StaplesVR is a pioneering immersive technology company that develops advanced virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) training solutions across sectors such as aviation, defence, healthcare, emergency response, and high-risk industries
Why we invested
We invested in StaplesVR because they are transforming how critical industries train their workforce. Their ultra-realistic simulations provide a cost-effective, risk-free environment for highly skilled training, without needing to handle expensive and sensitive real-world equipment.
While it might not be obvious from the outside, StaplesVR is a home for diverse creatives to thrive. Their inclusive work environment makes room for staff to perform better, creating an inherently more productive workforce.
Measuring What Matters
Fund
Te Pae ki te Rangi
Date of investment
February 2025
Instrument
Equity
Sector
Deeptech | VR Training Technology
Problem
Gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives face systemic exclusion in the tech and immersive media sectors, limiting both their employment opportunities and the industry’s creative potential. StaplesVR addresses this gap by embedding inclusive hiring, culture, and leadership into a commercially successful, innovative business model, proving that diversity drives performance.
What
Increased inclusion and visibility of gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives in the tech and immersive media sectors.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Who
Staples workforce: Diverse creatives in VR tech development.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
How Much
Scale: Staples employees; client base across New Zealand and international markets.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Contribution
The company represents a rare example in the pipeline where inclusivity is embedded in core business practice, not as an HR initiative, but as a driver of creativity and commercial success. Capital enables further scale and hiring, directly benefiting priority communities.
Impact Risk
Endurance risk: If the founders’ aspiration for an inclusive workplace isn’t codified and embedded into the company’s way of working, there is a risk that this commitment could weaken over time as the company grows or leadership changes.
Problem
Gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives face systemic exclusion in the tech and immersive media sectors, limiting both their employment opportunities and the industry’s creative potential. StaplesVR addresses this gap by embedding inclusive hiring, culture, and leadership into a commercially successful, innovative business model, proving that diversity drives performance.
What
Increased inclusion and visibility of gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives in the tech and immersive media sectors.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Who
Staples workforce: Diverse creatives in VR tech development.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
How Much
Scale: Staples employees; client base across New Zealand and international markets.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Contribution
The company represents a rare example in the pipeline where inclusivity is embedded in core business practice, not as an HR initiative, but as a driver of creativity and commercial success. Capital enables further scale and hiring, directly benefiting priority communities.
Impact Risk
Endurance risk: If the founders’ aspiration for an inclusive workplace isn’t codified and embedded into the company’s way of working, there is a risk that this commitment could weaken over time as the company grows or leadership changes.
Problem
Gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives face systemic exclusion in the tech and immersive media sectors, limiting both their employment opportunities and the industry’s creative potential. StaplesVR addresses this gap by embedding inclusive hiring, culture, and leadership into a commercially successful, innovative business model, proving that diversity drives performance.
What
Increased inclusion and visibility of gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives in the tech and immersive media sectors.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Who
Staples workforce: Diverse creatives in VR tech development.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
How Much
Scale: Staples employees; client base across New Zealand and international markets.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Contribution
The company represents a rare example in the pipeline where inclusivity is embedded in core business practice, not as an HR initiative, but as a driver of creativity and commercial success. Capital enables further scale and hiring, directly benefiting priority communities.
Impact Risk
Endurance risk: If the founders’ aspiration for an inclusive workplace isn’t codified and embedded into the company’s way of working, there is a risk that this commitment could weaken over time as the company grows or leadership changes.
Problem
Gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives face systemic exclusion in the tech and immersive media sectors, limiting both their employment opportunities and the industry’s creative potential. StaplesVR addresses this gap by embedding inclusive hiring, culture, and leadership into a commercially successful, innovative business model, proving that diversity drives performance.
What
Increased inclusion and visibility of gender diverse and neurodiverse creatives in the tech and immersive media sectors.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Improved access to high-quality, immersive training for aviation and defence industries, contributing to workforce upskilling and safety.
Who
Staples workforce: Diverse creatives in VR tech development.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
Workers in safety-critical sectors (e.g., aviation and defense) who benefit from improved training tools.
How Much
Scale: Staples employees; client base across New Zealand and international markets.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Depth: Material outcomes for diverse employees who find opportunity at StaplesVR; improved training conditions.
Duration: Long-term employment and career progression for underrepresented talent; sustained learning outcomes through VR training platforms.
Contribution
The company represents a rare example in the pipeline where inclusivity is embedded in core business practice, not as an HR initiative, but as a driver of creativity and commercial success. Capital enables further scale and hiring, directly benefiting priority communities.
Impact Risk
Endurance risk: If the founders’ aspiration for an inclusive workplace isn’t codified and embedded into the company’s way of working, there is a risk that this commitment could weaken over time as the company grows or leadership changes.
Transaction Summary
