New Zealand’s already a utopia: our islands, golf courses, treks, chardonnay, chocolate, craft beer, cheese, salmon, coffee and more have been named the best in the world. To become a technology utopia- a place where technology enables peoples’ ambitions and possibilities to be limitless- requires a few ingredients:

1. The fundamentals: We have values, stability, and common law. We’ve been named the easiest place to do business, among the most peaceful, prosperous, and cheerful countries, and a bastion of democracy.
   
   Speaking to folks outside of New Zealand, it is worth pointing out we are fortunate to not have many things: big money in politics, borders, outsized military budgets, or climate extremes.  
   
   
2. Capability: We have phenomenal entrepreneurs and an increasing pool of second-time founders and operators. Our universities & institutions have produced many great companies like Toku Eyes, OpenStar, Formus Labs and more. All of Apple’s wireless power technology still comes from NZ, a great reflection on the capability coming out of the University of Auckland.
   
   
3. Connectivity: We have the best “alumni network” in the world: one million Kiwis offshore, many leading of global organisations. Hundreds of top pedigree investor immigrants and Edmund Hillary Fellows that have made New Zealand a second home. International VCs are no longer just investing in their hometown, dozens are supporting Kiwi startups, and several are doing so simply thanks to Zoom.
   
   
4. Capital. There’s an endless supply. Our venture ecosystem has evolved significantly with many more specialist funds, super angels, family offices, and institutions taking part. KiwiSavers continue to grow significantly and so too will their investment in venture.
   
   
5. Luck & Time. Given enough time- and a bit of luck- New Zealand will produce hundreds of world-leading startups. The last decade has seen the rise and rise of companies like RocketLab, Kami, PowerbyProxi, Aroa, ezyVet, Crimson, Auror, LanzaTech, Halter, and many more.
   
   

Time will also enable NZ’s continued march to having billions in venture capital available onshore. At that point, the ambitions of New Zealand’s founders- those that came up under the wings of earlier success stories, that graduated from great universities, that returned or moved to New Zealand, and that thrived in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous country- will be fully fundable by New Zealand capital. And that’s when the story will really begin.