Auckland AI company recognized for transforming investor capital into exceptional global expansion.
Mindhive Global, the award-winning AI-powered leather quality assessment company,
has won the Leveraging Capital for International Growth Award at the 2025 New Zealand International Business Awards (NZIBA). The award, presented at last night's gala ceremony in Auckland, recognizes export businesses that have successfully utilized investment capital to accelerate international growth.
The win caps an exceptional year for Mindhive, which has transformed strategic capital deployment into global market leadership. The company now operates across nine countries, with contracted annual recurring revenue growing nearly six-fold over the past two years. Mindhive's technology is deployed at leading tanneries worldwide, including a landmark multi-year agreement with JBS Couros, the world's largest leather processor.
Debra Hall, Chair of Mindhive Global, accepted the award on behalf of the company: "Our Series A, led by agritech specialist Cultivate Ventures, and well supported by our existing longstanding investors, reflects the confidence our growing shareholder group have in our mission and our team. We are building a global business that creates opportunities for our children and grandchildren to build world-class careers here at home, generating export dollars to grow the New Zealand economy for a better life for everyone."
James Bayly, CEO of Mindhive Global, said: "This award recognizes what our team has achieved over the past 18 months—two new products, a partnership with the world's largest tannery operator, and exceptional outcomes for customers across nine countries. None of this would be possible without the amazing talent we've built in New Zealand, Brazil, Italy, and Japan, and the support of NZTE, BNZ, our investors, and our incredible customers."
The NZIBA, run by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, have been held for more than 50 years and celebrate the success of New Zealand's international businesses. Mindhive Global was also a finalist in the Best Emerging Business category.
The NZIBA recognition follows Mindhive's dual win at the 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Awards for Most Innovative Agritech Solution and Best Start-Up. The company is a FernMark Licence Programme holder, representing authentic New Zealand innovation on the global stage.