Bridgewest Ventures is the venture capital platform of Bridgewest Group, a multi-asset investment firm headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, with more than 25 years of experience building and investing in growth companies across seven countries. Bridgewest Ventures focuses on early-stage deep technology companies originating from New Zealand and Australia, partnering with researchers, universities, and founders to turn local innovation into globally competitive companies. Unlike many venture firms that operate as passive investors, Bridgewest Ventures takes an active operational role, working closely with founders to de-risk technology, strengthen governance, expand commercial capability, and create pathways into global markets.
Bridgewest Ventures invests across five deep technology sectors: life sciences, medical technology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and clean technology. The firm targets companies at an earlier stage than what many international investors can access directly, sourcing opportunities through its proprietary New Zealand and Australia network and relationships with universities and research institutions. The firm's thesis is that New Zealand and Australia produce globally competitive intellectual property yet remain significantly undercapitalized relative to the quality of innovation being developed, creating a compelling asymmetry for sophisticated global investors.
Bridgewest Venture Fund I LP completed its first close at $35.2 million in May 2026, raised from institutional investors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and international migrant investors from Australia and New Zealand. The fund targets total commitments of approximately $58 million and remains open for additional commitments through Q4 2026. Bridgewest Ventures committed approximately $3 million of its own capital into the fund on the same terms as external investors.
The fund is structured as an eligible investment under New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program, offering qualifying international investors a pathway to New Zealand residency while meeting approved criteria under New Zealand's migrant investment framework.
Following the recent granting of an Australian Financial Services Licence, Bridgewest Ventures has commenced fundraising in Australia, with a June 2026 roadshow targeting sophisticated investors, family offices, and institutional capital across key Australian markets. The firm is also actively raising from US investors seeking geographic diversification away from North American, European, and Asian venture markets.
Leadership
Saum Vahdat is Chief Executive Officer of Bridgewest Ventures, leading the firm's overall investment strategy and operations. Paul Brownsey is General Partner of Bridgewest Venture Fund I, leading deal sourcing and portfolio management across New Zealand and Australia. John van der Wielen is Senior Adviser to Bridgewest Group, leading the Australian fundraising and distribution strategy.
Investment Strategy
Bridgewest Ventures combines US-grade investment discipline with an established local presence and proprietary sourcing network across New Zealand and Australia. The firm identifies investment opportunities before they become visible to broader international capital markets, then works actively with portfolio companies through commercialization, strengthening governance, building commercial teams, and opening international market pathways. The Impactful Innovation forum, the firm's flagship annual event in New Zealand, convenes researchers, scientists, government leaders, universities, and founders to surface investment opportunities and build the firm's pipeline.
contact.us@bridgewest.ventures
Saum Vahdat, CEO: +1 310 717 5600
svahdat@bridgewestgroup.com
Paul Brownsey, General Partner: +64 21 447 07
paul.brownsey@bridgewest.ventures
John van der Wielen, Senior Adviser: +61 472 510 006
United States, New Zealand
