Investment Portfolio

Useful robots need to learn from vast amounts of accurate physical world data. Founded in 2022, Acumino eliminates the limitations of current physical world data collection by capturing data more naturally and efficiently, enabling large-scale, skilled robotic deployment.

Aravive is a late clinical-stage oncology company developing targeted therapeutics to treat metastatic disease. Its lead product candidate, Batiraxcept (formerly AVB-500), is an ultra-high-affinity decoy protein that binds to GAS6, the sole ligand that activates AXL, inhibiting metastasis, tumour growth, and restoring sensitivity to anti-cancer agents.

Founded in 2018, CAS (Codify Asset Solutions, formerly Compliance Audit Systems) is the developer of ACABIM, a computational engine that automates building and construction compliance auditing work. The software enables automatic checks to determine whether projects are compliant with regulations at all stages of the life cycle.

Founded in 2015, Cirrus Materials Science develops various novel coating technologies that can effectively and sustainably enhance a material’s properties such as resistance to wear and corrosion, aesthetics, thermal and electrical conductivity. These coating solutions have applications in the automotive, hi-tech manufacturing, electrical and aerospace industries.

Founded in 2015, Dotterel’s unique noise reduction and microphone array technology make it possible to capture clear sound even in the noisiest of environments, including on drones. The company’s microphone arrays and remote two-way communication technologies are finding applications in defence, emergency and entertainment.

Spun out from the University in 2016, EnPot (Energia Potior) changes the way smelters use energy to produce aluminium. Ultimately, the technology operates like a virtual battery capable of providing storage and back-up power to electricity grids in times of high energy demand or lower-than-normal generation.

Founded in 2016, Formus developed the world’s first AI-automated 3D planner for joint replacement surgeries. The technology allows clinicians to transform a scan into a fully interactive 3D model of joints such as the hip or knee, empowering patient-specific implant selection and placement. Formus raised US$5 million in 2022.

Founded in 2023, Gaiatech has developed a novel WAGs capture technology that offers a unique combination of higher anaesthetic gas removal efficiency, reduced capital and operational costs, and a simpler operation model. This innovation empowers hospitals and healthcare providers seeking to lead in emissions reduction and make a meaningful impact on climate change.

Founded in 2018, HeartLab has developed an AI-based technology that automates the repetitive and time-consuming tasks required for analysing echocardiograms and provides easy-to-interpret reports, allowing doctors to gather more information from echocardiograms in less time. In 2021, it raised $3.5 million to bring its technology to the US market.

Founded in 2020 as a spin-out from OcuNexus, which develops therapeutics for clinical needs in ophthalmology, InflammX is developing a drug to treat inflammation due to dysregulation of a newly discovered innate immune pathway called the inflammasome. The targeted indications are diabetic eye disease, diabetic kidney disease and macular degeneration.

Founded in 2018, JUNOFEM developed Femfit, a pelvic floor training system combining a medical device and app to help women who suffer from urinary incontinence. Femfit uses biofeedback to teach users the hard-to-learn exercises that can resolve symptoms. JUNOFEM raised $1 million in seed funding in 2021.

A spin-out from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Kitea Health has developed a next-generation implantable technology platform enabling the chronic measurement of pressure. With $6m in seed funding raised in 2023, the company is in the preclinical stage for its first clinical device for the management of hydrocephalus.

Founded in 2013, Mote provides real-time environmental and technical measurements and data services on an enterprise scale. Their sensor network solutions provide precision measurement and remote monitoring providing data critical for decision makers such as regulators, government, consultants, site operators – anyone needing information on air, water, geotechnical and structural matters.

As concerns about the climate and ethical impacts of the meat industry grow, so does interest in the potential of lab-grown meat. Opo Bio was born from University cell culture expertise and aims to be a cell line supplier to the cultivated (cultured) meat industry.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-out from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, PhaseFoam aims to commercialise a new heat-absorbing material with the potential to transform the cold chain and building industries. It encapsulates phase-change materials, which absorb or release heat as they change between liquid and solid states.

Rain Oncology was founded in 2017 as a precision oncology company leveraging a deep scientific knowledge of drug mechanism and designing clinical trials with the genetically selected patient populations most likely to benefit from treatment. Its lead product candidate, milademetan, is a small-molecule oral inhibitor of MDM2.

Founded in 2016, Soul Machines develops digital avatars that use AI to identify and respond to human emotions. In 2021, it entered into a five-year partnership agreement with Microsoft. After being adopted by multiple leading brands, Soul Machines raised $70 million in a Series B1 raise in 2022.

Founded in 2016, StrutFit is the developer of a footwear sizing platform using artificial intelligence and computer vision. The platform scans customers’ feet using a smartphone and enables them to virtually try on shoes that fit. This platform enables footwear retailers to boost their sales and reduce returns.

Founded in 2016, Tectonus developed seismic self-centring damper technology known as resilient slip friction joints. The technology allows structures to withstand earthquakes, reduce building damage, minimise loss of life and allow people to return to buildings quicker. Tectonus raised $8 million in 2022 to expand into the North American market.

Keratoconus, in which the cornea bulges outwards, resulting in deteriorating vision, is difficult to manage. University researchers have discovered a way to rebuild the cornea, potentially reversing the disease process and improving vision, using eye drops. TheiaNova is working to bring the science to clinical trials and eventually the market.

TrueSilence was founded in 2021 by Professor Grant Searchfield and two U.S. entrepreneurs to develop a non-invasive digital therapeutic that impacts the neural pathways that cause tinnitus. The system comprises passive and active game-based sound therapy and goal-based counselling, and is delivered using a smartphone and hardware including ear pods.

Founded in 2017, Zenno Astronautics is developing systems to enable fuel-free propulsion and orientation of satellites by using magnetic fields. The interaction between magnetic fields can move and orientate satellites. This is combined with software that remotely monitors and controls the satellite’s movement.