KiwiSaver backs Motion Capital: Fund I extended to $27.2M
We're pleased to share that Motion Capital's debut fund has been extended from $20M to $27.2M, with the $7.2M extension led by Pathfinder Asset Management - an ethically invested KiwiSaver provider and Motion Capital's first institutional investor.
It's a partnership that fits well. Pathfinder shares our conviction that climate impact and returns aren't a trade-off: the best companies win on cost and performance first, and decarbonisation follows. Having that thesis validated by an institutional investor of Pathfinder's standing is a genuine vote of confidence, both in our strategy and in New Zealand's climate-tech sector.
The extension proves something we care deeply about: KiwiSaver capital can flow straight into New Zealand's private markets. Everyday retirement savings can back local companies that create high-value jobs, generate exports and deliver positive impact - alongside returns. For Pathfinder members, it also opens access to an asset class beyond listed equities, with the diversification and long-term return potential that private markets can offer.
Pathfinder invests to do well and to do good, which is exactly how we think about climate-tech. The extension lets us go deeper into our best companies and back new ones - and it means more of New Zealanders' retirement savings going to work on problems worth solving here at home. Lachlan Nixon, Founding Partner, Motion Capital
This investment demonstrates how KiwiSaver capital can be a powerful force for both long-term wealth creation and positive change. We're giving Pathfinder members access to innovative New Zealand climate-tech companies that sit beyond public markets - opportunities most investors can't easily access. Kelly Tyne, Strategic Adviser for Private Assets, Pathfinder Asset Management
Motion Capital Fund I is already over half deployed across 13 exceptional Kiwi climate-tech companies, spanning battery recycling, critical-minerals processing and grid-optimisation software - including the likes of Zethos (formerly Zincovery), Aspiring Materials, Supa Energy and Ternary Kinetics. The additional capital lets us concentrate the fund into our strongest performers and continue supporting our companies as they scale, while leaving room to back promising new ones.
The momentum sits alongside the recent acquisition of portfolio company Factor by Gentrack - an early exit that reflects the kind of commercially driven climate-tech we set out to build.
Our sincere thanks to Pathfinder for backing our thesis, and to every investor who's been with us from the start.
In the media:
Ralph Chang and John Berry (Pathfinder) discussed the partnership live on Herald NOW Business with Garth Bray - watch the interview.
Greg Hurrell covered the story for BusinessDesk NZ - read the write-up (paywall).
