James Palmer

James Palmer is a dedicated Principal at Blackbird, a leading venture capital firm, where he focuses on identifying and supporting ambitious founders in New Zealand from their earliest stages. He has led investments in several startups, demonstrating a keen eye for potential and a commitment to nurturing emerging businesses. blackbird+2

With a background spanning corporate banking, corporate development & strategy, and venture capital, James possesses a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape. His prior role as an Investment Manager at NZ Growth Capital Partners, where he invested in both VC funds and seed-stage companies like Author It, Kry10, and Zenno Astronautics, underscores his diverse experience in finance. blackbird+2

James embraces a philosophy where 'naivety is a strength' for solving challenging problems and building generational companies, suggesting an open-minded and unconventional approach to venture capital. He believes it helps founders remain undeterred by obstacles and to innovate beyond existing solutions. blackbird

He is the author of 'What VCs Want', a guide that provides insights into the venture capital mindset, outlining what investors seek in startups and how to effectively present a pitch, showcasing his thought leadership in the VC space. whatfounderswant