nzherald.co.nzThe cited sources give this account (ad): New Zealand startups are increasingly relocating to the US to access larger markets and deeper pools of capital, with Icehouse Ventures providing support and a soft landing for early-stage companies. Mason Bleakley, a principal at Icehouse Ventures, explains that the move to the US is driven by the need for Kiwi founders to build for overseas markets, particularly the US, from an early stage. Icehouse Ventures is helping Kiwi founders navigate the US tech scene by providing resources and connections, as Mason Bleakley notes, aiming to support early-stage companies and find the right communities and people to meet with.
While the government (ad) supports businesses moving to the US, Icehouse Ventures focuses on providing early support to companies that might not receive immediate government assistance. This helps Kiwi founders navigate the US tech scene more smoothly, especially those building from the US initially and seeking to maintain connections with New Zealand investors.
Icehouse (ad) Ventures is working with both existing portfolio companies expanding to the US and new founders building from the US, often with New Zealand capital behind them. This approach helps provide a soft landing for Kiwi founders navigating America's tech scene, as there is less government support for early-stage businesses in New Zealand.
Mason Bleakley (ad) obtained an O1 visa, which is challenging but provides a pathway for exceptional talent to move to the US. Similar initiatives are being discussed for bringing talent to New Zealand, aiming to support early-stage companies and bridge gaps in local ecosystems. Bleakley leads efforts to help Kiwi startups navigate the US tech scene, noting the need for a landing pad for those expanding there.
Bleakley (ad) emphasizes the importance of making it as easy as possible for talent to move to New Zealand and support companies with a global mindset. However, many Kiwi startups are now heading directly to the U.S., which is why Bleakley is working to provide a soft landing for them there. This shift highlights the need for New Zealand to develop a more supportive ecosystem for its early-stage companies, both at home and abroad.