Alt Ventures Research
Investment Thesis
Alt Ventures is a New Zealand-based venture capital firm founded in 2019 by Chris Jagger. The firm invests in early-stage tech and gaming companies with a breakthrough focus. Years of experience working with and investing in high-growth private companies across the USA, UK, Europe, and New Zealand informed the founders' belief in the high potential for Kiwi (New Zealand) tech startups and creative companies.
Sector Focus
Alt Ventures maintains two primary investment tracks:
Gaming & Creative Technology (Primary Focus):
- Video game studios and independent game developers
- Creative media and content companies
- Gaming infrastructure and tools
- Esports-related platforms
In 2021, Alt Ventures raised New Zealand's first venture capital fund focused exclusively on videogaming and creative technology. This fund has become the firm's primary focus area, investing in over 15 game studios and creative tech businesses in New Zealand.
Seed Technology (Secondary Focus):
- General technology startups
- Enterprise software
- B2B/B2C technology solutions
Stage Focus
Alt Ventures focuses exclusively on early-stage investments:
- Pre-Seed: First institutional capital for nascent ventures
- Seed: Capital for teams with initial product and market validation
The firm uses shorter investment window funds - a unique model designed for the early-stage market.
Check Size
Based on New Zealand venture capital standards and the firm's pre-seed/seed focus:
- Typical range: $250,000 - $1,500,000
- Pre-seed: $250,000 - $500,000
- Seed: $500,000 - $1,500,000
Lead Tendency
Alt Ventures typically leads or co-leads rounds at the pre-seed and seed stages, providing not just capital but operational guidance and industry connections through their network of senior advisors.
Recent Activity
Alt Ventures has been actively deploying capital through multiple funds:
- October 2025: Continued active investing across gaming and technology sectors
- Fund status: Actively deploying across two primary sectors
Portfolio Highlights
Notable portfolio companies include:
- DealCart - B2B/B2C technology platform
- CreditBook - Financial services technology
- Trikl - Creative or entertainment technology
- Inzpec - Real estate services
- Rascal - Entertainment software
- Scriptsee - Real estate services
- Zenno Astronautics - Advanced technology
- Portainer - Container/infrastructure technology
The portfolio reflects the firm's dual focus on gaming/creative tech and general seed-stage technology investments. The firm has achieved successful exits, demonstrating the ability to support companies through growth stages.
Team
Chris Jagger - Founder/Managing Partner
- 15+ years in company building, private investment, and fund management
- Experience across New Zealand, Australia, UK, and USA
- Founded Alt Ventures in 2019
Senior Advisors
- Network of senior advisors from videogaming, media, and tech industries
- Advise on investments and provide operational support to portfolio companies
Geographic Focus
- Primary: New Zealand (Aotearoa)
- Secondary: Australia, and selective opportunities in developed markets where founders have New Zealand connections
- Focus on supporting Kiwi tech talent and homegrown ventures
Additional Notes
Alt Ventures positions itself as providing Alternative Capital for Atypical Ventures - a value proposition emphasizing their willingness to back unconventional founders and business models that traditional VCs might overlook. The shorter investment window fund structure allows for more flexibility and faster decision-making compared to traditional VC funds.