A fresh start

The country needs more startups, but are tax breaks the best way to get there?

- Peter Griffin

Last month, another highflying tech company you probably haven't heard of was sold to offshore buyers.

Over a 25-year period, Auckland-based Serato became one of the world's leading makers of audio software for DJs, engineers and musicians. It was bought by Yokohama-based audio specialist AlphaTheta in a deal likely to have been worth north of $100 million, as it required Overseas Investment Office approval.

Like retail software maker Vend (sold for $455 million) and Seequent, which makes 3D modelling software (sold for $1.46 billion), Serato's exit is testament to the incredible value our tech companies create.

Don't get hung up about ownership changing hands. At least some of the proceeds of those sales, and the expertise behind the companies, will support the next generation of Kiwi startups.

That's what we've seen with the likes of Xero, Trade Me, and Rocket Lab, where cashed-up founders have become serial investors. The question is, how do we create more great startups with the ability to compete globally?