KiwiNet Board Members

Katherine Sandford

KiwiNet Board Chair

LinkedIn

Katherine Sandford is passionate about helping New Zealand technology companies succeed on the world stage. With a background in governance and executive leadership—including at Nasdaq-listed Trimble—she knows what it takes to scale businesses globally. An active angel investor and mentor, Katherine has supported many early-stage New Zealand companies, with a strong focus on capital raising and leadership development.

Andrew Kelly

(Independent)

LinkedIn

Andrew has crafted a unique career spanning research, commercialisation, and investment. Beginning with a veterinary science degree, he progressed through leadership roles in research institutes and R&D organisations. In 2005, he co-founded BioPacific Partners, a pioneering venture fund in food, agriculture, and health. Andrew's strategic pivot in 2014 expanded the fund's reach globally. His expertise extends to various advisory roles, reflecting his influence in agricultural biotechnology, innovation, and national research networks. A seasoned speaker and educator, Andrew passionately shares his knowledge, fostering collaborations, and advancing impactful innovations.

Mark Cleaver

CEO Massey Ventures Ltd

LinkedIn

Mark has lead commercialisation team at Massey University since 2007. His passion and expertise has helped his team to build a strong pipeline of opportunities and deals that have produced a consistent track record of deal-making and outstanding examples of commercialisation impact. In doing so Massey Ventures has generated a strong portfolio of commercialisation success in the food, agritech and animal health areas, reflecting the historical strengths of Massey University. Mark’s achievements include the trade sale of NZ Veterinary Pathology Ltd in 2015 and the acquisition by Nestle in 2019 of a formulation to address iron deficiency.

Amanda Davies

Innovation Manager Scion

LinkedIn

Dedicated to realising science’s commercial potential, Amanda is a commercialisation advocate for Scion with a diverse applied science background.

Kennie Tsui

Chief Executive, New Zealand Geothermal Association

LinkedIn

Kennie is a widely respected leader in New Zealand’s engineering, energy and innovation sectors. She brings extensive strategic experience to the board, with a proven track record of advancing science-led solutions to meet complex societal and environmental challenges and deep insight into the ways in which Aotearoa can generate growth through innovation.

Julian So

CEO and Founder, CFO 4 U

LinkedIn

Julian is an active angel investor who has backed over 60 companies and 11 early-stage funds. As founder and CEO of CFO 4 U, he provides strategic financial expertise to startups and high-growth companies, specialising in deep tech, SaaS, manufacturing and construction.

A Fellow Chartered Accountant, Julian brings deep financial acumen and a strong commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Aotearoa. His outstanding contribution to New Zealand's angel investment community was recognised with a Kotahitanga Award from Angel Association New Zealand.