Wellington tech sector posts record quarter for early-stage funding
Wellington startups raised $86 million in early-stage funding in the first quarter of 2026, the strongest result on record for the capital.
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Wellington's technology sector has posted its strongest quarter on record for early-stage funding, with local startups raising a combined $86 million between January and March.
Data compiled by NZ Growth Capital Partners shows the capital outraised Auckland on a per-capita basis for the first time since 2019. Climate and govtech firms accounted for more than half of the total.
Sector body NZTech said the result reflected "the maturation of a generation of Wellington founders" that came out of the 2018-2022 cohort. "These are companies on their second and third raises now."
Several of the largest cheques came from offshore funds, which industry observers say reflects renewed international interest in the New Zealand market following the government's overhaul of the active investor visa.
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