Drumbeat Raises NZ$2M for Founder Storytelling Tech

Auckland-based martech innovator, Drumbeat, has secured NZ$2 million in seed funding to revolutionize how businesses communicate their narratives. The capital injection, led by Icehouse Ventures with participation from Brand Fund, Adam Ferrier (Thinkerbell), and Henry Innis (Mutinex), will accelerate the expansion of its proprietary awareness-building system. This technology integrates media relations, content creation, campaign monitoring, and media analysis, aiming to modernize public relations for the digital age.

Launched in early 2026, Drumbeat has already attracted over 50 clients across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. The company's core philosophy, developed at venture studio New+Improved Ventures, posits that sustained brand recognition stems from consistent storytelling rather than sporadic announcements. This approach challenges the traditional, often fragmented, PR methodologies still prevalent in many sectors.

The funding will be instrumental in scaling Drumbeat's operations, particularly its push into the Australian and United States markets. The company's platform is designed to empower high-growth companies by democratizing access to strategic communication tools. As Barney Chunn, CEO and co-founder, explained, "The way brands capture attention has fundamentally shifted. While storytelling remains our oldest form of connection, technology now enables unprecedented scale. Our mission is to equip every company with the power of its narrative to foster genuine audience engagement and drive tangible growth."

Drumbeat's founding team, including Fallon Savery and Aaron Croft, brings a wealth of experience from successful ventures like CONQA, Timely, and Hectre. Their combined expertise underpins the platform's ability to offer a sophisticated, yet accessible, solution for brand narrative management. Simon Pound, Chair of Drumbeat and Partner at New+Improved Ventures, highlighted the platform's potential, stating, "We are providing companies with the same strategic advantage in storytelling that platforms like Tracksuit offer for brand tracking. The ability to effectively convey a company's purpose, progress, and vision is now within reach for all businesses, not just those with extensive PR retainers."

The investment underscores a growing recognition within the venture capital community of the critical role of effective communication in a crowded digital marketplace. Jack McQuire, Partner at Icehouse Ventures, commented on the conviction behind the investment, noting, "The PR industry often lags behind technological advancements. Drumbeat is poised to disrupt this by offering a modern, data-driven approach. We have immense confidence in the founding team's decade-long track record of execution and their vision for significant market transformation." The martech sector, particularly solutions enhancing brand visibility and customer connection, continues to attract significant investor interest, reflecting its importance in driving business success.