In a significant boost for New Zealand's innovation ecosystem, Outset Ventures, an Auckland-based venture capital firm and incubator, has successfully closed its second fund at an impressive NZ$41.5 million. This amount surpasses the initial target of NZ$30 million by more than a third, reflecting strong investor confidence in the region's deep tech potential.
Outset Ventures, known for backing globally recognized unicorns such as Rocket Lab and LanzaTech, attracted commitments from over 150 investors for this oversubscribed fund. The firm aims to empower early-stage startups in the deep tech sector, focusing on groundbreaking technologies with global impact.
The fund, supported by notable figures like Sir Peter Beck on its investment committee, includes a substantial NZ$15 million from key backers, as reported by recent sources. This capital injection is set to provide critical support to New Zealand's emerging innovators tackling complex challenges in science and technology.
Deep tech startups in areas such as aerospace, clean energy, and advanced materials are expected to benefit from Outset's unique blend of investment, workspace, and mentorship. The firm's mission is to help these companies scale from concept to global market leaders.
This fundraising milestone signals a growing appetite for high-risk, high-reward investments in New Zealand, a country historically challenged by limited access to early-stage capital. Outset Ventures continues to bridge this gap, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for tech-driven entrepreneurship.
As the deep tech sector gains momentum, Outset's latest fund positions New Zealand as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. Industry observers anticipate that this capital will catalyze the next wave of transformative startups, further solidifying the region's reputation on the global stage.
Maria Lourdes
