Pacific Channel

Pacific Channel is a prominent venture creation, development, and investment firm based in Auckland, New Zealand, established in 2006. It specializes in fostering start-up and early-stage companies within the life sciences and clean-tech sectors. The firm leverages its expertise, seed funds, and connections to external capital to support the creation and growth of innovative ventures, particularly targeting markets in the United States, Europe, and East Asia. Since its inception, Pacific Channel has invested over NZD 25 million in seed and early-stage funding across 16 New Zealand-based companies, facilitating a total of 35 investment deals. The firm collaborates with the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund and various wealthy co-investors to further its mission of advancing deep-tech innovations.

Richard Pinfold

Principal

Marny Reakes

Venture Partner

Past deals in New Zealand

Vortex Power Systems

Venture Round in 2023
Vortex Power Systems Limited, founded in 2017 and based in Auckland, New Zealand, specializes in developing innovative technology that captures and converts low-grade waste heat from existing thermal power stations into electricity. The company’s proprietary system creates and controls a vortex in the atmosphere, generating winds that drive a power generation turbine. By utilizing waste heat energy that is typically lost in thermal processes, Vortex Power Systems aims to enhance the efficiency of power generation while providing a zero-carbon solution for energy production. This approach not only supports energy industries and corporate clients in reducing their carbon emissions but also addresses the growing need for sustainable energy solutions in the context of global warming.

Tectonus

Venture Round in 2022
Tectonus Limited is an Auckland-based company that specializes in the manufacture of earthquake-resilient structural joints and connectors. Founded in 2016, Tectonus develops innovative seismic technology aimed at reducing the impact of earthquakes on buildings. Its product line includes various connectors, such as the RSFJ-Tbrace, RSFJ-Brace, RSFJ-Shearwall, and RSFJ-MRF, which are designed for use in both new construction and retrofitting projects. These self-centering seismic connections enhance the safety and durability of structures by effectively resisting earthquake forces and minimizing damage during seismic events and aftershocks. Tectonus's solutions cater to construction companies looking to improve building resilience and reduce risks associated with earthquakes.

Formus

Seed Round in 2022
Formus specializes in personalized orthopedics by leveraging artificial intelligence and computational biomechanics to enhance pre-operative planning for joint replacement surgeries. With a foundation in two decades of musculoskeletal research, the company has developed a 3D planning platform that is FDA, PMDA, and TGA cleared, successfully planning over 3,000 hip replacement surgeries across more than 25 locations in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States. By collaborating with implant manufacturers, Formus integrates its technology into existing medical workflows, aiming to reduce costs while improving the reliability and scalability of orthopedic procedures. Its innovative approach allows surgeons to tailor surgical plans to the individual needs of patients, ultimately enhancing surgical outcomes and advancing the field of orthopedics.

CertusBio

Funding Round in 2021
CertusBio Limited specializes in developing biosensor monitoring technologies aimed at enhancing industrial and environmental monitoring. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, the company offers solutions for real-time data access across various process industries, including food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Its biosensor technology is particularly beneficial for dairy processors, enabling them to monitor critical parameters such as lactose, proteins, and bacteria continuously. This capability allows for data-driven decision-making that improves operational efficiency, minimizes product losses, and reduces wastewater treatment costs. Additionally, CertusBio's technologies are applicable in sectors like wastewater treatment and agriculture, making them versatile tools for promoting sustainability and efficiency in industrial processes.

Vortex Power Systems

Seed Round in 2021
Vortex Power Systems Limited, founded in 2017 and based in Auckland, New Zealand, specializes in developing innovative technology that captures and converts low-grade waste heat from existing thermal power stations into electricity. The company’s proprietary system creates and controls a vortex in the atmosphere, generating winds that drive a power generation turbine. By utilizing waste heat energy that is typically lost in thermal processes, Vortex Power Systems aims to enhance the efficiency of power generation while providing a zero-carbon solution for energy production. This approach not only supports energy industries and corporate clients in reducing their carbon emissions but also addresses the growing need for sustainable energy solutions in the context of global warming.

