Published Aug 13, 2025
More than $7 million invested and 13 companies set up since 2018.
In 2018 Wellington UniVentures (WUV), the commercialisation arm of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, began a partnership with financial services company Booster NZ—a partnership that has seen Booster invest over $7 million in 13 businesses spun out from the University.
An event held last week to mark the success of this partnership saw members of the public sector, investors and stakeholders, and the wider innovation community gather to gain insights into what it means to set up a new business in Wellington.
Delivering the opening address, Honourable Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Universities and Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, outlined the importance of research that is combined with entrepreneurial drive. He noted the significant success that WUV has had in raising external funding to support the spinout companies, as well as the impact generated in wider society through the companies.
Minister Reti’s address was followed by founders from three spinout companies—Ged Finch from XFrame, Paul Geraghty from Liquium, and Eldon Tate from Inhibit Coatings—sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. From their inspiration and big challenges, to realising global potential, the session featured various aspects of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Guests then had the opportunity to engage and interact with the featured founders, as well as other companies that had been supported by the partnership between WUV and Booste.
Pierre Malou, Chief Executive Officer of WUV said, “We are passionate about supporting staff and students in their entrepreneurial journey, as they work through taking a concept from the ideas to market stage.
“The partnership with Booster has been vital in offering crucial initial financial support to companies that emerge from pioneering research undertaken at the University. I’m sure that over time, the companies will continue to grow, create jobs, and be attractive to other investors.”
Booster is one of six government-appointed default KiwiSaver scheme providers, with over $7 billion currently under management across KiwiSaver and other investment schemes. It has a particular focus on investment in New Zealand private businesses, including through its NZX-listed Booster Innovation Fund (BIF) portfolio that features companies spun out of UniVentures such as Liquium and Advemto.
Booster Chief Executive Di Papadopoulos says the partnership with WUV has played a crucial role in creating unique, productive businesses.
“Aotearoa New Zealand, and Wellington in particular, has a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem that Booster is proud to be a big part of, and universities have long been the place where deep science and research create good ideas. We were excited to begin this partnership in 2018 to explore how research could be commercialised to contribute to the wider New Zealand economy. Seven years on, it’s been wonderful to see the passion and dedication of researchers and students, and partner with them to bring about commercial opportunities from their hard work.
“Another important outcome is the multiplier effect, where after the original investment we made in these companies, they have gone on to raise further capital, totalling close to $62 million. The partnership has also resulted in jobs being created. Close to 80 people are working in the companies that Booster has supported that have been spun out of UniVentures,” she said.
Some of the companies that have been set up, as an outcome of the partnership include Bontia Bio, Advemto, Allegro, Rekover and Marama Labs.
For further details about Wellington UniVentures and the support that it offers, please email info@wellingtonuniventures.nz.
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