Participated · Series A · Apr 2026

Scentian Bio develops a palm-sized sensor-on-a-chip that combines insect-inspired sensing with AI to identify complex combinations of volatile organic compounds. The device aims to deliver near-real-time, easy-to-interpret results for use cases including food spoilage detection, air-quality monitoring, and the detection of explosives or pests. The company reports it is working with seven global leaders in food, beverages and condiments as it nears commercial launch. Cofounders Andrew Králíček and Jonathan Good envision the technology eventually migrating into consumer devices such as smartwatches and handsets. The startup is months away from market and has just raised $7M in a pre-Series A to support product completion and commercialization.

Led · Series A · Feb 2026

Auckland-based Hectre develops cloud software that helps orchards manage operations such as harvest scheduling, labor tracking, and yield analytics while also offering AI-driven computer-vision tools that grade fruit quality. Its technology is already used by leading suppliers including Vog (Italy), Nufri and Verfrut (Spain), and Borton Fruit (U.S.). With the new capital, Hectre plans to launch an AI-powered handheld scanner that instantly analyzes fruit defects and to build an online trading platform that uses AI to rebalance negotiating power toward growers. Founder and CEO Matty Blomfield projects the business can surpass US$100 million in annual revenue and reach a US$1 billion valuation within five years. The company positions itself as a data and efficiency layer that reduces waste, improves pricing transparency, and boosts margins for producers throughout the global fruit supply chain.