Nick Winstone is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Aera VC, operating a globally distributed climate-focused fund from New Zealand while bringing over 20 years of investment banking experience and involvement in transactions totaling over US$1 billion. He has been investing in climate tech since around 2016 as an early specialist in the space, helping build a portfolio whose companies have collectively raised more than US$1.4 billion in follow-on capital.

• Deep connection to the New Zealand ecosystem, frequently commenting on local logistics such as regional travel between the North and South Islands or the management of infrastructure like the Auckland ferry terminal.
• Interest in the practical realities of micro-mobility and transport, evidenced by a hands-on review of rental scooters where he analyzed the specific cost for a short trip and the hardware's ability to handle steep local hills.
• Focus on the mechanics of venture capital and deal structures, often noting how frequently founders need clarification on valuation timing concepts or expressing frustration with inefficient legal document naming conventions that make files hard to identify.
• Enthusiasm for strong consumer brands and sustainability trends, highlighted by his excitement over receiving products from Kiwi success stories like Allbirds and his attention to major corporations shifting focus toward plant-based business lines.
• Passion for cricket as a recreational interest, using it to make observations about the viewing experience, such as how virtual advertising technology is implemented during matches between national teams.