MOVAC

Movac is a prominent New Zealand-based venture capital firm, widely recognised as the country's most experienced and successful technology investor. Established in 1998 by founding partner Phil McCaw, the firm initially grew out of Abbott, McCaw, Richter & Associates, a systems integration and management consulting firm, providing a robust platform for investing in burgeoning Kiwi tech enterprises. Movac operates as a full lifecycle technology investor, providing essential capital, extensive experience, and valuable networks to New Zealand founders and leaders aiming to scale their technology businesses globally.

The firm's investment philosophy is characterised by a 'high touch, high conviction, and low-volume' approach, fostering deep relationships with its portfolio companies. [cite: 14 in previous thought, 23 in previous thought] Movac prides itself on being a patient and long-term partner, committed to supporting businesses through multiple funding rounds and being actively involved at the board level. This hands-on engagement is guided by a strong focus on team quality, product innovation, technological strength, and demonstrable market traction. Movac distinguishes itself by backing companies that not only exhibit high growth potential and innovative solutions but also align with its core values of integrity and honesty, often referred to as 'the Kiwi way'.

Over more than two decades, Movac has achieved significant milestones, including raising over $400 million NZD across its funds and investing over $412 million NZD into New Zealand technology companies. [cite: 15, 16 in previous thought] Their track record includes more than ten successful exits, featuring iconic Kiwi brands such as Trade Me, which saw an NZX IPO and later a $2.6 billion sale, GreenButton, acquired by Microsoft, and PowerbyProxi, which was sold to Apple for $300 million. [cite: 1, 2 in previous thought, 11] Movac has also supported the growth of a unicorn company, Crimson Education, which achieved this status in 2024. [cite: 13 in previous thought] The firm continues to lead significant funding rounds, such as its $15 million NZD investment in LawVu and its recent investment in Re-Leased, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to nurturing New Zealand's tech ecosystem. [cite: 8 in previous thought]

Movac's leadership team comprises seasoned professionals with deep operational and investment experience. Key partners include Phil McCaw, the Founding Partner, David Beard, who focuses on deal evaluation and deep tech opportunities, Mark Vivian, responsible for investor relations and fundraising, Mark Stuart, a pioneer in university research commercialisation, and Jason Graham, with extensive experience in SaaS and Deeptech. These leaders bring a collective century of experience in commercialising and growing businesses, underpinning Movac’s capability to drive sustainable growth and foster global success for its portfolio companies.