Above: Komodo’s co-founders Jack Wood and Chris Bacon.
New Zealand edtech startup Komodo has secured NZD $1.2 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Hiraya Ventures.
The Komodo platform, created with input from psychologists, provides schools with wellbeing and mental health solutions to better support and care for its students.
Hiraya is a venture capital platform founded by Alliv Samson and Hengjie Wang – who also co-founded digital classroom platform Kami in 2011. Their investment will help Komodo expand internationally.
Wang will also join Komodo’s board of directors, sharing his networks and the insights gained from expanding Kami to 180 countries and 92% of US schools.
Revolutionise the educational landscape
Komodo CEO and co-founder Chris Bacon says: “We’re on a mission to revolutionise the educational landscape by prioritising the holistic development of students and teachers. Welcoming Hiraya Ventures on board as partners brings immeasurable value.
“We have major global ambitions, with no signs of slowing down, currently operating in hundreds of schools across more than 30 countries. Learning from Hengjie and Alliv, who successfully scaled Kami into the US, UK and many other markets, will help us accelerate Komodo’s momentum overseas.”
After securing landmark investment for Kami from Boston Ventures Investment Partners (BVIP) in August 2024, Samson and Wang founded Hiraya Ventures to support the next generation of Kiwi businesses and tech innovators that have proven international traction.
The investment in Komodo reflects this ambition and the duo’s commitment to improving education systems, using evidence-based, comprehensive software solutions to address the diverse needs of school communities around the world.
Give back to the business and tech sectors
Wang says: “Alliv and I recognise how much operating in a welcoming and supportive environment has contributed to our growth and success. Hiraya Ventures is our way to give back to the New Zealand business and tech sectors, helping the next generation of Kiwi innovators thrive on the world stage.
“Cracking the US market was a critical part of our own journey with Kami, and we know first hand that it’s a difficult market for Kiwi brands to break into. We are thrilled to now be part of Komodo’s story, working closely with them and providing the insights, learnings and connections that will support their growth ambitions.”
Invest in bold dreams
New Zealand Growth Capital partners, Ex-Reddit CEO Ellen Pao and several existing investors also supported the pre-Series A funding round.
Hiraya Ventures has dedicated $10 million to be invested in New Zealand-founded companies over the next several years. Investments will range from NZD $300,000 to $1 million and will focus on a range of sectors, including technology, software, fashion and film. Key evaluation criteria include demonstration of international sales activity and global market testing.
Hiraya Ventures’ name comes from the Filipino word Hiraya, meaning: “May your dreams come true”. It was founded on the belief that the most extraordinary companies begin with a bold dream and a clear purpose. Its current investments include Icehouse Ventures, Previously Unavailable, Halter, Tracksuit and Yu Mei.
