Participated · Equity · Mar 2026

Founded in April 2024 by Dan Bull with cofounders Paul Sealock (founding engineer), Daniel Stuart-Jones (CTO) and Ursula Haywood (CCO), Scanabull builds a computer-vision platform that estimates live cattle weight using the LiDAR sensor on an iPhone. Its first product, WeighApp, enables farmers, stock agents and veterinarians to scan animals in yards, pens or near gates and deliver a weight estimate in seconds. The model has been trained on over 100,000 animal data points and is designed to improve as more scans are captured. Scanabull is conducting trials and demonstrations across New Zealand and is piloting with industry partners including Silver Fern Farms, with plans to expand to Australia and other major beef-producing regions by year-end. The company says the technology aims to reduce supply-chain inefficiencies caused by visual weight estimates and to provide earlier weight visibility for processors and traders.

Participated · Equity · May 2024

Metrovate is a New Zealand agritech startup developing precision biostimulants that target crop-specific growth responses while minimizing off-target impacts. Founder and chief scientific officer Nikolai Macnee combines molecular biology with machine learning to isolate natural signalling molecules for targeted, biodegradable plant-growth formulations. The company operates a purpose-built lab in the Newmarket Innovation Precinct at the University of Auckland. Current work focuses on validating efficacy, refining an initial targeted product, and conducting further field trials and R&D ahead of commercial scale-up. Metrovate positions its platform as a way to improve crop resilience, speed recovery, and raise yields while reducing reliance on fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides.

Participated · Grant · Apr 2023

Bspkl has developed a new manufacturing process for catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) used in hydrogen electrolysers, a core component of clean hydrogen production. The technology, invented by co-founder and CTO Jérôme Leveneur, reduces the amount of iridium and platinum required by 25 times. Bspkl's approach aims to make CCM production more sustainable and address iridium scarcity and high costs that hinder industry growth. The company plans 18 to 24 months of R&D before moving toward commercialization and will conduct New Zealand testing to support product development. Funds from the recent raise will support product development and a launch to the global electrolyser manufacturing market. Bspkl positions its technology as a solution to accelerate the transition to a green hydrogen economy.

Led · Grant · Aug 2014

REX Bionics develops the REX robotic exercise-assist device that helps people with mobility problems from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries and neuromuscular conditions. The device has been in development for over a decade and has accumulated thousands of hours of user experience. The latest version targets the rehabilitation market and units are on trial in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The company plans to keep the current version available to the rehabilitation market for at least five years while it continues to build clinical data and user experience. Additional capital will fund a development program with a leading global automotive firm to enhance user monitoring, switch to new materials and reconfigure engineering for reduced weight and a faster, quieter device. Completed clinical trials and early robotic-assisted physiotherapy use have shown measurable health benefits, such as improved sleep, maintained joint range, reduced spasm and pain, and reduced prescription drug use. Rex Bionics develops robotic technology intended to help people with severe neurological damage; recent data cited by the company indicate its Rex product is safe and effective. The board completed a strategic review of commercialisation progress and capital availability and concluded that first commercial revenues took longer than expected, though the market opportunity remains significant. To sustain commercial momentum the company is undergoing a strategic repositioning while reviewing further funding options. Management is taking evidence from the RAPPER II study to potential customers and partners. The company has announced a new collaboration with Amana Healthcare to increase international coverage and to provide a base for expansion in the Gulf. The fundraising is intended to support these commercial and strategic activities. REX Bionics PLC, based in Auckland, New Zealand, develops the REX robotic exoskeleton. The company is advancing its REX 3 program and has secured government support for its development. Callaghan Innovation, a New Zealand government body that promotes innovation, awarded REX Bionics a grant. REX Bionics anticipates Callaghan Innovation’s total contribution toward the REX 3 program during the three-year funding period could be more than NZ$1.5 million. The article notes that NZ$1.5 million is roughly US$1.27 million as of August 11.