Pathfinder commits more funds to climate VC firm
Pathfinder has become the first institutional investor in climate-tech venture capital firm Motion Capital, committing funds that have helped lift the manager's debut fund to $27.2 million.
Wednesday, June 17th 2026, 4:15PM
The ethical KiwiSaver provider led a $7.2 million extension to Motion Capital's inaugural fund, following its original $20 million close in August last year.
The investment marks a new avenue for KiwiSaver money to flow into New Zealand's venture capital sector and climate-focused startups.
Pathfinder strategic adviser for private assets Kelly Tyne says the investment gives KiwiSaver members access to opportunities that sit outside public markets while supporting businesses tackling environmental challenges.
"We're proud to be Motion Capital's first institutional investor. This investment demonstrates how KiwiSaver capital can be a powerful force for both long-term wealth creation and positive change."
Tyne says private assets can provide portfolio diversification, help smooth market volatility and enhance long-term returns, while allowing members' savings to support innovative New Zealand companies.
The extension was completed on March 31 and provides additional capital for Motion Capital to expand its investments in climate-tech businesses.
Motion Capital founding partner Lachlan Nixon says Pathfinder's support is a significant endorsement of both the firm's investment strategy and the wider climate-tech sector.
"Having Pathfinder's backing is a real vote of confidence in our strategy and in the sector. Pathfinder invests to do well and to do good, which is exactly how we think about climate-tech."
Motion Capital has deployed more than half of the fund across 13 companies since launching. The firm focuses on businesses developing technologies aimed at reducing emissions and supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Its portfolio includes companies operating in battery recycling, critical minerals processing and electricity grid optimisation. Investments include Zethos, formerly known as Zincovery, Aspiring Materials, Supa Energy and Ternary Kinetics.
The firm's recent successes include portfolio company Factor, which was acquired by Gentrack in a deal valued at $34.9 million.
Nixon says the additional capital will allow Motion Capital to increase support for its strongest-performing portfolio companies while continuing to back new ventures.
The deal also highlights a growing trend of KiwiSaver providers allocating capital to private markets in search of diversification and long-term growth opportunities.
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