INVESTING IN A BRIGHTER FUTURE
First Cut is your entry point into New Zealand's startup ecosystem, and it's completely free to join.
As a member, you will be invited to regular events held across Aotearoa, connecting you with founders, operators, and the startup-curious.
Tap into Icehouse Ventures’ network of advisors and portfolio founders, and access our resource hub to support you at every stage of your journey. And when the time is right, you will have a direct pathway to raise through one of our First Cut Funds.
Whether you are working on your first idea or already scaling, this is the community that grows with you.
First Cut opens doors to New Zealand's most active startup network without any cost.
Access advisors, founders, and resources built to help you move forward at every stage.
Our most exceptional founders were identified through the First Cut community long before they raised. Craig Piggott, founder of Halter, was the first investment made through First Cut I. The pattern has held ever since.
First Cut IV is an actively managed fund investing in ~30 early-stage technology companies, led by Kiwi founders under 30. Across three previous funds, we back young founders before the world knows their names: with capital, conviction, and the full weight of Icehouse Ventures’ network behind them.
If you are building something and ready for investment, get in touch.
We are here to support your journey. Whether that's an introduction, a conversation about your idea, or help figuring out what's next.
Starting her first company at high school sparked Steph’s commitment to creating the same opportunities for other young founders. She has since built her career around growing Aotearoa’s startup ecosystem, driven by a belief in unlocking the potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Mason has been backing First Cut founders since 2017. As the lead behind First Cut III and now First Cut IV, he brings nearly a decade of relationships, and an unwavering conviction that the next generation of breakout Kiwi founders is already out there.
Founded a startup in the sustainable packaging space while still at high school, Maggie has had first-hand experience as a young founder. She applies her passion and insights to elevate the people, missions, and impact of NZ's exceptional founders and tech companies.
Being a member of the First Cut Community means you will get access to events, resources, and connections that may help you in your startup journey: whether you are a current or aspiring founder, an operator in a scaling company, interested in investing in startups or just want to be connected to the startup ecosystem.
It is completely free to join, all you need to do is sign up.
