TINWire Tech News Roundup: 28 April 21

Kia ora koutou

Just as the technology sector is constantly evolving, so too is TIN.

As we gear up for the release of our annual TIN survey next month, we’re working on some exciting changes to our survey tool to make the collation, curation, and categorisation of data more streamlined, meaningful, and insightful. We hope to reach a record number of you with this year’s survey - you’ll be hearing more about it in coming weeks.

A recent report by PWC and the Angel Association showed that investors poured more money into Kiwi tech start-ups last year, despite the uncertainties of COVID-19. This further demonstrates that tech companies have been well insulated and have in some cases benefited from the social and economic consequences of the global virus. Coupled with this, it’s estimated that more investment in digital technology could boost annual GDP by $46 billion, or 14 per cent, by 2030, according to an Accenture report, commissioned by Google New Zealand.

And continuing in the survey vein, Kea’s recent ‘Welcome Home Survey’, which polled 15,000 offshore Kiwis, showed that a high volume of ex-pats are coming home at the height of their careers, with indications that the top industry for returners is technology. Of those surveyed, nearly half said they’re planning to return to NZ, with the majority of those saying that COVID-19 was a key factor in their decision. It’s clear that the pandemic is causing a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Aotearoa.

There’s no denying that our country’s strong response to the pandemic has put us in an enviable position, providing significant opportunities for our innovative tech companies to draw investor attention and expand. But are our tech companies sufficiently equipped to deal with this influx of investment?

An event we’re hosting as part of Techweek 2021 next month on Sustaining Global Ambitions for Tech Success will look at various questions, including how we balance this newfound financial liquidity with the current talent shortage. The event will also mark the launch of our 2021 Investor’s Guide to the New Zealand Technology Sector – Register here to secure your spot at the Generator on Thursday, 27th May.

Ngā mihi

Greg & the TIN Team