Phase One Ventures

Phase One Ventures is a New Zealand early-stage venture fund and incubator founded in 2020 and based in Auckland. The organisation operates through three linked activities: a founder community established in 2020, a growth incubation programme, and a venture fund launched in April 2021. It backs NZ-founded, customer-focused technology startups with global ambitions, typically at pre-seed and seed stage.

The fund co-invests in pre-seed and seed rounds of New Zealand-founded companies, with typical investments of NZ$25,000 to NZ$100,000. Portfolio companies are generally headquartered in or have substantial operations in New Zealand, with a focus on founders building for international markets. The first fund holds a portfolio of early-stage technology companies.

Alongside capital, Phase One Ventures provides hands-on incubation support: community events, shared spaces, founder dinners, weekly incubation calls and pitch practice, plus connections to experienced operators, advisors and peers. The model combines community-led founder development with investment, supporting portfolio companies as they prepare to scale and meet global investors.