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Hoku Group
Hoku Group was established in 2009 by Rowan Simpson. Wealth originated from the 2006 Trade Me exit to Fairfax. Emily Simpson acts as co-founder and trustee of...
Hoku Group
Hoku Group was established in 2009 by Rowan Simpson. Wealth originated from the 2006 Trade Me exit to Fairfax. Emily Simpson acts as co-founder and trustee of both the office and Hoku Foundation. The firm allocates across venture, private equity and real assets. Confirmed focuses include pre-seed to Series A technology companies plus commercial property. Asset classes span FinTech, PropTech, ClimateTech and Mobility & Transportation. Geographic reach centers on New Zealand with additional exposure through co-investors Icehouse Ventures and Willis Bond Capital Partners. Cryptocurrency positions and mixed-use developments at Hobsonville Point form part of the portfolio. No public AUM figure exists. The team includes former CEO Sacha Judd and maintains ties to Sam Morgan and Rod Drury. Adjacent vehicles comprise the Kimo Investment Trust and Hoku Foundation. Sacha Judd and Rowan Simpson have both served on New Zealand's Takeovers Panel. The office maintains a hybrid structure that combines venture deployment with mission-related philanthropy through a single family-controlled entity. This setup allows direct participation in local property funds and technology SPVs without external LP obligations.
General information
Firm type
Single Family Office
Year founded
2009
Location
Region
Oceania
Country
New Zealand
City
Wellington
Corporate office
Wellington, New Zealand
Principals
Rowan Simpson
Chairman
Emily Simpson
Trustee
Sacha Judd
Former CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Hoku Group?
Rowan Simpson serves as chairman and primary principal. Sacha Judd previously acted as CEO and continues as advisor. Emily Simpson holds trustee responsibilities for the foundation.
How does Hoku Group source proprietary deal flow?
The firm relies on co-investor networks including Icehouse Ventures and direct relationships with founders such as Sam Morgan and Rod Drury. Membership in the Flounders' Club and Institute of Directors supports additional access.
Does Hoku Group participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
Activity centers on direct co-investments and SPVs. The firm also holds stakes in Icehouse Ventures funds and Willis Bond property vehicles.
What investment stages does Hoku Group typically target?
Focus remains on pre-seed, seed and Series A opportunities in technology companies.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Wealth traces to the 2006 sale of Trade Me, the online marketplace founded by Rowan Simpson, to Fairfax.
Does Hoku Group maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
Hoku Foundation operates alongside the family office. David Randal serves as trustee alongside Emily Simpson.
What is Hoku Group's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
The office regularly co-invests with Icehouse Ventures and property funds managed by Willis Bond.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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