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Booster Innovation Fund

Institutional investoroperating company · company profile

Wellington · Pre-Seed–Growth · 15 people tracked

Find your way into Booster Innovation Fund

221 people in our graph share verified history with the Booster Innovation Fund team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Paul Hockingunlockedknows Diana Papadopoulos · together at Booster NZ (overlapped)
knows the team · via Booster NZ
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Investment thesis

Booster's specialist investment funds, including the Booster Innovation Fund (NZX: BIF), aim to build the financial resilience of New Zealanders by backing homegrown innovation. The fund invests directly into early-stage Kiwi startups and commercialises breakthrough research from partnerships with universities such as Victoria University of Wellington (Wellington UniVentures) and the University of Otago. Investments span biotech (e.g. Rekover Therapeutics), advanced materials (Inhibit Coatings), and green hydrogen (Bspkl). The approach favours long-term, yield-focused partnering, keeping opportunities, profits and jobs in New Zealand while giving everyday retail investors a chance to share in local companies' success.

Source: firm website, verified Sep 27, 2026.

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Stage
Pre-Seed–Growth
HQ
Wellington, NZ
Instruments
Equity
Founded
1998
Tracked investments
57

Team · 15 people

from the firm's website

What they invest in

from 42 of 57 portfolio companies

Biotech ×13Healthtech ×12Deep Tech ×11Cleantech ×10Hardware ×10Medical Devices ×8AI & Machine Learning ×7New Materials ×7

HQs:New Zealand×22Australia×4United States×2United Kingdom×1Ireland×1India×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 24 portfolio companies
54%
solo founders
13 of 24 mapped founding teams
40%
repeat founders
of 20 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×132 founders×93 founders×2

Where their founders studiedfrom 17 founders with education data

Victoria University of Wellington ×4University of Auckland ×2University of Sydney ×2

What their founders studiedfrom 19 founders with field-of-study data

Engineering ×4Life Sciences ×4Physics ×3Finance & Accounting ×2Medicine ×2

Where their founders worked beforefrom 20 founders with career history

Victoria University of Wellington ×2

11 founders hold a PhD · 1 hold an MBA (of 20 with degree data)

Investments · 57 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2023 · 12022 · 12018 · 12017 · 14 dated

Advemtoadvemto.comin

Advemto maps complex cell function to genetic sequences at scale without requiring new laboratory instruments.

BiotechDeep Tech

Co-investorsEnterprise AngelsNuance CapitalNZ Growth Capital Partners

Alimetryalimetry.comin𝕏

Alimetry develops the Gastric Alimetry system, a non-invasive body surface gastric mapping device that provides objective diagnostics for patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesAuckland, NZ

Greg O'Grady(Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer)inArmen Gharibans(Co-founder & President, US)inKaren O'Regan(CBO)inCraig Shannon(CTO)inChristie Dunwoodie(CFO)inChristopher Andrews(CMO)

Co-investorsCerity Partners VenturesGD1MatūMovacOlympus Innovation VenturesIcehouse Ventures

Allegro Energyallegro.energyin

Allegro Energy develops water-based microemulsion electrolyte technology for grid-scale battery storage and supercapacitors, designed to deliver high-performance energy storage without flammable materials.

CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsThornton, AU

Thomas(Co-founder)Fraser(Co-founder & CTO)Rohan(Co-founder & CSO)

Co-investorsLightbankMelt Ventures

Amaroq Therapeuticsamaroqtx.comin

Amaroq Therapeutics develops first-in-class therapies targeting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) implicated in oncology and other diseases.

Biotech

Co-investorsCure Kids VenturesTenmileBrandon Capital Partners

Amyamy.app

Raphael Nolden(Founder)in

Co-investorsAngel HQNZ Growth Capital Partners

Aplentyaplenty.co.nz

Aplenty converts wood waste biomass into clean CO2 and heat for commercial greenhouses using its patented Hot Lime technology, helping growers raise crop yields, control heating costs, and reduce fossil fuel use.

