Sparkbox Ventures

Sparkbox Ventures is a New Zealand-based venture capital firm that has been investing in early-stage technology companies since 2001. The firm focuses on high-growth sectors such as SaaS, diagnostics, and communications, supporting innovative companies across the Asia-Pacific region. Sparkbox Ventures operates multiple investment vehicles, including the GD1 Seed Programme and GD1 Fund II, which invest in pre-seed to Series A stages. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies like Xero, Mish Guru, and Auror. Sparkbox Ventures emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a network of partners to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within New Zealand and the broader Asia-Pacific region, aiming to create significant economic impact through successful investments.

Sparkbox Ventures is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, and has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The firm's investment strategy is centered around sectors such as SaaS, diagnostics, communications, biotechnology, clean technology, healthcare services, internet/web services, mobile, software, material science, medical and diagnostic technology, and internet and cloud services. Sparkbox Ventures typically invests between $1 million and $5 million in early-stage companies, aiming to support entrepreneurs from the seed stage through to scale. The firm's approach combines ethical funding practices with long-term backing, strengthening the startup ecosystem and preparing private companies for expansion.

Sparkbox Ventures has a track record of successful investments, including backing companies like Xero, Mish Guru, and Auror. The firm operates with a philosophy centered around assisting founders to successfully realize their global business vision. As entrepreneurs first and investors second, Sparkbox Ventures enjoys building high-growth global business enterprises that, through their success, are capable of making a difference to the New Zealand economy by creating jobs, developing national entrepreneurship, and thereby creating an early-stage ecosystem. The firm's commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting entrepreneurs has made it a key player in New Zealand's venture capital landscape, contributing significantly to the growth and success of numerous startups in the region.