Astrolab works with ideas from across the country, with significant operations in Auckland and Christchurch. We’re easily accessible to innovators, universities, research institutes, and the business community including entrepreneurs.
Our ventures vary from initial concepts to fully developed ideas and we provide commercialisation expertise, financial backing, crucial go-to-market contacts, strategy and other business assets essential for success.
Astrolab works with innovators in a range of sectors including ICT, life science, clean-tech, IoT, devices, human performance, media, visualisation/VR/AR, agritech, and care/medical.
Astrolab’s Fund stimulates the founding and growth of our ventures and partnerships, to ensure projects are turbo-charged in the optimal direction. In addition, Astrolab partners with a range of other organisations to successfully seed and globally commercialise business ideas through to deep-tech intellectual property.
OUR TEAM
Brett Oliver
CEO/Director
15+ years’ experience in commercialisation & innovation activities. Roles included composite materials engineering, venture capital due-diligence, commercial and property finance, technology auditor and advisor at KPMG, commercialisation manager at NZ’s largest research organisation, and North Island Manager of Commercialisation, NZ national health innovation initiative.
Andrew Knox
COO/CFO
A NZ qualified Chartered Accountant, Andrew brings a broad range of experience having worked in private practice and global investment banks in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Andrew’s experience includes senior positions in Finance, Operations and ICT with particular emphasis on delivery of critical change projects and process optimisation. Andrew is passionate about the tech space particularly helping nurture world-class NZ entrepreneurs achieve on the world stage.
PATRICK BRAY
VENTURE PARTNER
Based between San Francisco and Tokyo, Patrick brings substantial expertise in managing collaboration and investment with globally based innovation partners. Secured 100+ partnerships between IP developers and industry matching complex IP to international demand. Excellent connections with North American, Asian VCs and global corporates.
Kate Wightman
Commercialisation Analyst
With experience in the angel investment sector, including as Partner of First Cut Ventures, Kate has extensive knowledge in investment due diligence and facilitating investment in start-up ventures across a wide range of sectors.
Having studied and worked in the Biotechnology field, Kate also brings expertise in the areas of Food Science, Microbiology and Agricultural Technology, and a keen interest in the Medical and Digital space.
Mario Vulinovich
Venture Partner
Mario is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur who is active in the New Zealand investment community. Mario was Country Chairman and Regional GM for Shell, he has extensive governance and strategic experience and has served on many boards. Not only has he held significant corporate roles locally and internationally he has also developed many businesses and, in addition to his Advisory Group and coaching roles, he currently continues to be closely involved with his own businesses.
David Steytler
GM Commercial & Legal
David is passionate about working with innovative businesses with a vision for making a global difference. David has held senior legal roles in private practice and the corporate world in New Zealand and Australia. With more than 15 years legal and commercial leadership experience, David has worked within and alongside businesses across a broad range of industries including ICT, mobile services, hospitality, retail, education, environmental solutions and aviation.
