New Zealand is known for more than its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage—our innovative spirit is just as iconic. From groundbreaking agricultural practices to cutting-edge tech startups, Kiwi ingenuity has always been a defining trait of our small nation. It’s no surprise, really; us Kiwis are known for our resourceful, can-do approach to problem solving.

Global trends are fast reshaping the innovation landscape, driving the need for transformative solutions across industries.  Consider how the push for sustainability in response to climate change has fueled advancements in clean energy and ecofriendly technologies, whilst rapid digital transformation, powered by AI, automation, and enhanced connectivity, is redefining how businesses operate and how we live.  There are many, many more examples, and this demand provides fertile ground for New Zealand’s innovators to shine. 

Supporting the Innovation Ecosystem

To unlock some of this incredible potential, a coordinated effort is required. This involves not only funding groundbreaking ideas but also nurturing the infrastructure, talent, and networks needed to scale those ideas globally. 

Cue Icehouse Ventures: a New Zealand venture capital firm investing in Kiwi founders building transformative, global technology companies from Aotearoa. Over the past 23 years, they’ve been the early supporters of over 340 companies, including global ed-tech leader Crimson Education, ag-tech innovator Halter, and all-in-one tax and accounting app Hnry. Since 2017, they’ve funded ~50% of startups that raised capital in NZ and have led more investments than the next five most active lead VCs combined.

Icehouse Ventures believe that the entrepreneurs and innovation here in New Zealand can materially contribute to building a brighter future. We’ve already seen the rise of globally recognised Kiwi tech companies like Rocket Lab, Lanzatech, PushPay, and Xero—who blazed trails, nurtured talent, and left behind a blueprint for the next generation.

Icehouse Ventures’ latest fund, Growth Fund II, is a $100m late-stage venture fund that over the next 5 years will invest in that next-gen. The fund is designed to back New Zealand’s leading technology companies - those that have moved beyond the early startup phase, demonstrated significant progress, laid solid foundations, and are now poised for growth.

Seeding success

Investing in innovative Kiwi companies is about so much more than just financial returns - it’s about driving progress and shaping the future.  It’s about believing and backing the Kiwi dream.  These companies are often at the forefront of solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and by channeling capital into innovation, we enable visionary Kiwi entrepreneurs to develop solutions that not only enhance industries but also create sustainable, long-term impact, and where businesses are not only profitable but also transformative.  After all, the next great leap in global innovation may very well emerge from our own backyard.

These innovative companies can play an important role in economic growth, too.  Transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions, they can create high-quality jobs, attract international interest and investment, and play a key role in diversifying industries, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of our economy.

At Pie, we’re all about uncovering the next big ideas and so partnering with Icehouse Ventures was a natural fit - an alignment of values and vision that made perfect sense. Their commitment to fostering innovation provides the ideal platform to support cutting-edge ventures, ensuring New Zealand remains a serious contender on the global innovation stage.

Pie invests in Icehouse Ventures’ Growth Fund II via its Pie KiwiSaver Growth Fund, providing investors with the opportunity to be a part of the next wave of innovation.