Quantifi Photonics is excited to welcome new director, Ngaio Merrick.
Merrick brings a wealth of governance experience and a strong background in science, with a long-held passion for deep tech startups. Her experience of successfully guiding organisations through periods of rapid growth will be instrumental in supporting Quantifi Photonics’ continued expansion in the fast-growing photonics and optical communications markets.
Beginning her career with a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from the University of Central Florida, she soon shifted her focus to understanding the key factors that drive business success. What followed was a career spanning a variety of executive roles in sales and management, economic development and governance, including six years as a director and then chair of Kiwinet, a research commercialisation support organisation.
Merrick spent a decade managing the investment portfolio for the late philanthropist Sir David Levene before founding Nuance Connected Capital, a venture capital fund dedicated to deep tech, in 2021.
She is well known in New Zealand’s tech scene, using her experience to bridge the gap between the science and business communities and knowing how to spot new technologies that have the potential to make a global impact.
“Quantifi Photonics has enormous potential to be a disruptive force in the photonics industry,” said Merrick. “I’m excited to work with the executive team and my fellow directors to help the company scale-up their unique test solutions for the world’s largest photonics and semiconductor manufacturers.”
Merrick is also a trustee of the of the David Levene Foundation, chair of the Bright Future Trust, and has judged a number of New Zealand’s leading business awards.
She joins fellow board members Brent Robinson, Paul Muckleston, executive director Iannick Monfils and chairperson Caroline Williams.
