Sharesies

High-Level Overview

Sharesies is a New Zealand-based fintech company operating as a wealth development platform that democratizes investing by allowing users to buy fractional shares starting from 1 cent across NZX, ASX, and US markets.[2][3][4][5] It serves retail investors, families, kids, and businesses with tools for everyday investing, KiwiSaver portfolios, crypto, savings, and corporate services like employee share schemes and share registries, aiming to "create the most financially empowered generation" by giving equal money opportunities regardless of starting capital.[1][2][4][5] With over 860,000 customers and 600+ companies using its business services, Sharesies solves barriers to investing—high fees, complexity, and minimums—through low-cost access (1.90% brokerage with plans), no minimums, and educational support, while maintaining growth via expansions like Australia and features such as US self-select KiwiSaver and crypto trading.[1][2][4][5]

Origin Story

Sharesies was founded in Wellington, New Zealand, by Brooke Roberts and Leighton Roberts, who serve as co-chief executives and directors, driven by the insight that investing was "too hard, too complex, and too damned scary" for most people.[3][5] The idea emerged to build an accessible digital platform, launching as New Zealand's first low-fee online share investing service, enabling fractional shares and broad market access from as little as $5 (or 1 cent).[2][5] Early traction came from breaking down entry barriers, growing to over 860,000 investors across New Zealand and Australia, with pivotal expansions including Australian operations (led by figures like new Country Manager Brendan Doggett), B Corp certification, carbon-zero commitments, and business services for 600+ companies including ~40% of NZX-listed firms.[1][3][5] The company has raised $58.7M in funding, including a $35M round, fueling its evolution from retail investing to comprehensive wealth tools like KiwiSaver and employee incentives.[3]

Core Differentiators

• Fractional Shares and No Minimums: Invest from 1¢ in over 6,700 companies across NZ (130+), US (4,500+), and Australia (2,000+), plus ETFs, managed funds, and crypto like Bitcoin/Ethereum, enabling portfolio diversification for small amounts.[2][4][6]
• Low-Cost, Flexible Plans: Brokerage at 1.90% (with caps), brokerage-free auto-investing up to limits via monthly plans, and competitive savings rates with no terms/minimums, ideal for beginners and consistent investors.[2][4]
• KiwiSaver Customization and Family Tools: Self-select from 150+ NZ/US options in KiwiSaver (e.g., US500 Fund), plus kid accounts for financial education.[4]
• Business Services Edge: Tech-led platform for rights offers, employee share schemes (e.g., Meridian Energy's LTI scaling), share registries, and engaging 860,000+ retail investors for capital raises; B Corp certified with carbon offsets.[1]
• User-Centric Innovation: Intuitive app experience, financial wellness tools, and community focus on empowerment, headquartered in Wellington with 170 employees and Australian presence.[3][5]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Sharesies rides the global democratization of finance trend, fueled by fintech lowering barriers in underserved markets like New Zealand and Australia, where traditional investing favored the wealthy.[2][5] Timing aligns with rising retail investor interest post-pandemic, fractional share adoption (e.g., via apps like Robinhood globally), and KiwiSaver growth, amplified by market forces like low interest rates, crypto mainstreaming, and demand for ethical investing (B Corp status).[1][4][5] It influences the ecosystem by engaging retail bases for corporate capital (600+ companies, 40% NZX), promoting financial literacy, and expanding wealth tools to families/businesses, positioning NZ/AU as fintech hubs while challenging incumbents with tech innovation and inclusivity.[1][3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Sharesies is poised for accelerated growth through Australian expansion, enhanced KiwiSaver/crypto offerings, and scaling business services amid rising retail participation and sustainable finance trends.[1][3][4] Regulatory tailwinds for accessible investing and potential funding will shape its path, evolving from a starter platform to a full wealth ecosystem influencing how everyday people and companies build prosperity. This ties back to its core: uniting believers in businesses and empowering investors, one cent at a time.[5]