AgTechCleantechClimate Tech

Co-investorsOutset Ventures

Avasaavasa.ioinSep 2023

Avasa develops technology to simplify microsurgical procedures, replacing manual hand sewing with automated microvascular connection methods.

HardwareMedical Devices

Co-investorsBridgewest VenturesCure Kids VenturesMovacNZ Growth Capital PartnersBrisbane AngelsPacific Channel

Banzpaybanzpay.nzin

Banzpay is a payments technology provider serving financial institutions, including credit unions and small-to-medium banks, across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

FintechSaaSNew Zealand, NZ

Sean Morrison(CEO Banzpay Group, Executive Director)inTony Rae(General Manager Banzpay)inToby Koller(Chief Security and Infrastructure Officer)in

BioLumic, Inc.biolumic.com

Uses UV light signals to boost seed and seedling genetic potential; domiciled in the USA.

Palmerston North

Jason Wargent(Executive Officer)inSteven Sibulkin(Executive Officer, Director)Mark Brown(Director)Mary Dimou(Director)John Bedbrook(Director)Kirsty Bellringer(Director)

Co-investorsAngel HQArc AngelsAzolla VenturesEnterprise AngelsIcehouse VenturesiSelect Fund+5 more

BioOrabioora.comin

BioOra develops and manufactures CAR-T cell therapies from New Zealand, targeting patients with cancer who currently lack access to these treatments in their local regions.

BiotechDigital HealthMedical DevicesNew Zealand, NZ

Co-investorsBridgewest VenturesCure Kids Ventures

Bontia Biobontiabio.comin

Bontia Bio is a synthetic biology company that uses proprietary fermentation technology to create natural bioactive compounds for animal health and agriculture, with its first product targeting fleas and ticks in companion animals.

AgTechBiotechHealthtechWellington, NZ

Co-investorsSprout

Bspklbspkl.co

BSPKL develops catalyst coated membranes (CCM) for electrolyzers and fuel cells with significantly reduced precious metal loading.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechEnergyNew MaterialsNew Zealand, NZ

Christina Houlihan(Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer)inJérôme Leveneur(Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer)

Co-investorsCreative HQ — The IncubatorInvestible Climate Tech FundNZ Growth Capital PartnersWNT Ventures

Cadmus Animal Healthcadmusah.comin

Cadmus Animal Health develops an immunotherapeutic to treat chronic periodontal disease caused by the bacterium Porphyromonas in companion animals.

BiotechHealthtech

Calocurbcalocurb.co.nzin

Calocurb is a natural, plant-based appetite suppressant capsule containing a patented hop extract that activates GLP-1 and other satiety hormones to reduce hunger and support weight management.

Direct to ConsumerHealthtechLongevityWellness & FitnessAuckland, NZ

Sarah Kennedyin

Captivate Technologycaptivatetechnology.comin

Captivate develops a proprietary Metal-Organic Framework material and Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption process for low-energy, cost-effective carbon dioxide capture and separation in industrial applications including biogas, geothermal, and cement production.

CleantechClimate TechDeep Tech

Co-investorsCreative Destruction Lab (CDL)NZ Growth Capital PartnersWNT Ventures

Cleanerycleaneryonline.comin

Cleanery manufactures concentrated cleaning and personal care products designed to eliminate unnecessary packaging and water content compared to traditional formulations.

Circular EconomyCleantechConsumerE-commerceAuckland, NZ

Mark Sorensen(Co-Founder / CEO)inEllie Brade(Co-Founder / Sustainability Lead)in

Co-investorsAngel HQClimate Venture Capital FundCreative HQ — The IncubatorSoul Capital

EdPotentialedpotential.com

EdPotential provides student data analytics and insights for schools to identify trends, target interventions, and improve student achievement.

