E-waste recycling and IT asset recovery company Echo Tech has secured a strategic investment from growth equity firm Altered Capital, marking a pivotal step in its mission to build nationwide infrastructure for responsible e-waste management. CEO Patrick Moynahan shares how the company prepared for funding and the lessons SMEs can take from the journey.
The new funding will support Echo Tech’s expansion into new regions, including Christchurch and underserved markets across the country, alongside potential acquisitions, service innovation, and facility rollouts. With major operations already in Auckland and Wellington, CEO Patrick Moynahan says the backing provides both momentum and validation.
“This investment from Altered Capital will enable us to fast-track our national growth strategy and bring our industry-leading recycling and recovery solutions to more communities and businesses across New Zealand,” he says.
“We chose Altered Capital because of who they are as people, their proven track record, and commitment to supporting our growth journey.”
Preparing for investment
Moynahan says the company approached the process as an opportunity to rigorously test its business model.
“Investors wanted to see two things: the strength of our current operations and a clear path to scale,” he explains.
“We demonstrated impact by showing how much e-waste we’ve already diverted from landfill, the value we’ve returned to customers, and the credibility of our certifications. For scalability, we presented a national rollout plan supported by proven infrastructure in Auckland and Wellington. That gave investors confidence that we weren’t just aspirational – we had a model that could be replicated across the country.”
New Zealand is one of the highest e-waste producers per capita globally, generating between 80,000 and 100,000 tonnes annually – around 20kg per person. Moynahan says framing this issue as a business opportunity was key to securing investor confidence.
“We positioned this not as a crisis, but as a catalyst for building the country’s circular economy,” he says.
“Our Climate Positive certification and international standards like R2v3 reinforced to investors that we’re not just commercially driven – we’re genuinely leading on sustainability. That credibility mattered.”
Lessons for SMEs seeking capital
Asked what SMEs could take from Echo Tech’s experience, Moynahan emphasises the importance of choosing the right partner.
“Look for alignment first, then use the investor’s skills and experience to lift the business to the next level,” he says.
“The right partner brings not just capital but insights and capability that can accelerate growth. When values are aligned, you can unlock those strengths with confidence and build for long-term success.”
With Altered Capital’s support, Echo Tech plans to accelerate its rollout of facilities, broaden services, and extend reach into new communities.
“This capital will allow us to accelerate our mission of providing e-waste solutions to all New Zealanders,” Moynahan says.
“It means we can move faster on expanding facilities, broaden our services, and reach more communities nationwide.”
Sam Rapson, Partner at Altered Capital, says Echo Tech’s vision and model made it an attractive investment.
“Echo Tech is redefining what responsible technology disposal looks like in New Zealand. Their scalable model, strong leadership, and commitment to responsibly solving New Zealand’s e-waste challenge make them an ideal partner for long-term growth.”
For more funding and investment advice tailored to SMEs, check out our September digital magazine, here.
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