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SYOS Aerospace: How a Tauranga robotics startup has taken flight globally

Developing some of the world’s most technologically sophisticated uncrewed vehicles for air, land, and sea, SYOS Aerospace is aiming high and scaling fast.

6 minute read

A bold idea takes off

In early 2021, engineer Sam Vye set out to solve a critical problem. Existing drone technology couldn’t meet the heavy-lift, high-capability needs of industries working in complex, often hazardous environments.

That challenge sparked the creation of SYOS Aerospace – a robotics company focused on building uncrewed vehicles that deliver maximum utility at minimal cost.

From day one, SYOS has been about practical, real-world impact. Its systems span air, land, and sea, reducing risk and unlocking efficiency in some of the world’s most demanding conditions.

As momentum built, so did the need for capital – and the right kind of support to match SYOS’s ambition.

From capital partner to co-pilot

As SYOS gained traction, Sam began exploring funding options to support the company’s next stage of growth. He met with venture capitalists and private equity groups – but it was BNZ’s Private Capital team that offered something different.

For SYOS, capital was only part of the equation. Sam sought strategic partners – investors who could offer more than money. That meant commercial experience, relevant networks, and a shared belief in the mission.

BNZ introduced Sam to Mark Tapper, who would go on to become a lead investor and board director.

Mark’s contribution extends beyond investment. As a board member, he plays an active role in shaping strategy and supporting key decisions – bringing his experience and insight to the table when it matters most.

With the right investors on board, SYOS has found more than funding. It’s found a co-pilot for the journey ahead.

Active investment in action

With BNZ’s support, SYOS secured the kind of capital that goes beyond the balance sheet – backing that brought strategic advice, governance expertise, and real-world commercial insight.

BNZ’s Private Capital team continued to support the business through key inflection points, helping SYOS strengthen its capital base, scale up operations, and explore new global markets – all while staying focused on the core mission.

For SYOS, this support translated directly into action. With investor backing, the company accelerated development, unlocked new opportunities, and set the business up for global scale.

Accelerating growth at speed

The capital injection, and the strategic support that came with it, enabled SYOS to scale rapidly.

SYOS currently employs over 100 staff across multiple international sites, including a major production facility in the UK and new operations in Europe being established. Expansion plans are also underway in the United States, alongside additional capability in New Zealand.

This global footprint is helping SYOS bring its cutting-edge technologies to market faster – including uncrewed vehicles all powered by an advanced control system the team developed in-house. It enables these vehicles to navigate, make decisions, and operate independently – even in environments without GPS.

Building the future from Aotearoa

SYOS now operates across multiple continents, but its long-term vision is clear: to become a global leader in robotics and a multi-billion-dollar company, owned and operated right here in New Zealand.

That ambition is matched by BNZ’s commitment to backing Kiwi businesses with bold goals.

From Tauranga to the world, SYOS is Kiwi innovation at full throttle.

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