More Than Just Capital
We roll up our sleeves and build alongside you. As New Zealand’s only dedicated deep tech incubator with a truly global footprint, we bridge the gap between local innovation and international scale.
Global Reach
We are part of the Bridgewest Group, a US-based global network. We open doors to international markets, partners, and customers that others can’t.
Commercial Experience
Great science needs a great business model. We work alongside you to refine your strategy, avoid pitfalls, and build the team needed to scale.
Deep Tech Native
We understand the R&D lifecycle. We know that deep tech takes time, and we provide the patient capital and specialized labs to support it.
Are we a match?
We are looking for New Zealand-based founders solving hard problems with proprietary technology. If you are operating in these verticals, we want to hear from you.
CLEAN TECH
AI/ML
MEDTECH
Life Sciences
Not sure if you fit? We are always open to hearing about breakthrough ideas in adjacent deep tech fields.
ADVANCED SENSORS
EXPLORE THE STAGES
Click on each stage of the funnel below to see exactly what to expect as we move from our first coffee to a global joint venture.
Initial Connection
General time frame: 2 working days
So you've got a great idea, how do you get the ball rolling? The first step is to connect with us, which you can do via our website, by connecting directly with one of our team members, or via a referral. It's that easy.
First Assessment
General time frame: 1 week
If your offering meets the Deep Tech Incubator’s Criteria we’ll review what you have submitted and reach out for more information, likely over a casual conversation. If your idea doesn’t meet our criteria we’ll give our feedback and try to help you find the best path forward.
Formal Meeting
General time frame: 1 week
If we think its worth discussing the partnership opportunity further we will ask for a follow on meeting to discuss this in more detail. In the first formal meeting we explore the opportunity for Bridgewest to add velocity to the commercial path for your technology.
Internal Approval
General time frame: 2 weeks
If we think there is a strong potential to partner with you then we present internally to our Investment Committee. Our investment committee includes the Bridgewest founders and several executives of their successfully exited start ups. They meet every second week, and we are able to get their feedback and connections to relevant industry experts from the wider ecosystem. Progress on our due diligence is also reported fortnightly to the committee.
Memorandum of Understanding
General time frame: Up to 90 days
If the Investment Committee believe there is potential then we move forward with our in-depth Due Diligence (DD) activities. This is when we draft and agree a DD plan with you to validate the technology/market, build an investment proposition and define a workable partnership.
Pre-Incubation Grant
General time frame: Within the 90 day MoU period
If we need help from experts outside the Bridgewest Ecosystem, we will apply for a pre-incubation grant from Callaghan Innovation. This grant is intended to explore the commercial viability of the potential Joint Venture.
Join Venture Formed
General time frame: 4 weeks
Bridgewest Investment and Callaghan Innovation Repayable Grant Awarded
Finally we present the business plan and investment proposition to our Investment committee for funding approval. If they invest, then we are able to apply to Callaghan Innovation for the Repayable Grant which will match the funding from Bridgewest 3:1. If BVNZ invest $250K then Callaghan Innovation lend $750K to the Joint Venture.
The Toolkit for Success
We understand that deep tech is unique. There is no standard playbook, so we don't force one on you. We tailor our incubation and investment support to the specific maturity and technical needs of your venture, to bridge the gap between innovation and impact.
Mentorship: Access to C-level executives who have built and sold deep tech companies.
Infrastructure: Access to wet labs, R&D facilities, and office space (where applicable).
Talent: Recruitment support to help you hire the engineers and commercial leaders you need.
Governance: We help structure your board and governance to prepare you for future Series A/B raises.
Ready to Build the Future?
Applications are open year-round. If you have a vision for a world-changing technology, take the first step today.