Sprout

Sprout is New Zealand's leading early-stage startup accelerator and investor, based in Palmerston North. Established in 2015, the organisation is dedicated to backing bold founders across the agrifood value chain, transforming breakthrough science and innovative ideas into globally scalable ventures. Sprout provides comprehensive support encompassing early-stage funding, hands-on venture assistance, and powerful industry partnerships that accelerate market entry and international expansion. Their unique model acts as an ecosystem catalyst, connecting startups with industry stakeholders, bridging local innovation with global markets, and aligning capital with groundbreaking solutions.

The accelerator serves a diverse cohort of agritech and foodtech entrepreneurs, ranging from those with nascent ideas and prototypes to ventures in early market launch stages. A distinctive aspect of the Sprout Accelerator is that no fees or equity exchange are required for participation, making it highly accessible for promising startups. Beyond the core accelerator program, Sprout also offers the 'Germinate' programme, specifically designed to empower scientists, researchers, and post-graduate students to translate their innovations into commercially viable solutions through customer validation and mentorship.

Under the leadership of CEO Sandhya Sriram, Sprout has cultivated a robust network of experts, mentors, and advisors who provide specialised domain knowledge and crucial industry connections. This hands-on approach positions Sprout more as a co-founder than a traditional venture capital entity, actively facilitating opportunities such as initial corporate pilot customers for research-based ventures. Key achievements include supporting over 110 early-stage ventures, whose alumni have collectively raised in excess of $60 million in capital. Sprout also manages a significant pre-seed investment fund, providing up to $1 million in funding to qualifying New Zealand-based companies that graduate from the accelerator or demonstrate exceptional potential.

Sprout’s focus extends beyond mere acceleration, aiming to address critical global challenges within the agrifood sector, from farm to fork. Their programmes actively scout for technologies and startups capable of driving transformational impact, including those in deep tech, climate tech, and advanced digital solutions. By fostering an environment where innovation thrives, Sprout plays a pivotal role in enabling New Zealand's agrifood technologies to achieve global reach and make a significant international impact.