Data & InfrastructureEdTechSaaSAuckland, NZ

Ferronovaferronova.com.auin

Ferronova develops magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticle tracers (FerroTrace) and related imaging and therapy technologies to detect and map lymph nodes and tumours in early-stage cancers, supporting surgeons, oncologists and pathologists in staging and treating cancers such as oral, colorectal, esophageal, prostate and pancreatic.

BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices

Benjamin Thierry(Scientific Advisor/Founder)inStewart Bartlett(CEO)inAnil Shetty(CMO)in

Co-investorsArtesianSouth Australian Venture Capital FundMatūStoic VCUniSeed Pty Ltd.

Goodair Nosebudsgoodairnosebuds.comin

Goodair makes Nosebuds, a reusable, drug-free nasal device worn inside the nostrils that uses small rotors to generate a vibroacoustic hum, stimulating nasal cilia to clear mucus and allergens and relieve congestion.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesWellness & FitnessAuckland, NZ

Dr David White(Founder)Kerri McMaster(CEO)in

Co-investorsAlt VenturesWNT Ventures

Indusinvestindus.comin

A platform presenting mutual fund and asset management company options in India, listing established fund houses such as SBI, ICICI Prudential, HDFC, and others with their track records and market data.

Fintech

Jai Goradia(Founder)in

Co-investorsCreative HQ — The IncubatorRainmatterDSG Consumer PartnersRukam CapitalThe Chennai Angels

Inhibit Coatingsinhibitcoatings.comin

Inhibit Coatings develops antimicrobial coatings and additives that use silver permanently bound to polymer resin to inhibit bacterial growth without leaching.

CleantechHealthtechNew MaterialsWellington, NZ

Dr Tate(Co-creator of the technology)Prof. Johnston(Co-creator of the technology)

Co-investorsAngel HQArc AngelsEnterprise AngelsIcehouse VenturesMatūNZ Growth Capital Partners

InsituGeninsitugen.comin

InsituGen develops cell-free bioassay technology for steroid hormone testing, offering a low-cost test to detect androgen and estrogen bioactivity in companion animal diagnostics.

AgTechBiotechDeep TechHealthtech

Heather(Professor (research lead))Alison Heather(Founder)in

Co-investorsEnterprise AngelsNZ Growth Capital PartnersPacific Channel

Kai's Educationkaiseducation.com

Kai's Education designs mixed reality coding robots and standards-aligned lesson plans for STEM education in K-10 classrooms.

EdTechHardwareRobotics

Co-investorsAngel HQEnterprise AngelsNZ Growth Capital PartnersSoul CapitalFlying Kiwi Angels

Komodokomodowellbeing.comin𝕏

Komodo Wellbeing publishes content on fostering a growth mindset and building resilience in students within the school environment.

EdTechMental HealthWellness & Fitness

Andy Ryan(Founder)in

Co-investorsCure Kids VenturesFlying Fox VenturesFolklore VenturesTiger Global Management

Ligarligar.nz𝕏

Commercialises Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for molecule capture and extraction.

Co-investorsNZ Growth Capital Partners

Liquiumliquium.nzJul 2022

Liquium develops a new catalyst technology for producing clean (zero-carbon) ammonia under milder operating conditions than the traditional Haber-Bosch process, aiming to lower production and operating costs.

CleantechClimate TechNew Materials

Dr Franck Natali(CSO & Co-Founder)Dr Paul Geraghty(CEO & Co-Founder)

Co-investorsClimate Venture Capital FundMatū

Macso Technologiesmacso.aiin𝕏

MACSO develops technology that makes AI, IoT, and edge computing capabilities more accessible and cost-effective for industries.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareIoTAuckland, NZ

Saba Samiei(Founder & CEO)in

Co-investorsBridgewest VenturesPacific Channel

Marama Labsmaramalabs.comin

Marama Labs develops optical spectroscopy instruments for life-sciences research, leveraging surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and nanoparticle characterization technology.