InsituGen

Seed Round in 2020
InsituGen Ltd specializes in hormone testing to detect anabolic drugs in biological samples from racehorses and supplements intended for athletes and racehorses. Founded in 2017 and based in New Zealand, the company operates as a subsidiary of University of Otago Holdings Limited. InsituGen employs unique cell-free bioassays that replicate natural biological signaling pathways of estrogen and androgen receptors, allowing it to detect both known and unknown compounds that may interfere with these steroid hormone receptors. This testing platform is designed to enhance screening for anabolic drugs, including designer substances, and supports various applications, including antidoping efforts, companion animal wellness, and monitoring endocrine-disrupting compounds in water supplies. InsituGen’s services are characterized by their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, adaptability, speed, sensitivity, and accuracy, positioning the company as a leader in the field of hormone detection.

Tectonus

Seed Round in 2020
Tectonus Limited is an Auckland-based company that specializes in the manufacture of earthquake-resilient structural joints and connectors. Founded in 2016, Tectonus develops innovative seismic technology aimed at reducing the impact of earthquakes on buildings. Its product line includes various connectors, such as the RSFJ-Tbrace, RSFJ-Brace, RSFJ-Shearwall, and RSFJ-MRF, which are designed for use in both new construction and retrofitting projects. These self-centering seismic connections enhance the safety and durability of structures by effectively resisting earthquake forces and minimizing damage during seismic events and aftershocks. Tectonus's solutions cater to construction companies looking to improve building resilience and reduce risks associated with earthquakes.

PowerON

PowerON Ltd. specializes in the development and manufacturing of devices utilizing dielectric elastomer (DE) switch technology. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, with an additional facility in Dresden, Germany, the company produces a range of electromechanical and semiconductor products, including customizable switches, actuators, signal processors, sensors, and logic devices. PowerON's innovative components are designed for applications in soft robotics, human-machine interfaces, and automation, offering advantages in size, weight, and durability under harsh environmental conditions. Their technology allows for the creation of multifunctional sensors and actuators that replace complex and heavy electromagnetic systems with more efficient single-component solutions.

Avertana

Avertana Limited is a company based in Auckland, New Zealand, that specializes in converting industrial waste into valuable mineral and chemical raw materials. Founded in 2012, it employs proprietary process technology to refine solid waste streams, producing essential products such as titanium dioxide for paints, alum for water purification, gypsum for construction materials, and Epsom salts for various applications. Avertana serves multiple industries, including industrial, agricultural, municipal water, consumer goods, mining, and chemical processing. The company emphasizes sustainability by offering a cost-competitive alternative to traditional manufacturing methods, significantly reducing environmental impact by minimizing waste and carbon emissions. Through its innovative approach, Avertana supports customers in building more sustainable supply chains while addressing the needs of a growing global market.

Regen

Regen Limited is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in cloud-based precision effluent and irrigation decision support tools for farmers. Established in 2010 and located in Wellington, the company provides two main solutions: Regen Effluent, which assists farmers in managing effluent irrigation, and Regen Water, which offers daily recommendations for optimal irrigation timing and quantity. Utilizing scientific expertise and data analysis, Regen's software integrates weather, soil, and environmental data to deliver precise, automated recommendations. This enables farmers to maintain pasture health while minimizing water usage and reducing nitrate leaching. As of September 2020, Regen Limited operates as a subsidiary of CropX Inc.

InsituGen

InsituGen Ltd specializes in hormone testing to detect anabolic drugs in biological samples from racehorses and supplements intended for athletes and racehorses. Founded in 2017 and based in New Zealand, the company operates as a subsidiary of University of Otago Holdings Limited. InsituGen employs unique cell-free bioassays that replicate natural biological signaling pathways of estrogen and androgen receptors, allowing it to detect both known and unknown compounds that may interfere with these steroid hormone receptors. This testing platform is designed to enhance screening for anabolic drugs, including designer substances, and supports various applications, including antidoping efforts, companion animal wellness, and monitoring endocrine-disrupting compounds in water supplies. InsituGen’s services are characterized by their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, adaptability, speed, sensitivity, and accuracy, positioning the company as a leader in the field of hormone detection.
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