Software-as-a-service, or SaaS, companies have become popular in the tech industry in the past few years. These companies develop software and accompanying databases on cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud, then license their products — often through monthly or yearly subscriptions. For customers, this development model provides benefits like easy installation and seamless software updates.
The SaaS business model has seen great success in New Zealand. This, in part, stems from a 2022 government initiative to fund SaaS startups and bolster the national tech economy. Below are some of the top SaaS companies in New Zealand, and many are hiring.
Top SaaS Companies in New Zealand to Know
- Square
- Halter
- Xero
- Orion Health
- Unleashed Software
- AskNicely
- ambit
Top SaaS Companies in New Zealand
Xero provides online accounting software for businesses. The Wellington-founded company has over 3.5 million subscribers and offers bill pay, payroll, project expense trackers and claim expense solutions through its software suite. It's also one of the largest employers in the country.
Square develops omni-channel fintech solutions that help businesses capture sales and operate efficiently. Its point-of-sale suite is used across restaurants and retail to take orders, process transactions and manage production from a single platform. Square also develops cloud-based software for e-commerce businesses.
Tradify is a comprehensive job management platform popular with tradespeople. Accessible through mobile devices and desktops, its software aims to help business owners save valuable time and provides invoicing, estimate, scheduling, timesheet and accounting tools. Tradify was launched in 2013 and has closed several funding deals.
Ambit is an AI startup that provides chatbot software through a SaaS model. Its AI products work with retail, utility and financial services companies to help provide 24/7 customer support, which can drive revenue and customer satisfaction. Ambit’s products also feature easy implementation through integrations with leading cloud providers.
Halter develops SaaS software, incorporating IoT devices and machine learning to advance productive and sustainable farming. Its platform is connected to wireless sensors, enabling farmers to monitor livestock health and fence them without expensive machinery or enclosures. Halter is located in New Zealand and hires software and AI talent.
Timely is a cloud-based booking and client management platform that aims to improve beauty businesses. In addition to bookings, the platform is packed with features like digital consultations, payment processing, marketing tools and SMS reminders. Timely also provides in-depth analytics reports and integrates with other web-based software, like QuickBooks.
AskNicely’s digital platform provides real-time customer feedback to front-line employees. The company’s product works on mobile phones and acts like a coach by providing employees with feedback and motivation when engaging with customers. AskNicely is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with an office in Auckland.
Unleashed Software provides an inventory management platform used by e-commerce businesses worldwide. Its product provides visibility across the entire business by managing inventory, serial numbers, purchases and other business fundamentals. Unleashed has locations in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Launched by a Xero co-founder, Upstock is a food service marketplace used by suppliers, restaurants and supermarkets. The platform is free for suppliers but provides advanced features like automated invoicing, logistics and inventory management through its tiered plan.
Orion Health is a tech company that creates medical software that aims to improve patient outcomes. Its products, used by medical providers, include digital health and telemedicine solutions. Orion Health also develops a health intelligence platform that helps healthcare organizations process data to discover meaningful insights.
