12 March 2026
AgriZeroNZ has doubled its investment in Australian company Nbryo, following an AU $1.5 million (NZ $1.7 million) boost as part of the company’s seed funding round.
This brings AgriZeroNZ’s total investment in Nbryo to AU $3 million (NZ $3.4 million) following its first investment in October.
Queensland-based Nbryo has developed a technology platform that enables the production and transfer of high-quality embryos at scale, allowing farmers to breed more emissions efficient livestock faster.
AgriZeroNZ chief executive Wayne McNee says the investment increases Nbryo’s focus on bringing its technology to New Zealand.
“We’re pleased to continue supporting the team, alongside other reputable VCs, so they can accelerate the delivery of their technology platform and make embryo transfers more accessible and affordable for farmers.
“Our role is to help make a range of emissions reduction tools available for New Zealand farmers, and we’re excited about the prospect of offering a genetics tool that could also improve the overall performance of a herd.”
To help support Nbryo’s go-to-market strategy for New Zealand, Dr. Emma Blott has been appointed as an independent board director, on behalf of AgriZeroNZ.
Based in Auckland, Dr. Blott is an accomplished commercial leader with extensive experience in the agricultural sector, having held various senior roles at Fonterra and herd improvement co-op, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC).
AgriZeroNZ recently facilitated a visit to New Zealand where Nbryo met with potential commercial partners, the Ministry for Primary Industries and AgriZeroNZ’s Farmer Focus Group.
Andrew Wiffen, West Coast dairy farmer, cattle breeder and focus group member was supportive of Nbryo’s tech.
“If Nbryo’s pregnancy rates are high enough, it just makes sense. You’re making elite replacement embryos instead of hoping for good heifer calves, and the rest of the cows can carry beef embryos. It has the potential to lift herd quality while improving the economics of the whole system.”
Nbryo CEO Paul Niven says plans are underway to trial its embryo transfer device in New Zealand this year.
“With AgriZeroNZ’s investment and support, we’re full steam ahead and focused on establishing the partnerships we need to make our technology a viable option for Kiwi farmers.”
Other investors in the round include the Gates Foundation, Tenacious Ventures, Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), Mandalay Venture Partners and the founding Murdoch family, with AU $18m in total funds raised.
