Insights
How to Find Angel Investors in New Zealand: Networks, Intros & Pitching Tips
Are you an early-stage New Zealand tech founder who’s on the hunt for angel investors? Then you need practical guidelines on who to approach, how to pitch and what it actually takes to raise funding in Aotearoa.
We’ve curated a list of the most active angel networks and individuals in New Zealand, along with real-world advice on how to approach them, the amount of money they tend to invest and which sectors they’re most passionate about.
Whether you’re in your early-stage startup era or looking to top up your pre-seed round, consider this a definitive guide to finding your way around the NZ angel investor ecosystem.
Angel investors normally fund startups at the earliest stages, providing between $50,000 and $500,000 in exchange for equity (usually 5%–20%). New Zealand angel investors are often successful entrepreneurs who offer mentorship, strategic advice and connections as well as funding.
Given New Zealand’s small market, many are keen to support startups with international potential and scalable models (think SaaS, healthtech, fintech, climate tech, agritech). They also want to see that you’ve got the basics sorted: a clear business model, early signs of traction and a capable founding team.
AANZ is a national organisation connecting startup founders with experienced angel investors across New Zealand. It can help you tap into a nationwide network of high-net-worth individuals, venture capitalists and startup investment supporters who actively back early-stage companies.
AANZ also offers educational resources and information about investor events to add to your knowledge base and networking strategy.
Enterprise Angels, based in Tauranga, is one of New Zealand's most established angel networks. It offers both individual investor access and managed funds (like EA Fund 4 under the Active Investor Plus Visa), making it easy to raise capital and gain mentorship.
FKA is an active network that operates the ADI.Clinic programme, offering startup founders free 30-minute sessions with experienced angel investors across New Zealand. The network can provide you with practical advice, warm intros and potential funding pathways in a low-pressure environment.
Angel HQ is a Wellington-based angel investing network focusing on connecting founders from a range of tech sectors with investors, experts and strategic support.
MAI is active in Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown and Wanaka. Dedicated to lifting the startup ecosystem in regional areas, it provides strong mentoring alongside capital.
While angel networks are powerful, individual investors often provide targeted capital and mentorship aligned with specific industries or philosophies.
These investors are active in New Zealand’s early-stage ecosystem and have supported well-known startups.
Founder of The Warehouse Group and a key player in New Zealand's investment community through his K1W1 fund, Stephen Tindall has been instrumental in supporting numerous tech startups, including Xero and Rocket Lab. He remains one of the country's most influential angel investors.
Wellington-based angel investor and founding partner of Movac, Phil McCaw, is known for supporting consumer-focused technology companies. His portfolio includes successful organisations like Goodnest and CloudCannon.
New Zealand-based entrepreneur and active angel investor, Mark Hurley’s portfolio includes investments in Sharesies and First AML. He formerly founded Little Giant (acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network) and is now co-founder of Jasper.
Chintaka Ranatunga is co-founder of Icehouse Ventures and an Auckland-based angel investor supporting high-growth tech companies across SaaS, fintech and future industries.
Wellington-based investor and former software founder, Serge van Dam is a long-time supporter of high-growth SaaS and fintech startups.
A member of AngelHQ and the recipient of the Angel Association’s Arch Angel award, he has backed companies including Montoux, CoGo and Landlord Studio, and is known for combining capital with deep go-to-market and scaling expertise.
Chris Sang is a Sydney-based angel investor with strong New Zealand connections, known for backing early-stage startups in AI and enterprise SaaS. He brings cross-border perspective and strategic insight to the teams he backs.
Xero co-founder Philip Fierlinger is a well-regarded angel investor and startup mentor. Involved in ventures like Upstock and ADI.Clinic, he’s helping shape New Zealand’s next generation of SaaS success stories.
An emerging player in New Zealand’s angel scene, Harry Uffindell has built a reputation for backing bold early-stage startups in digital product and AI-driven sectors. He’s known for supporting founders beyond funding, including offering advice on product strategy and go-to-market planning.
An active angel investor and CEO of the Angel Association New Zealand, Bridget Unsworth is a member of AngelHQ and a prominent advocate for early-stage investing.
Drawing on her background leading investments at NZGCP’s Aspire Fund and serving on boards including TracPlus and Invest South, she supports founders through both capital networks and sector expertise.
Finding the right investor is about fostering meaningful connections, rather than just Googling names and making cold calls. Here’s how to get a foot in the door.
Use LinkedIn, founder communities or shared connections to gain introductions. It’s also helpful to attend demo days, pitch events or use advisors from incubator programmes like Creative HQ or Icehouse.
Apply to pitch nights and ADI.Clinic programme sessions, or get in touch with networks like Enterprise Angels for advice and success.
Have a clear 10-slide deck that covers:
Be ready to answer questions around valuation, milestones and exit potential.
Investors are backing you, not just your idea, so be sure to show up with clarity, coachability and a realistic funding plan.
When pitching to investors, you want to show that you have a capable and committed founding team, proof of traction (including users, revenue and partnerships), a scalable business model (ideally with international potential), a clear go-to-market strategy and a well-structured cap table and funding ask.
Avoid buzzwords or inflated projections and focus on demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and thoroughly understand your market.
What is the average angel investment in New Zealand?
Usually $50K to $500K, depending on the stage and investor group.
Do angel investors in NZ take equity?
Yes. Typically 5% to 20% equity is exchanged for capital.
Can I raise angel funding without a network?
It’s harder, but possible. Leverage demo days, LinkedIn outreach, incubator programmes, and pitch nights to build relationships.
How long does it take to raise angel capital?
Anywhere from four to 12 weeks, depending on due diligence, funding structure and whether the investor already knows you.
What sectors are angel investors most interested in?
SaaS, fintech, healthtech, agritech, climate tech, and export-oriented B2C tech products.
New Zealand has a vibrant and growing angel investment community that can be invaluable to startups. Access it effectively by focusing on clarity, a strong narrative and the ability to build trust quickly.
If you’re ready to raise funding, get started with networks like Enterprise Angels, FKA, or Angel HQ. Not quite there yet? Head to an ADI.Clinic session to get your pitch investor-ready.
Need help refining your pitch or identifying aligned investors? Reach out to the team at Atlas Digital. We support ambitious Kiwi founders at every stage of the funding journey.
Planning your funding journey? Explore our comprehensive guide to startup incubators and accelerators in New Zealand to strengthen your pitch, or review our list of venture capital companies in New Zealand for your next funding round.
