Andrew West

Dr. Andrew West specializes in investing in and governing or managing high technology start-ups, mainly with a green technology specialization, including Synthase Biotech (as Managing Director), Bioceta Ltd (anaerobic digestion), Ligar Ltd (high value or polluting molecules and heavy metals extraction technology), Humble Bee (bioplastic material technology), Aquafortus Technologies Ltd (extremely low energy water and alcohol extraction technology, and zero liquid discharge technology) and Lanaco Ltd (wool-based air-filtration technology). Andrew is a Director of a Māori investment company and a General Partner of Matū Fund, which invests in NZ-based high-tech start-ups at the pre-seed/seed stage.

Dr. West is a scientist who holds a Ph.D. in microbial ecology with many international publications. Over 17 years he was Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University (650 staff, $280m assets, $115million revenue), Chief Executive of AgResearch Ltd (1,300 staff, $250m assets, $160million revenue), founding Executive Chairman of the Tertiary Education Commission (350 staff, $30m assets; $2.2billion revenue), Chief Executive of the NZ Qualifications Authority (280 staff, $15m assets, $38million revenue) and Chief Executive of GNS Science; (260 staff, $18m assets, $32million revenue). Previously he led the reform of New Zealand’s public science system and then its tertiary education system.