Bringing Insight and Connection: AUT Ventures appoints new Board Member

AUT Ventures is delighted to announce the appointment of Mitali Purohit to its Board of Directors, effective July 2025.

Mitali, who is a General Partner at deeptech VC fund Nuance Connected Capital, brings extensive experience across Aotearoa’s innovation landscape. She championed the ArcAngels initiative at Icehouse Ventures, a fund focused on women-led ventures and helped launch the fund in 2022. She also managed the technology incubator programme at Callaghan Innovation and has had a long-standing connection to AUT and AUT Ventures and our growth as a leader in research and innovation.

Mitali’s appointment reflects AUT Ventures’ focus on strengthening its connections with the wider innovation and investment community, and ensuring its governance continues to support the development of strong, globally relevant spinout companies.

Ross Peat, AUT Ventures Board Chair, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Mitali to the Board. She brings a fresh perspective on how AUT Ventures can connect more effectively with the broader ecosystem and support the translation of research into impact. Her insight and energy will be a real asset to the organisation.”

Michael Fielding, AUT Ventures’ Chief Executive, adds: “AUT Ventures plays an important role in helping our research reach its full potential. Mitali’s appointment further strengthens the bridge between our academic community and the networks that enable our research to make a difference. We’re excited to have her join the team.”

As a Board Member, Mitali will contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of AUT Ventures, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver on its mission: transforming ideas into action.

Please join us in saying “nau mai ki AUT Ventures” (welcome to AUT Ventures) Mitali.