Kiwi entrepreneur Levi Fawcett: Driving innovation and leadership

Pictured above: Levi Fawcett.

Levi Fawcett is testament to New Zealand’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. With a background in engineering and a remarkable track record of building successful ventures, Levi’s journey from a hands-on car mechanic to a celebrated leader is both inspiring and instructive. Recently honoured as the overall winner at the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards, Levi spoke to NZBusiness about the recognition, and what his business journey has taught him about being a great leader.

Levi’s passion for vehicles began as a young boy, where he honed his skills by fixing cars and farm equipment. This early exposure to engineering and problem-solving, he says, helped lay the groundwork for his future endeavours. “Growing up, I had a pretty unusual upbringing. I was homeschooled and learned a lot through doing projects. I had the freedom to chase my curiosity and tinker,” he says.

Before founding Partly, Levi successfully built four companies, each contributing to his growing reputation as an accomplished business leader. His recognition as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 underscores his significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

His business journey has been significantly shaped by influential figures, notably Peter Beck, Founder of Rocket Lab. Levi’s experience at Rocket Lab, where he led the guidance and simulation team, was pivotal in expanding his perspective on what’s achievable. “Peter’s influence was profound,” Levi recalls. He says that Peter’s mentorship taught him a valuable lesson: New Zealand, though small, possesses extraordinary talent and potential that can compete globally.

“My time at Rocket Lab was a masterclass in thinking big. When I joined, there was only one other company that had launched a rocket – SpaceX, and here we were, a team of a hundred people from New Zealand looking to do the same.

“It hammered home that New Zealand punches above its weight in raw talent, but often lacks that extra level of ambition that sets places like Silicon Valley apart. This experience reshaped my view of what’s possible, not just for me, but for Kiwi entrepreneurs on the global stage,” says Levi.

He went on to found Partly in 2020, an auto parts tech start-up comprising of a global team of technology experts and automotive veterans headquartered out of Christchurch. They combine recent advancements in AI and machine learning and deep automotive industry expertise to make it really easy for buyers to find the right parts for their vehicles. In 2022 Levi and Partly raised $37 million at a $180m valuation in what was described as the largest Series A raise in New Zealand history.

Levi says that the automotive industry is known for its insularity, but has leveraged his network to navigate this challenge and seize opportunities presented by new technologies.

“The automotive industry is notoriously closed off. What’s interesting is that impressive industry veterans are drawn to Partly because we’re addressing long-standing problems they’ve faced.”

For a company still in its infancy, Levi says the recent NZ Leadership Award is a bit surreal. “Partly’s made significant strides, but we’re still in the early days of our ambitious journey. I’m accepting the congratulations, but this recognition really spotlights what our exceptional team has been able to accomplish.”

At the helm, Levi’s leadership approach revolves around three core elements: a clear vision, top-tier talent, and a supportive culture. “Articulating a clear vision, attracting the best talent, and creating a culture that unleashes their potential are central to our success,” he says. Levi’s strategy involves understanding what motivates exceptional people – surrounding himselfs with other top performers, tackling challenging problems, and having the freedom to innovate.

He says that by maintaining high standards in hiring and fostering an environment of autonomy and collaboration, Partly has been able to attract and retain a world-class team.

Making a success of your venture

When asked about the qualities essential for entrepreneurial success, Levi highlights the importance of balancing various elements.

“Entrepreneurship is a balancing act between attracting talent, finding customers and resources, all while operating ahead of where you actually are,” he explains. He underscores that no one succeeds perfectly on the first try. Instead, it’s those who learn and iterate quickly and possess the grit to persevere who often come out ahead. This resilience and adaptability are crucial, he says, in navigating the complex and often unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.

“I might cop some flak for this, but Elon Musk is an entrepreneur I’ve admired. Recent antics aside, there’s no denying his impact. He’s revolutionised electric vehicles and space travel, and made huge contributions to online transactions, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.”

Levi’s perspective on work-life balance is pragmatic. He reflects on the early days of Partly, when he and his co-founders lived and worked together. “There was something invaluable about the camaraderie developed during those early years.” As the company has grown, Levi acknowledges the need for balance but admits that fully disconnecting from work remains challenging. The camaraderie from those formative years continues to influence Partly’s culture, highlighting the importance of shared experiences in building a cohesive team.

“My wife has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey,” he says, acknowledging the crucial role of family and personal support in achieving business goals in an often lonely journey.

“It’s not all as easy as it sounds”, Levi’s speaking to the misconception about entrepreneurship being unrealistically portrayed as easy and glamorous. “Most people now understand the reality of entrepreneurship, it’s risky, stressful, and a long journey,” he says.

For Levi, continuous learning comes from surrounding himself with talented individuals and staying engaged with industry developments. He also gives back by mentoring other start-ups and serving on various boards. “Mentoring others has been a rewarding part of my journey,” he notes. Sharing his experiences and insights, he says, helps foster a new generation of entrepreneurs and contributes to the broader business community.

Maintaining and cultivating a professional network has been an important part of the journey for Levi. He says focusing on building relationships with individuals who align with long-term goals is important. “Begin conversations early, keep them updated with progress,” he suggests. “Even if immediate opportunities are not apparent, these connections can prove valuable in the future.”

The 360° Entrepreneur is proudly brought to you by EO New Zealand. The series will follow Kiwi entrepreneurs and how they are overcoming challenges both professional and personal to grow and scale their businesses.

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