OnBoard Program Supported by New Zealand’s Leading Venture Capital Funds

OnBoard is a one year program that aims to increase diversity and inclusivity in start-up governance. The program has been running since 2020.

Each year we work with leading local venture capital funds who are eager to place Observers with unique perspectives on their portfolio company boards.

The high potential individuals served up by the program are likely from outside of the fund’s existing network. When Including the networks of the new individuals, this gives access to an untapped, exponential set of people who could be future board members, advisors, customers or employees of the company. The funds are also future-proofing their portfolio - building a new pool of vetted, director ready individuals to serve on boards for the years to come. 

It takes a bunch of effort for these investor directors to provide a supported learning environment for our Observers - we are really proud to be working with funds who genuinely care about the development of others and diversity of thought in decision-making. 

We asked a few of our supporting venture funds why they decided to get involved in the program: