At Pacific Channel, we often talk about backing exceptional founders solving some of the world's hardest problems.
Commercialising deep-tech requires far more than a great idea - it demands resilience, discipline, curiosity and the ability to keep moving forward when progress is measured in years rather than months.
These same qualities are just as important within our own team.
This week, we are proud to congratulate analyst Fegus Eadie on his selection to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa this December.
Representing your country is an extraordinary achievement. It reflects years of commitment, preparation and perseverance - much of it unseen. Success at this level is rarely defined by talent alone. It is earned through consistent effort, resilience in the face of setbacks and a commitment to continual improvement.
Those qualities resonate strongly with what we see every day in venture capital.
The founders we back are navigating long development cycles, complex scientific challenges and global commercial markets. Building successful deep-tech companies requires determination as much as innovation. Progress is often incremental, and the ability to remain focused through uncertainty is what ultimately creates enduring businesses.
The same mindset underpins our investment team.
Evaluating deep technology opportunities means asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions and developing a deep understanding of science, markets and commercial pathways. It is work that rewards preparation, intellectual curiosity and disciplined thinking.
As Pacific Channel Investment Banking Partner, Richard Pinfold recently reflected while speaking to young athletes, many of life's most important battles are won long before anyone is watching. Preparation builds confidence, resilience creates perspective, and strong principles provide the foundation for making good decisions when circumstances become challenging.
These lessons extend well beyond sport.
At Pacific Channel, we are fortunate to work alongside people who pursue excellence in many different ways. Whether they are founders building globally significant companies or team members competing on the world stage, they share a common characteristic - a willingness to invest the time, effort and discipline required to achieve meaningful outcomes.
We are delighted to see Fergus recognised through his selection for the New Zealand team and wish him every success in South Africa later this year.
His achievement is a reminder that excellence is rarely accidental. It is built through preparation, perseverance and a commitment to continual improvement - qualities that are equally valuable in elite sport, deep technology and venture capital.
