Kia ora
International capital, big exits and a surprise unicorn. Kiwi tech is having a moment this week, showing the strength of the sector across the ditch.
With era-defining developments unfolding in the Middle East, you’d be forgiven for missing the fact that it’s been a banner week for Kiwi tech. International money has flowed in, and New Zealand’s biggest company has flexed its muscle abroad.
It all kicked off on Monday, when US payments processor Shift4 announced it would acquire payment terminal company Smartpay for $274 million.
The next day, agtech startup Halter became the first Antipodean startup to reach unicorn status this year. The company — which makes smart collars that control herds of cows — raised USD100 million ($153.1 million) at a USD1 billion valuation. It’s a win for Blackbird, which first backed Halter in its $32 million Series B in 2021.
Perhaps more significant is who led the funding round: BOND, the venture firm founded by vaunted analyst-turned-VC Mary Meeker. Her previous greenlights include Square, Airbnb and Canva.