BiotechDeep TechHardwareHealthtechDublin, IE

Eric Le Ru(Founder)inBrendan Darby(Co-founder & CEO)inMatthias Meyer(Co-founder)in

Co-investorsNZ Growth Capital PartnersNZVCRadar VenturesWNT VenturesIcehouse VenturesQuidnet Ventures+2 more

Mars Bioimagingmarsbioimaging.comJun 2018

MARS develops point-of-care photon counting CT imaging systems for community healthcare settings.

Deep TechHealthtechMedical DevicesChristchurch, NZ

Anthony Philip Howard Butler(Executive Officer, Director)Philip Howard Butler(Executive Officer, Director)Colin Ernest Dawson(Director)

Co-investorsCure Kids VenturesEnterprise AngelsPacific Channel

Montouxmontoux.comin

Montoux develops AI, cloud, and automation tools for actuarial modeling, helping actuaries and insurance companies assess and manage risk and modernize traditional actuarial processes.

AI & Machine LearningFintechInsurTech

Klaas Stijnen(Founder)in

Co-investorsNZ Growth Capital PartnersZino Ventures

Nutrition From Waternutritionfromwater.comin

A nutrition technology company that uses wild-type unicellular aquatic organisms to produce protein- and fiber-rich, non-GMO ingredients (marketed as Marine Whey) for food applications.

BiotechFoodTechImpact & Social Good

Co-investorsAugust OneOutset VenturesSavia Ventures

Opo Bioopobio.comin𝕏

Opo develops bio-based ingredients and cell lines for cosmetic, medical, and cultivated meat applications using synthetic biology and biomanufacturing.

BiotechDeep TechFoodTechAuckland, NZ

Co-investorsMatūWNT VenturesEpic Angels

Orbis Diagnosticsorbisdiagnostics.comin

Orbis Diagnostics is developing a point-of-care diagnostics platform that produces blood test results from a single fingerstick of blood.

BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsEven CapitalNZ Growth Capital PartnersPacific ChannelBif

OrbVizorbviz.comin𝕏

OrbViz is a reporting platform that automates the creation and distribution of recurring reports for customers, executives, and stakeholders using reusable templates and AI.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareSaaSChristchurch, NZ

Vanessa O'Brien(Founder)in

PowerONpoweron.one

Commercialising soft electronics technology for robotics applications.

Co-investorsMatūNZ Growth Capital PartnersPacific Channel

Scentian Bioscentianbio.comin𝕏

Scentian Bio combines synthetic biology and AI to develop biosensors based on synthesized insect odorant receptors, creating a digital sense of smell and taste that can detect and measure the concentration of thousands of compounds.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep Tech

Andrew Králíček(Founder & Chief Technology Officer)inJonathan Good(Chief Executive Officer)inColm Carraher(Chief Scientific Officer)inNikki Lorigan(Chief Financial Officer)

Co-investorsDYDX CapitalSproutFinistere VenturesIcehouse VenturesOurCrowdToyota Ventures

Stretch Sensestretchsense.comin𝕏

StretchSense develops a control platform for managing extended reality (XR) headsets during instructor-led training, enabling real-time monitoring of learner progress, performance analytics, and device management across educational and industrial settings.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechEdTechEnterprise SoftwareGamingHardwareEdinburgh, GB

Co-investorsGD1Global from Day OneScottish Enterprise

TasmanIontasmanion.comin

TasmanIon develops rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries positioned as a safer and lower-cost alternative for energy storage.

CleantechEnergyHardwareNew Materials

Shalini Divya(Founder)in

Co-investorsCreative HQ — The IncubatorPacific Channel

Tectonustectonus.comin

Tectonus designs and manufactures seismic resilience devices and structural systems that protect buildings from earthquake damage, working directly with structural engineers on projects across education, healthcare, commercial, and transport buildings.

