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New Zealand Venture Summit Partners 2026

Building a thriving, innovative, venture capital community

Tuesday 31 March 2026

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Elevate

New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) was established by the New Zealand Government to help build a vibrant early-stage technology investment market in New Zealand.

NZGCP operate two investment vehicles; Elevate (a $300m fund of funds investing into venture capital funds - aimed at filing the Series A and B capital gap) and Aspire. Aspire is a generalist seed fund, investing into high-growth technology-based Kiwi start-ups at the proof of concept, seed and early expansion stages – with a focus on deep-tech and emerging sectors that are currently relatively under-served by private sector investors.

NZGCP also performs a market development role to help build the base and develop capability of investment professionals in the early-stage capital markets, introduce international capital, create collaboration, and increase talent introduction.

Contact: James Pinner info@nzgcp.co.nz

EY

At EY, our purpose is Building a better working world. The insights and quality services we provide help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, clients and communities.

Private equity firms, portfolio companies and investment funds face complex challenges. They are under pressure to deploy capital amid unprecedented economic and geopolitical uncertainty, increased competition and rising stakeholder expectations. Successful deals depend on the ability to move faster, drive rapid and strategic growth, and create greater value throughout the transaction lifecycle. We help PE firms drive meaningful impact across the breadth of their fund and portfolio by helping to create long-term value for all stakeholders.

We believe a better working world is one where economic growth is sustainable and inclusive. We work continuously to improve the quality of all our services, investing in our people and innovation. And we're proud to work with others - from our clients to wider stakeholders - to use our knowledge, skills and experience to help fulfil our purpose and create positive change.

ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited

ANZ Leveraged & Acquisition Finance (LAF) provides specialist skills for structuring and executing 'Event Driven' transactions including mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts, succession planning, retirement of major shareholders, business underperformance or return of capital.

The LAF team has a deep understanding of New Zealand Business owners’ needs and combined with ANZ’s large global footprint across Asia Pacific[1] we can provide the right connections for businesses that want to grow internationally.

We are here to help New Zealand businesses succeed.

[1] anz.com/institutional/global

Direct Capital

Direct Capital is New Zealand's leading private company investor. Since 1994, we have been at the forefront of developing New Zealand's private equity industry. We are currently investing Direct Capital VII, a NZ$525 million fund which commenced in April 2025.

Pencarrow

Since 1993, Pencarrow has been helping New Zealand businesses achieve their goals. We have a highly collaborative approach to investment, partnering with management and shareholders across a broad range of industries.

We have a team of nine investment professionals who bring a diverse range of skills from previous experiences in private equity, corporate finance, investment banking, governance and operational management.

Simpson Grierson

Simpson Grierson's private equity and venture capital team has broad international experience and a depth of expertise, gained from working in some of the world's leading law firms. We have been involved in the private equity and venture capital industry in New Zealand since its inception, advising on many of New Zealand's most notable private equity and venture capital transactions. We deliver timely, insightful advice on the establishment, structuring, funding, and management of private equity and venture capital funds. The team also advise on leveraged and management buyouts and exit strategies, including public offerings and trade sales

Chapman Tripp

Chapman Tripp is a dynamic and innovative commercial law firm at the leading edge of legal practice in New Zealand. With around 55 partners and 400 staff across offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, Chapman Tripp supports clients to succeed across industry, commerce and government. The firm is known as the 'go to' for complex, business-critical strategic mandates across the full spectrum of corporate and commercial law, and has been at the forefront of private equity in New Zealand since its beginning in the early 1990s. Chapman Tripp's expertise covers private equity, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, Māori business, litigation and dispute resolution, employment, health and safety, government and public law, privacy and data protection, risk and governance, patents, intellectual property, media and telecommunications, real estate and construction, energy, environmental and natural resources, and tax law.

Pioneer Capital

Pioneer Capital was established in 2005 to partner with the owners and managers of New Zealand businesses focused on growth in large international markets. We have built a strong track record of investing in and contributing to their success, and have dedicated equity and debt programmes to that provide a wide range of funding options. We are New Zealand owned and operated and are committed to investing in a responsible manner.

