Launch Lab / Outset Ventures

Outset Ventures, based in Auckland, New Zealand, stands as a pivotal deep technology accelerator and venture fund, dedicated to nurturing science and engineering breakthroughs into globally significant companies. Their unique approach integrates specialised laboratory and workshop facilities with early-stage venture capital and hands-on operational support, forming a comprehensive platform for founders. The entity's origin traces back to 2016, evolving from LevelTwo Holdings, a company co-founded by Imche Fourie, Mat Rowe, and Will Barker to lease and operate former government research facilities. These facilities boast a rich history spanning two decades as a birthplace for numerous science and engineering ventures.

Outset Ventures targets visionary founders who are developing complex, hard-to-replicate deep technologies, rather than pure software solutions, that address global problems and possess significant market potential. They specifically seek New Zealand-based companies with international ambitions, investing across pre-seed, seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. The firm's investment strategy focuses on sectors such as energy, aerospace, advanced materials, industrial chemistry, biotech, med-tech, waste-to-value, and future food. This multi-faceted support model, combining infrastructure, capital, and expertise, positions Outset Ventures as New Zealand's only technology incubator with flexible laboratory and workshop facilities specifically designed for early-stage deep technology startups.

A key differentiator for Outset Ventures is its robust infrastructure, including certifications for GMO experimentation, providing unique containment laboratories essential for certain biotech ventures. [cite: 22 in previous output] The leadership team, comprising seasoned deep technology founders and operators such as Mat Rowe (Founder), Angus Blair (General Partner), Dr Sean Simpson (Investment Committee Member for Fund II), and Sir Peter Beck (Investment Committee Member for Fund II), brings over a century of combined experience in start-up development, commercialisation, and successful exits. [cite: 4, 9, 13, 26 in previous output] This founder-led ethos ensures a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, prioritising founder ownership and independence. [cite: 9, 26 in previous output]

Outset Ventures has an impressive track record of fostering innovative companies, notably being the birthplace of Rocket Lab and LanzaTech, alongside other successful ventures like Mint Innovation and Ternary. As of June 2024, their portfolio includes investments in 41 companies, featuring one unicorn (Halter), two IPOs (LanzaTech and Rocket Lab), and one acquisition (Toku Eyes). [cite: 9 in previous output] The firm successfully raised $12 million for its first fund in 2021 and exceeded its target for a second fund, securing $41.5 million in 2025, which included a significant contribution from the Crown-backed Elevate funds. This capital is being deployed to back the next generation of deep technology startups, further solidifying New Zealand's position in the global deep tech landscape.