Auckland-based consumer testing platform, Stickybeak, has raised $1.2 million in a funding round. The round was led by existing shareholders, Rowan Simpson’s Hoku Group and Liz Greive. Other participants included New Zealand Growth Capital Partners’ Aspire fund, NZVC, and Brisbane Angels.

Stickybeak plans to use the new investment to expand into key international markets, including Australia, the UK, and Southeast Asia. The startup also aims to enhance its product offerings through the integration of advanced AI technologies. The investment will support Stickybeak's product roadmap and facilitate new hires in market expansion and product development.

"We’re thrilled to have garnered the support of both our dedicated existing shareholders and new investors, which speaks volumes about their confidence in our vision and team during such a challenging investment climate. This funding will play a crucial role in driving our mission to redefine consumer testing on a global scale," said CEO and Co-founder of Stickybeak, Anna Henwood.

"While we currently serve customers globally, we understand that meaningful engagement with marketing communities is essential. By focusing on FMCG marketers in these target expansion markets, we can better identify and address their unique needs, ensuring that Stickybeak remains their ‘first thought’ in consumer testing, just as it has become in New Zealand."

Stickybeak's customers include the World Health Organization (WHO), Unilever, and Sanitarium, as well as Australian brands like Essano, Fonterra, James Crisp, Glow Lab, Hubbards, and Dairyworks. The company collaborates with leading agencies, including Ogilvy, Edelman, BDO, and Havas Red.

"We’re incredibly impressed by the Stickybeak teams’ expertise and the deep understanding of their customers’ needs. Stickybeak has already demonstrated their ability to deliver meaningful value with a unique solution that offers timely, geographically relevant, and qualitatively rich consumer insights for FMCG marketers. Our Aspire fund is excited to be backing Stickybeak as they embark on their next growth phase and expand into international markets," said NZGCP Senior Investment Analyst, Sam Butler.