Lightning Lab
Lightning Lab is an accelerator based in Wellington, New Zealand, focused on Pre-Seed and Seed startups across sectors. This profile covers its focus and how founders can get in front of it in 2026.
Lightning Lab is New Zealand's premiere business accelerator programme that supports, and invests in, early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Investment focus
- Generalist
- Investment stages
- Pre-SeedSeed
- Location
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Team size
- 11-50
- Portfolio companies
- 24+
About Lightning Lab
The Lightning Lab is a partnership between a founding group of professional investors, the Science and Innovation arm of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Creative HQ.
Their founding investors are Phil McCaw, Dave Moskovitz and Stefan Korn, Marcel van den Assum, Trevor Dickinson, Evander Management, K1W1 and Sparkbox Ventures.
They are the only New Zealand member of the Global Accelerator Network. This includes the five TechStars hubs in the US, Springboard in the UK, JFDI in Singapore and Start Up Boot Camp in Europe.
Historically, over 50% of accelerator startups accepted into these programmes are successful in raising capital in the next round of funding. It is a powerful network that provides companies with access to hundreds of the world's best investors, mentors and entrepreneurs.
Source: the organization's public company profile.
How to pitch Lightning Lab
The founders who hear back from Lightning Lab lead with traction and a clear ask that matches its stage, not a generic mass email. Build a targeted, verified list, write a personalized note, and track who opens it, all in one place.
Connect with Lightning Lab
About this profile
This profile is part of Round Funded, an investor database and outreach platform for founders. It covers 60,000+ active VCs, angels, family offices and accelerators with verified contacts, lets you send pitches from your own Gmail, and includes a free Data Room for your raise. How this data is built.
Cite this page
Round Funded. "Lightning Lab." Round Funded investor database, updated October 19, 2026.
Stable URL, it will not change: https://www.roundfunded.com/en/vc/lightning-lab
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lightning Lab invest in?
Lightning Lab is a generalist with no fixed sector focus. Match your stage before reaching out, then find similar active investors on Round Funded.
What stage does Lightning Lab invest at?
Lightning Lab focuses on Pre-Seed and Seed rounds. Lead with traction that fits the stage when you reach out.
Is Lightning Lab still active?
Yes. Round Funded's research found that Lightning Lab has made a new investment or run a new cohort since 2024. Reach out with a personalized pitch that fits its stage and focus, then track who opens it.
Where is Lightning Lab based?
Lightning Lab is based in Wellington, New Zealand. You can reach out from anywhere with a pitch that matches its focus.
How do I contact Lightning Lab?
Unlock a verified email for Lightning Lab and reach out with a personalized pitch on Round Funded. We show only deliverable contacts, so your outreach does not bounce.
What is Round Funded?
Round Funded is an investor database and outreach platform for startup founders. It lists 60,000+ active investors with verified contacts, filtered to recent investment activity, and lets founders send personalized pitches from their own Gmail, track replies, and share a free Data Room. Round+ starts at $99 per month with a 3-day trial.