NZVC Portfolio Day

David Inggs is a technology executive with over 25 years of experience scaling companies from start-up to publicly listed, with a technical background in high-load cloud platforms and robotics. He co-founded Rocos, acquired by DroneDeploy in 2021, and now leads the Ground Robotics team at DroneDeploy, drawing on global experience across APAC, the US and Japan.

Derek Handley is a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and the founder of Aera. He is the driving force behind the Aera platform, a groundbreaking financial app designed to help New Zealanders accelerate their journey to homeownership through high-yield savings and innovative investment pathways. With his proven ability to seamlessly blend purpose-driven business and financial technology, Derek consistently delivers forward-thinking solutions that tackle real-world economic challenges.

Dermot Butterfield is CEO and Founder of Wych, a global open data platform helping organisations securely access and use customer data through a single, fast-to-implement API. The platform gives businesses of any size — without large technology budgets or in-house compliance teams — the ability to build better products through data transfer, insights, payments and more. Wych currently operates across Australia and New Zealand.

Eric Laakmann is a marine technology pioneer and the CEO and Co-Founder of Vessev. He leads the development of industry-defining electric hydrofoil vessels, creating scalable solutions that bring zero-emission, high-efficiency transport to the commercial boating sector. With his proven ability to seamlessly blend cutting-edge engineering with practical maritime design, Eric consistently delivers innovations that are reshaping the future of our waterways.

Erika Palmer is Co-founder and CEO of Cupla, an app helping couples strengthen their relationships through better communication and quality time. A Chartered Accountant by background, she is now based between Auckland and San Francisco as she scales Cupla globally.

Hamish Mathieson is the Chief Revenue Officer at Tracksuit. Leading the company's revenue, customer, and demand generation teams, Hamish is on a mission to bring brand data into every boardroom. He provides actionable, always-on insights that empower marketers and executives to easily quantify and communicate the value of their brand.

Hendrik's venture journey began in Europe, leading the expansion of Founders Intelligence before its acquisition by Accenture. At Merantix, he helped build Europe's leading AI venture studio and co-founded AI House Davos. Now based in Australia, he's passionate about scaling ANZ startups globally.

James Pinner is an experienced investor specializing in global-facing New Zealand startups and venture capital funds. With an extensive corporate finance background spanning startups to multinational corporations, he brings global expertise in M&A, capital restructuring, and governance. James is a Fellow of the ICAEW, a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and a strategic advisor across diverse sectors including Tech, Biotech, Media, and Natural Resources.

Leighton Roberts is an entrepreneur, innovator, and the co-founder of Sharesies. With a mission to break down the wealth divide, Sharesies is an innovative fintech platform that empowers anyone to start investing and building wealth, regardless of their budget. A natural problem-solver who loves turning ideas into business reality, Leighton brings invaluable insights into financial education, innovation, and scaling successful startups.

A serial entrepreneur who exited his first company, Piper, after raising $15M from top-tier investors. Mark arrived in New Zealand as an Edmund Hillary Fellow just before the 2020 lockdown and saw an opportunity to empower Kiwi founders with global ambition.

Saba Samiei is a passionate advocate dedicated to demystifying artificial intelligence and making it accessible and understandable for everyone. Deeply focused on the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI, she works to educate the public on how this technology will fundamentally reshape our lives and decision-making. By exploring the complex "why, what, and how" of AI's global impact, she strives to ensure society builds a safer, more informed future.

With over 17 years of experience working in payments across the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand, Shaun has built and led high-growth payment companies from startups to publicly listed organisations. He is a seasoned financial services entrepreneur with expertise in building and scaling regulated and unregulated solutions for enterprise and early-stage startups. Shaun has a passion for unlocking revenue with seamless customer experiences.

Shyeon Delnawaz is an innovative entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing the management and maintenance of pipe infrastructure. Through Puralink, a pioneering robotics platform, he leverages cutting-edge technology to solve complex pipeline challenges and significantly improve operational efficiency. His work focuses on transforming traditional infrastructure operations into streamlined, tech-driven solutions.

Steph Kennard is a self-taught graphic designer, web engineer, and the founder of the creative agency Charlie & Co. She is also the creator of Bonnet, a groundbreaking vehicle service app that quickly reached #1 in New Zealand and now manages over 60,000 vehicles. With her proven ability to seamlessly blend design and technology, Steph consistently delivers innovative, industry-leading digital solutions.