When Vend was founded in 2009 by Kiwi entrepreneur Vaughan Fergusson, few could’ve predicted its evolution from a small New Zealand startup to a global leader in retail technology—eventually culminating in a $455 million acquisition by Lightspeed in 2021. Today, Vend remains one of New Zealand’s most celebrated tech success stories, and its influence continues to ripple across the startup landscape in 2025.
Vend at a Glance (2025 Recap)
- Founded: 2009 in Auckland, NZ
- Product: Cloud-based retail POS, inventory, ecommerce & loyalty software
- Global Reach: Used by 25,000+ retailers across 100+ countries
- Acquired by Lightspeed: April 2021 for US$350M (NZ$455M)
- Team in 2025: Over 150 staff remain in the Auckland office
- Legacy: Key inspiration behind the rise of modern Kiwi tech startups
Why Vend Mattered Then – and Still Does
When Fergusson launched Vend, traditional point-of-sale systems were outdated, inflexible, and expensive. Vend disrupted this space by introducing a modern, cloud-first POS system that allowed small retailers to operate like large enterprises — with analytics, inventory sync, mobile payments, and multi-store management all in one.
By integrating with platforms like Xero and Shopify, Vend quickly became a backbone for thousands of independent retailers worldwide.
The Lightspeed Acquisition: A Catalyst, Not a Conclusion
In 2021, Vend was acquired by Canadian-based Lightspeed, a fellow cloud POS giant listed on the NYSE. While some saw the deal as yet another example of a Kiwi company being sold offshore, others viewed it as a pivotal moment that validated New Zealand’s capability to build global SaaS success stories.
- Lightspeed retained Vend’s core team in Auckland
- Expanded R&D operations locally
- Created more tech jobs in New Zealand
- Strengthened APAC retail tech market presence
Where Is Vaughan Fergusson Now?
As of 2025, Fergusson remains a visible force in New Zealand’s innovation scene.
- Leads the Pam Fergusson Charitable Trust
- Actively mentors local startup founders
- Advocates for creativity and inclusive education
“Back when we started, it was basically just Xero. Now there’s a vibrant ecosystem of hundreds of Kiwi tech companies,” Vaughan said in a 2021 interview. That number has only grown in 2025.
Vend’s Ongoing Impact on the NZ Startup Ecosystem
Vend didn’t just build a product — it built belief.
- Inspiration: Proof that global SaaS can be built from NZ
- Investment Recycling: Returns from the sale helped fund newer ventures
- Alumni Network: Former employees have launched or scaled other tech companies
- Cultural Blueprint: A team-first culture that remains a benchmark in NZ tech
Key Lessons for Startups in 2025
- Think Global from Day One — Focus on scalable problems
- Leverage the Cloud — Cloud-first tools continue to dominate
- Don’t Fear the Exit — Strategic sales strengthen ecosystems
- Invest in People — Strong culture sustains long-term success
What’s Next?
While Vend now operates as part of a larger global platform, its legacy continues to define New Zealand’s startup spirit. In 2025, it stands as a case study in ambition, resilience, and global relevance — a clear signal that Kiwi companies can compete, lead, and inspire on the world stage.
