Link below

Theodore, LaDahvia, Andrew, Maria Jose (MJ), Carl, TJ, Grace, Niamh, Anna

#VentureCapital #MedTech #Innovation #Healthcare #DeepTech #Startups #WNTVentures #CallaghanInnovation #Entrepreneurship

Last week was a whirlwind of inspiring connections and impactful advocacy for WNT Ventures!

We had the pleasure of engaging deeply with the core of what we do:
*Supporting New Zealand's Reputation: We participated in a panel at the E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit, alongside Tori McNoe (UniServices), Byron van Vugt (NZ Growth Capital Partners), and Dean Tilyard (Finistere Ventures). Thank you Kaila Colbin for inviting us to celebrate our innovative Kiwi ingenuity spirit and explore future-shaping ideas. We also joined virtually the Migrant Investor & Entrepreneur Association (MIEA)'s first overseas event in Shanghai, where speakers from NZ and Asia shared their expertise in education, investment, and life in New Zealand. 

*Championing Female Founders: At #ElectrifyAotearoa by the Ministry of Awesome, we supported female entrepreneurs and caught up with several of our portfolio companies, reinforcing our commitment to diversity with 60% of our Fund 3 companies being female-led.

*Connecting with Cleantech Startups: The #ClimatechSummit by Creative HQ and WellingtonNZ was a fantastic platform to engage with startups driving sustainable solutions, aligning with our mission to foster clean technologies. We had the pleasure of sharing some insights in the morning breakfast and at the evening session alongside Phil Morle (Main Sequence), Albert Bielinko (Titanium Ventures former Telstra Ventures), James Palmer (Blackbird), Sean Simpson (LanzaTech) and Doug Parker (Wavemaker Impact). Thank you, Dascha Cooper and team for a productive couple of days. 

*Advocating for Our Ecosystem: At the New Zealand Parliament and with the Science Advisory Group, we pushed for policies and support that nurture our vibrant startup ecosystem alongside fellow investors in Wellington and Auckland (In the second picture at the Beehive alongside Phil Anderson, Rob Everett, James Hutchinson, Kevin Sheehy, Mick Liubinskas, Jez Weston, Matthew Watson, Christina Houlihan, and others previously mentioned).

It was an intense week connecting with our ecosystem partners but, our main takeaway is that we are proud to be a crucial part of a community that’s making a difference, and are excited about the present and the future of NZ deep tech.

Carl Jones Niamh Given Anna Watson Grace Holland TJ Laurino

 #Deeptech #Cleantech #FemaleFounders #NZStartups #WNTVentures #Innovation

Congratulations are in order for our portfolio companies Bspkl and Mint Innovation! Both companies have been named among the Top 100 Indo-Pacific Climatech Companies of 2024 by HolonIQ and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity.

Mint Innovation, a Fund 1 investment from 2015, and Bspkl, a Fund 3 investment from 2023, exemplify the cutting-edge innovation and commitment to sustainability that we strive to support.

WNT Ventures' track record of supporting breakthrough innovations over the last decade demonstrates our commitment to partnering with ambitious founders to tackle the biggest issues. Our success is built on the foundation of collaboration and support from our partners and we are looking forward to continuing this work with our Fund 4. 

Congratulations to the other ambitious Kiwi companies that made the list, and a special thanks to Invest New Zealand, part of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade for their ongoing support and dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability.

Read more about HolonIQ and the 2024 companies here - https://lnkd.in/gkT5cKNT

#ClimateTech #DeepTech #CleanEnergy #Innovation #IndoPacific #NewZealand #HolonIQ #IPEF

🌏The worlds first smart clipper capable of recreating your salon haircut in the comfort of your own home?

Hairspace has completed trials on users and the results prove it's now possible

#wntventures
#NZtechnology
#innovation

Throwback to March when our Managing Partner, Maria Jose (MJ), joined Christina and Bspkl at Hello Tomorrow in Paris.

From over 4,500 applications, Bspkl became a Global Challenge Finalist in the Energy Category, a testament to their groundbreaking work and the potential impact they're poised to make on a global scale.

