Participated · Series A · Jul 2026

Wellumio develops a portable neuroimaging platform called Axana that uses patented PGFM (pulsed gradient–free mapping) technology to deliver rapid MRI-based stroke assessments at the point of care. The technology is designed to operate without contrast agents, cryogenics, or shielded rooms, enabling use in critical care settings. The company completed initial human feasibility trials and received a U.S. patent for its technology in December 2025. Wellumio is progressing toward regulatory approval and plans expanded clinical evaluation across additional sites and geographies. The company is led by co-founder and CEO Dr. Shieak Tzeng and is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

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.

Participated · Equity · Mar 2026

MGA Thermal has developed Miscibility Gaps Alloy (MGA) Blocks that store thermal energy generated from renewable electricity and release it as industrial heat. The company is transitioning from pilot deployments toward full commercial rollout and plans to scale manufacturing and expand commercial operations. CEO Mark Croudace described the company as entering a period of rapid scale‑up focused on staffing, manufacturing growth and delivering customer projects. MGA Thermal is headquartered in the Hunter Valley. Financially, the business has now raised about $50 million in total capital, including a $14.15 million pre‑Series B round in 2024 and a $17 million financing led by IP Group Australia. The company positions its technology as a solution for reliable, low‑cost, industrial‑scale thermal storage to support decarbonization of industrial heat.

Participated · Seed · Jan 2024

Marama Labs is a deep-tech sensor and data-analytics company that develops patented CloudSpec UV-Vis spectroscopy instrumentation and accompanying cloud software for chemical analysis of complex liquids. The company targets applications including wine, nano-medicines and pharmaceutical products to improve production processes and add value. Led by CEO Dr Brendan Darby, Marama Labs operates out of Dublin, Ireland and Wellington, New Zealand. The company intends to use the new funds to scale up hardware manufacturing capacity in New Zealand. The product suite combines novel light-based sensor instrumentation with cloud data-analytics tools to enable efficient, on‑site chemical analysis. No operating metrics were disclosed in the article. Marama Labs has developed CloudSpec, a UV-Vis spectrophotometer that simultaneously measures absorption, extinction, and scattering spectra of clear and turbid liquids. Its sensors are combined with proprietary data-analytics tools to provide solutions for food & beverage and liquid-processing industries. The company’s current target market is winemaking, where the platform helps winemakers track the style of their wines throughout production to meet and exceed consumer preferences and improve winery sales. Led by CEO Brendan Darby, Marama Labs plans to use new funds to expand operations and to build its product line. Financially, the company completed a $500K seed round and has raised NZ$2M in total to date. The business is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2023

Avasa is developing the Avasa Coupler, a category‑defining device that enables safe, fast and standardized reconnection of micro‑arteries used in reconstructive microsurgery. The company has reached design freeze and built pre‑production units that achieved 100% success in chronic animal studies. Founder and CEO Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera is a clinician‑bioengineer and Avasa reports strong clinical demand—89% of the 100+ microsurgeons interviewed expressed strong interest. Founded in 2018 and based in Auckland, New Zealand, Avasa is completing verification testing and recruiting commercial leadership to build its go‑to‑market strategy. The company intends to use the new capital to progress through FDA clearance and to launch commercially within the next 18 months. Avasa, led by CEO and founder Dr. Nandoun Abeysekera, is an Auckland, New Zealand-based medical device company focused on innovating surgical procedures through implantable devices. The company’s core product targets reconstructive microsurgery to help patients who have suffered debilitating disease and deformity. Avasa raised $1.55M in funding and intends to use the proceeds to expand operations. The announcement lists participation from both new and existing investors. Dr. Abeysekera expects the scope of the company’s device to expand into other surgical fields, including organ transplants, cardiothoracic surgery, and vascular surgery. The coverage was reported by FInSMEs on 14 September 2023.