We are thrilled to announce the launch of Quidnet Ventures Fund II – The Discovery Fund – aimed at discovering and fuelling the next generation of groundbreaking Kiwi deeptech founders.

Since launching our inaugural fund in 2021, Quidnet Ventures has established itself as a premier early-stage venture capital firm focused exclusively on New Zealand’s most promising deeptech startups. With Fund I tracking for top-quartile performance, we’ve demonstrated our ability to identify, support, and scale New Zealand’s most innovative companies.

I’ve also had a long-term interest in wine. I’ve been involved in the New Zealand wine industry for more than 20 years. While immersing myself in the wine industry, I came across the word, “terroir.” In France, terroir captures the idea that wine is influenced by the land on which the grapes are grown, the weather conditions and the local culture of wine makers.

As I have become more engaged with the New Zealand innovation economy, I feel that terroir applies also to innovation ecosystems. Aoteoroa’s unique combination of location, physical geography and Kiwi culture creates a great crucible for innovation.

Drawing on his science education, tech career, an extensive US network, and long-time connection with New Zealand, Dr Mark Bregman of Quidnet Ventures champions science-based Kiwi startups demonstrating a “terroir” of innovation.

For Bregman, one of the key attractions of Kiwi innovation has been that famous No. 8 wire thinking. He uses the viticulture term “terroir”, defined as the blend of factors – the soil, climate, terrain and human input – that shape the unique qualities of a wine.