Waterman Capital

Waterman Capital is a private equity fund manager established in 2004 to provide capital and strategic assistance to mid-market New Zealand businesses. Waterman has a long track record of investing in, and adding value to businesses in the mid-market space.

ASB

At ASB Corporate Banking, we want to back Kiwi business to build Aotearoa.

We partner with owners, investors, directors and management teams to understand their strategic objectives and align capital to support growth and ambitions.

Get in touch with Paul Booth, Paul.booth@asb.co.nz to find out how the ASB Capital Markets & Advisory team can back your growth by connecting people, ideas and capital.

Tribe Executive

Tribe Executive are a NZ owned, contemporary Executive Search practice. We support international and domestic Private Equity and Investment firms with Executive Search, Board Appointments and Advisory Services including remuneration, Executive and Board KPI’s and organisational design within portfolio companies.

ASX

Did you know there are over 50 New Zealand companies listed on the ASX? ASX is delighted to continue to partner with NZPCA to support the growth of New Zealand companies and provide capital with confidence. ASX operates at the heart of Australia and New Zealand's financial markets. Our integrated listings, trading, clearing and settlement businesses provide customers with efficient access to and exchange of capital, management of risk, and provision of data and other solutions. Come and speak with us about accessing capital via an ASX listing today.

Partridge

Partridge Advisory is a full-service corporate insurance brokerage built around specialities.

We have worked on some of the most challenging global risks and insurance solutions for Financial Institutions, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Portfolio Companies.

Specialising and having a deep understanding of our clients helps us to provide the best possible tailored advice. It also helps us negotiate great outcomes with insurers (we know who to approach, how to approach them, and what a good outcome looks like) and execute the most complex and technical insurance programs.

We’re a client led organisation, and our team really enjoys engaging with our specialist communities. Our goal is to fundamentally uplift the quality of advice for clients across our industry.

NZX

For more than 155 years we have been committed to connecting people, businesses and capital. Our vision is to be a trusted New Zealand business delivering sustainable wealth, value and opportunities for all. NZX operates New Zealand's equity, debt, funds, derivatives and energy markets. To support the growth of our markets, we provide trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services for our customers.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington are able to access an international network through the MinterEllison Legal Group, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific.

Widely renowned for their experience and pragmatism, our private equity and venture capital specialists are experts in their field. Our team provides strategic advice to major New Zealand, Australian, and international private equity (PE) funds and venture capital (VC) clients on their fundraising activities, investments, acquisitions, and divestments. We also regularly assist owners of New Zealand businesses and other stakeholders on their dealings with PE and VC funds.

First Foundation

Unlock potential. Drive prosperity. Shape Aotearoa’s future.

In New Zealand, too many academically talented students are held back by circumstance. First Foundation exists to change that.

Since 1998, we’ve supported nearly 1,100 scholars through a proven ‘hand up’ model—combining financial support, dedicated mentoring, and exposure to the world of work. Our programme begins in Year 12, setting scholars up to thrive at university and beyond.

The impact is real. Over 80% of our scholars are the first in their immediate whānau to attend tertiary education. Many have gone on to become educators, board members, business leaders, and mentors. The ripple effect is powerful, lifting not just individuals, but whole communities. This is more than charity. It’s a strategic investment.

A scholarship costs $28,000 over four years

Scholars' households average $64,000 income

Each scholarship yields an estimated $1.15 million in lifetime earnings—an ROI of $1:$39

For every scholar we support, seven others miss out. Your partnership could change that.

Join us—where social responsibility meets strategic advantage.

AWS

AWS is home to over 350,000 startups globally

With nearly 20 years of experience gained from supporting hundreds of thousands of startups that have come before, AWS helps founders prove that their world-changing ideas are possible, at any stage of growth or level of funding. Whether your startup is just starting to ideate an MVP or is on track for an IPO, AWS offers a broad range of programs and resources that will support you to reach your next milestone.

You can link to our AWS Startups Hub here - https://aws.amazon.com/startups