Carbn Executive Team Takes Control in NZGIF Buyout

Carbn, a Kiwi company reshaping how local businesses and government use mobility, is now privately owned. This follows a management buyout of New Zealand Green Investment Finance’s (NZGIF) shareholding.

Backed by Private Capital Group (PCG), the deal gives Carbn’s leadership team full control of its affairs. It can now accelerate growth in telematics, sustainable fleet financing, car-sharing, and advisory services. Carbn owns Zilch Car-Sharing and Sustainable Fleet Financing.

“NZGIF’s support was critical in helping Carbn move from concept to thriving business,” said CEO and joint-founder Shaun Drylie (above).

“We’re proud to now take the next step — scaling a New Zealand-owned company that is cutting costs for organisations while reducing emissions. 

“I would also like to thank our fantastic team, future-focused customers, and board for helping us to reach this milestone.”

NZGIF CEO, Sarah Minhinnick, commented: “We are pleased to have played a pivotal role in Carbn’s journey. And we wish the business all the very best with growing a future in mobility that reduces emissions and costs for businesses. 

“This sale is a fulfilment of NZGIF’s founding purpose, which was to attract co-investment over time. It also supports the growth of companies that reduce emissions across the economy.”

Jointly founded by Shaun Drylie and David Simpson, Carbn has built a unique model that combines car-sharing technology, telematics, and financing solutions. 

Clients include ASB, the University of Waikato, and Christchurch City Council. Hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees use its services.

The company is also on the All-of-Government panel, enabling central and local government agencies to reduce fleet costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

“We saw a gap for a trusted partner to help organisations move away from the old fleet model,” said Simpson. 

“This change in ownership allows us to scale faster and deliver even greater impact for New Zealand’s economy and environment.”

Paul Carman, Managing Partner of PCG, affirmed the company’s support for Carbn. “We see Carbn’s management team and mobility model as a fantastic example of a Kiwi business that can disrupt old industries while delivering solutions that are good for both the planet and businesses’ bottom lines. We’re proud to support the next stage of Carbn’s journey.”

The management buyout was led by Shaun Drylie, David Simpson, Roy O’Hara, and Dave Corbett. They all have a record of scaling ambitious New Zealand businesses.