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The NZ Fintech Fund (NZFF) is a collaborative venture capital initiative established by Point16 and Icehouse Ventures, aimed at supporting early-stage fintech companies in New Zealand. Launched to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the financial technology sector, NZFF provides essential capital, connections, and industry expertise to empower founders. The fund is purpose-built for fintech, ensuring that investments are made in companies that are well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the financial services landscape.
Currently, NZFF manages a fund size expected to be between NZ$8 million and NZ$10 million, focusing on early to growth-stage fintech companies. The fund has a portfolio of 11 companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation in the fintech space. The team comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in financial services, including former executives from Visa, enhancing their ability to support portfolio companies effectively.
NZFF operates from Auckland, New Zealand, and is dedicated to investing in companies that are primarily based in the region. The fund's limited partner base includes a mix of local and international investors, all aligned with its mission to drive fintech innovation in New Zealand.
NZ Fintech Fund invests in early to growth-stage fintech companies, specifically targeting sectors such as lending, neobanks, embedded finance, SME financial services, and RegTech. The fund typically engages at pre-seed, seed, or Series A stages, focusing on areas where regulation, technology, and consumer behavior are driving significant change. This targeted approach allows NZFF to identify and support companies that are poised to make a meaningful impact in the financial technology sector.
The investment strategy emphasizes the importance of sector-specific knowledge and connections. NZFF seeks founders who demonstrate a clear understanding of the financial services landscape and who can articulate their business model's regulatory and compliance aspects. The fund's team leverages its extensive experience in fintech to provide guidance on navigating the complexities of the industry, ensuring that portfolio companies are well-equipped to scale effectively.
Investment sizes typically range from NZ$100,000 to NZ$500,000, allowing NZFF to support a diverse array of startups within its focus sectors. The fund's geographic focus remains strictly on New Zealand, ensuring that it backs companies with a strong local connection and relevance.
NZ Fintech Fund's portfolio consists of 11 innovative companies that are making strides in the fintech sector. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio showcases NZFF's commitment to supporting a wide range of fintech innovations, from digital banking solutions to cybersecurity and personal finance management tools.
Mike Burke: Co-founder and partner at NZFF, Mike is a business growth specialist and serial investor. He has a background in corporate venturing and has been involved in multiple fintech startups, providing valuable insights into scaling businesses in the sector.
Marty Kerr: Co-founder and partner, Marty has over 20 years of experience in financial services, including a significant tenure at Visa. His expertise lies in capital raises and international growth, making him a key asset for portfolio companies looking to expand.
Kate Eaglen: A fintech risk and compliance specialist, Kate has a legal background and experience in AML compliance and corporate-VC legal leadership. Her knowledge is particularly beneficial for founders navigating regulatory challenges.
Jamie Russell: Jamie focuses on fintech partnerships and operations, bringing expertise in corporate venturing and business strategy. His experience in emerging technology and digital platforms enhances NZFF's ability to support its portfolio companies.
To pitch to NZ Fintech Fund, founders should start by sending an email to hello@nzfintech.vc. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, regulatory compliance strategy, and financial projections. Founders are encouraged to be precise about the financial services problem they are addressing and how their solution stands out in the market.
NZFF prefers initial conversations to gauge alignment before moving into deeper diligence. Founders should be prepared for discussions around their technology stack, growth plans, and compliance models. Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting their initial pitch.
In recent months, NZ Fintech Fund has made significant strides in the fintech sector. In September 2025, the fund participated in an investment round for Wych, a company providing financial data APIs for open banking. This investment aligns with NZFF's focus on supporting innovative fintech solutions.
Additionally, NZFF has been actively involved in backing companies like Emerge and Bloxx, both of which are making waves in the New Zealand fintech landscape. The fund's commitment to investing in local fintech startups continues to drive its growth and influence in the sector.
What are the investment criteria for NZ Fintech Fund?
NZFF focuses on early to growth-stage fintech companies based in New Zealand, particularly in sectors such as lending, neobanks, embedded finance, and RegTech. The fund looks for founders who understand the regulatory landscape and can articulate their business model's compliance aspects.
How can I apply or pitch to NZ Fintech Fund?
Founders can initiate the pitch process by sending an email to hello@nzfintech.vc. The process typically involves an initial conversation, followed by deeper diligence on market, compliance, technology, financials, and growth plans.
What makes NZ Fintech Fund different from other investors?
NZFF specializes in fintech investments and provides sector-specific capital, connections, and expertise. The team's extensive experience in financial services allows them to offer valuable guidance to portfolio companies navigating the complexities of the fintech landscape.
What is the geographic scope of NZ Fintech Fund?
The fund exclusively invests in fintech companies based in New Zealand or those with a strong connection to the region, ensuring a focus on local innovation.
What is the typical check size for investments?
NZFF typically invests between NZ$100,000 and NZ$500,000 in its portfolio companies, allowing for flexibility in supporting various stages of growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
NZFF adds value through deep financial services expertise, connections to industry stakeholders, and guidance on navigating regulatory environments, helping founders scale their businesses effectively.
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