24 May 2021

Why Kiwi tech companies get sold offshore

From Nine To Noon, 9:09 am on 24 May 2021
Smart city wireless communication network with graphic showing concept of internet of things ( IOT ) and information communication technology ( ICT ) against modern city buildings in the background.

Photo: 123RF

Why do so many New Zealand technology companies end up bought by overseas investors and does our economy suffer as a consequence? Last week Dunedin's booking software firm Timely was bought by Denver-based EverCommerce - the fourth this year. In March,  Kumeu mobile game developer Ninja Kiwi sold to Sweden's MTG;  retail software firm Vend sold to Lightspeed for $450m, and Christchurch geologic 3D modelling company Seequent was acquired by Nasdaq-listed Bentley Systems for $1.45 billion.

Kathryn discusses the situation with investor and director of a number of local software companies, Serge van Dam; CEO of the Kiwisaver provider Simplicity Sam Stubbs and PWC tax partner, Geof Nightingale.

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes

Subscribe to Nine To Noon

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)