Who founded OpenStar Technologies?

OpenStar Technologies was founded by Ratu Mataira, Thomas Berry in 2021.

Who are OpenStar Technologies's investors?

OpenStar Technologies's investors include Blackbird Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, NZ Growth Capital Partners, Outset Ventures, Radar Ventures, The Engine Ventures.

Where is OpenStar Technologies headquartered?

OpenStar Technologies is headquartered in Wellington, NZ.

OpenStar Technologies

Wellington, NZ · Founded 2021 · 66 employees on LinkedIn · 7 known investors

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OpenStar develops compact fusion energy technology using a levitated dipole approach and high-temperature superconducting systems, working toward commercial fusion. The company originated from the Robinson Research Institute in New Zealand.

Cleantech Deep Tech Energy

Founders & leadership

OpenStar Technologies was founded in 2021 by Ratu Mataira and Thomas Berry.

Ratu Mataira FounderRatu Mataira is founder and CEO of OpenStar Technologies, which develops compact fusion energy technology using a levitated dipole approach. He completed a PhD on superconducting power supplies and magnet technology for high-temperature superconductor systems.

Thomas BerryCo-founder & Chief Product Officer

Darren Garnier Chief Science OfficerDarren Garnier is Chief Science Officer of OpenStar Technologies, which develops compact fusion energy technology using levitated dipole and superconducting systems. He has expertise in plasma physics and experimental science.

Rod Badcock Chief Technology OfficerRod Badcock is Chief Technology Officer at OpenStar Technologies, leading superconducting magnet development for fusion systems. He is a professor at Victoria University of Wellington's Robinson Research Institute, where he previously held positions as Deputy Director and Chief Engineer, with research expertise spanning high-temperature superconducting machines, flux pumps, and cryogenic sensors.

Nicole Ferguson VP - FinanceNicole Ferguson is VP of Finance at OpenStar Technologies, where she supports the company's work on compact fusion energy systems. She has experience in strategy, operations, and financial management.

Ben Taylor-BryantVP - Investor Relations

Investors · 7

Blackbird Ventureslisted by Blackbird VenturesSydney · $149K – $60M

How we know: Blackbird Ventures's portfolio page · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Not right? Tell us

Icehouse Ventureslisted by Icehouse VenturesAuckland · $120K – $2.4M

How we know: Icehouse Ventures's portfolio page · Not right? Tell us

NZ Growth Capital Partnerslisted by NZ Growth Capital PartnersAuckland

How we know: NZ Growth Capital Partners's portfolio page · Not right? Tell us

Outset Ventureslisted by Outset VenturesAuckland · $100K – $10Mvia Mat Rowe · inferred

How we know: Outset Ventures's portfolio page · funding news · open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Not right? Tell us

Radar Ventureslisted by Radar Ventures

The Engine VenturesreportedCambridge

How we know: open dataset · 5k.vc investor directory · Not right? Tell us

Also in the syndicate · 1

Regional Infrastructure Fund

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

Undisclosed amountSeed roundAug 2023
Source ↗

Source: company announcements and press reports — follow each round's link for the claim.

In the news

OpenStar Technologies Secures $18M Funding for Fusion Energyleadsontrees.com · Sep 2025

Frequently asked questions

What does OpenStar Technologies do?: OpenStar develops compact fusion energy technology using a levitated dipole approach and high-temperature superconducting systems, working toward commercial fusion. The company originated from the Robinson Research Institute in New Zealand.
Who founded OpenStar Technologies?: OpenStar Technologies was founded by Ratu Mataira, Thomas Berry in 2021.
Who are OpenStar Technologies's investors?: OpenStar Technologies's investors include Blackbird Ventures, Icehouse Ventures, NZ Growth Capital Partners, Outset Ventures, Radar Ventures, The Engine Ventures.
Where is OpenStar Technologies headquartered?: OpenStar Technologies is headquartered in Wellington, NZ.