Maria Jose (MJ) shared insights at the LP event “Financing The Future” where she discussed “Deep tech case studies, Exits & Secondaries”, covering details of our investment thesis, track record, and portfolio construction alongside Mark (IP Group plc), Cyril (SOSV), and Andrew (7percent Ventures). MJ was also part of the session “Financing the Climate Transition in APAC” alongside industry leaders Ernest (Eurazeo), Satoshi (ENEOS), and Chee Yung (Hello Tomorrow Asia Pacific) where they discussed the immense opportunities APAC has as an innovation hub. 

Reflecting on the incredible week at Hello Tomorrow's Global Summit, it's clear that the future of deep tech is intertwined with sustainability. 

Here are our key takeaways:
Collaboration is Key: Deep tech requires collaboration for innovation. Establishing the right partnerships from the beginning allows for pooling resources, funding, and the expertise needed to achieve breakthrough innovations. 

Navigating the Funding Landscape: Understanding the right investment pathway is critical. Whether it's VC funding, debt, or alternative models, aligning investment strategies with growth trajectories is crucial for long-term success. 

From Research to Reality: Bridging the gap between fundamental research and successful products remains a significant challenge. Deep tech founders must prioritise building user-centric products (whatever the user may be).

Beyond Technology: Business acumen is essential for success. Deep tech requires more than just incredible research. Technical innovation has to be coupled with a strong business model to translate the idea into a product.

IP Strategy: Balancing IP protection and collaboration is key. Use IP as a tool, not a golden ticket. Great companies don't rely solely on IP. Open collaboration can be more beneficial in the long run. 

APAC Innovation Hub: Despite our rich natural resources and high-tech adoption rates among the rest of the world, APAC's potential is underestimated. However, with the increased manufacturing power in China, and the chemical progress in India, Southeast Asia & Oceania are becoming attractive innovation hubs. Collaboration between the regions has also increased, with several opportunities for Kiwi companies a short flight away. 

Deep tech = Impact: Deep tech is inherently impact-driven. In a world with multiple environmental and economic challenges, allocating investment to today’s breakthrough technologies is the only strategy to develop solutions that prepare us to face and solve the obstacles of years to come. 

Want to know more? See the link to the HelloTomorrow 2024 Aftermovie. 
#DeepTech #HelloTomorrow

As WNT Ventures celebrates its 10th anniversary, we're gearing up to launch our most ambitious fund yet—a testament to our commitment to innovators and investors. 

Over the past decade, and as the longest-running Tech Incubator, our track record speaks for itself, with three successful funds and 26 portfolio companies delivering returns to our investors.

As we embark on our fourth fund, our focus remains on empowering New Zealand's innovators with crucial funding and support, while providing investors with a compelling opportunity in the alternative asset sector. From Pre-Seed to Series A, we're dedicated to identifying and nurturing ventures with global potential and robust intellectual property.

Supported by strategic partnerships and government backing, we're ready to elevate our ambitions and continue building successful start-ups for the next decade and beyond.

Our Managing Partners, Carl Jones and Maria Jose (MJ) Alvarez recently shared the vision for WNT's fourth fund with our Australian friends at Inside Adviser - https://lnkd.in/gj9ER7Qg

WNT Ventures is an approved managed fund under the Active Investor Plus visa, offering a unique investment opportunity.

Niamh Given, Grace Holland, TJ Laurino, Anna Watson

#VentureCapital #WNTVentures #InvestingInTheFuture #DeepTech #Innovation

Mrinali and Jenni from EatKinda showcased their groundbreaking dairy-free ice cream on TVNZ's 'Breakfast' show today. 

Their innovative product earned them the 'Novel Award' and the 'Below Zero' award at the 2023 New Zealand Food Awards, reshaping the dairy-free category. 

We are proud supporters of EatKinda, and If you want to try it for yourself, their range of flavours are available at Countdown Supermarkets across the country.

#womenintech #eatkinda #nztech #WNTVentures


Grace Holland TJ Laurino Carl Jones Niamh Given Maria Jose (MJ) Alvarez

CO

NZ:CO:WNTVENTURES

WNT Ventures