Climate TechConstruction TechHardwareNew MaterialsAuckland, NZ

Co-investorsAngel HQNZ Growth Capital PartnersPacific Channel

Tectraxtectrax.co.nzin

Tectrax designs and builds electric amphibious boat systems that eliminate the need for trailers and tow vehicles, enabling rapid 30-second launches from virtually any location.

CleantechEnergyHardwareMobility & TransportationAuckland, NZ

James Mortonin

Co-investorsMovac

Upstream Medical Technologiesupstreamdx.com

Biomarker-based testing for rapid front line diagnosis of heart disease.

Co-investorsEnterprise AngelsNZ Growth Capital PartnersPacific Channel

Wellumiowellumio.comin

Wellumio develops axana®, a portable, energy-efficient MRI system based on its Pulsed Gradient Free Mapping (PGFM) technology, designed to detect acute stroke quickly in front-line care settings.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHealthtechMedical Devices

Shieak Tzeng(Co-founder & Co-CEO)inSergei Obruchkov(Co-founder & Co-CEO)inGyan Barik(Executive Director, Business Operations & Australia)inZiad Rouag(General Manager USA)Harry Marfatia(Head of Finance)in

BoardSia Moussavi(Board Chairman)

Co-investorsCure Kids VenturesEnterprise AngelsNuance CapitalNZ Growth Capital PartnersOutset VenturesPacific Channel+1 more

Woolchemywoolchemy.comin

Woolchemy develops natural wool-based materials for hygiene products like diapers, positioning an alternative to petroleum-based absorbent materials.

Circular EconomyConsumerNew Materials

Derelee Potroz-Smith(CEO & Founder)inAngela Potroz(Director)Alana Cheape(Head of Product & Marketing)in

BoardRichard Cutfield(Board Chair)

Co-investorsCreative HQ — The IncubatorEven CapitalPacific Channel

Wychwych.io

Wych.io provides open banking infrastructure solutions for banks and fintechs operating in Australia and New Zealand, offering deployable data holder and data recipient systems alongside testing and validation services to enable compliant cross-market operations.

Cloud ComputingData & InfrastructureFintechSaaS

Co-investorsNZVC

XFramexframe.com.auin

XFrame develops a modular, demountable building system made from plywood that allows architects and builders to create flexible interior spaces while enabling material reuse and reducing construction waste.

Circular EconomyConstruction TechPropTechMelbourne, AU

Ged

ZeroJetzerojet.nzin

ZeroJet builds electric jet propulsion powertrains and "plug and play" jet units for the marine industry, designed for easy integration by small boat and tender manufacturers.

CleantechHardwareMobility & TransportationAuckland, NZ

Co-investorsNZ Growth Capital PartnersImpact Enterprise FundMovac

Zethoszethos.techAug 2017

San Francisco, US

Ryan Sandler(President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, and Director)Ethan Winchell(Director)

Co-investorsClimate Venture Capital FundOutset VenturesTransUnion

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

AvaliaCASChitogelCodify Asset SolutionsMEKONOSOpum TechnologiesRekover TherapeuticsSolros TxTamoRxWave Propulsion

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Booster Innovation Fund made?
Booster Innovation Fund has 57 tracked investments.
What stage does Booster Innovation Fund invest at?
Booster Innovation Fund invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
What sectors does Booster Innovation Fund focus on?
Booster Innovation Fund focuses on AgTech, Biotech, Cleantech, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, Fintech, FoodTech, Healthtech, Medical Devices, New Materials, Sector Agnostic.
Where is Booster Innovation Fund located?
Booster Innovation Fund is headquartered in Wellington, NZ.
Who does Booster Innovation Fund co-invest with?
Booster Innovation Fund most often shares deals with NZ Growth Capital Partners, Matū, Pacific Channel, among 39 tracked co-investors.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Melissa Yiannoutsos manages the publicly listed Booster Innovation Fund (BIF)

Robbie Schneider · Melissa Yiannoutsos

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