Invest in the Backbone of
New Zealand’s Economy.

The Hawkdun Private Capital Fund bridges New Zealand’s $8 billion SME funding gap. We partner with cash-generative regional businesses, providing secured credit, embedded governance, and selective equity participation to deliver 10–12% net returns with real economic impact.

Minimum investment $750,000, available to wholesale investors under the FMCA.
10K+
10.000+ people already joined the SME Private Capital Fund

We’re committed to fuelling the growth of New Zealand’s most ambitious SMEs - while delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns for our investors.

Why This Fund Exists

Backing the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.

Bridging the $8 Billion Gap in SME Funding

New Zealand’s 37,000 SMEs make up 97% of all businesses, yet most can’t access the capital they need to grow.Traditional banks demand residential property as security, while private-equity funds rarely consider deals under $10 million.The Hawkdun Private Capital Fund fills this gap with secured credit and embedded governance, unlocking growth for strong, cash-generative regional businesses.

An Underserved Market,
a Proven Model

Over 45% of New Zealand SMEs are actively seeking growth capital, representing a $4–8 billion funding gap hiding in plain sight.With an average default rate of just 1.1%, this segment offers a unique blend of security and yield rarely seen in private credit. By investing in the Hakwdun Private Capital Fund, you become part of the solution, backing real businesses while earning 10–12% net, risk-adjusted returns.

Capital + Capability
= Better Businesses, Better Returns

The Hawkdun Private Capital Fund isn’t just a lender, it’s a long-term partner. We combine disciplined capital with embedded governance to create stronger, more resilient businesses and more consistent investor returns.
Secured Loans
We provide secured credit between $1M–$10M, structured over 6–36 months. Each facility is backed by tangible assets and sound cash flow, often with convertible or warrant upside, giving investors access to both yield and equity participation.
Lend + Lift Model
Our Lend + Lift Model embeds governance into every deal. We appoint fractional CFOs, board observers, and regional advisors, ensuring each business is not only well-capitalised but well-managed, de-risking execution and unlocking growth.
2.5x Faster Growth
Data from the Institute of Directors shows that SMEs with formal boards grow 2.5x faster. Data from the Institute of Directors shows that SMEs with formal boards grow 2.5x faster.By combining capital with capability, we turn that data into strategy, creating higher-quality borrowers and superior long-term outcomes for investors.
Downside Protection
Our model balances downside protection, through both secured loans and our evaluation framework, with the potential for value creation. Aligning capital with growth while preserving flexibility and upside for both parties.

Investor Value Proposition

The Hawkdun Private Capital Fund is built to deliver reliable income and real capital growth, without the complexity, opacity, or long lockups typical of private equity.

Benefits
Details
Target Net Return
10–12% IRR (net of all fees), driven by secured SME lending and selective equity upside.
Quarterly Distributions
Predictable income streams from interest payments, providing steady portfolio cash flow.
Equity Kickers & Warrants
Optional upside through direct participation in borrower growth and value creation.
Community Impact
Capital supports regional businesses, helping sustain jobs and growth across New Zealand.
Diversified Portfolio
Exposure to 20–30 secured loans across industries and regions, reducing concentration risk.
Conservative Risk Model
Loans secured with GSAs, guarantees, and property charges, supported by a 1.0% credit loss reserve.
Soft Carry Fee Structure
LPs receive a 5% preferred return before any GP performance fees; alignment built into every layer.
All income is paid out quarterly, no reinvestment drag, hidden layers, or unnecessary complexity.

Demand & Early Wins

Even before public launch, the Fund has secured a strong pipeline of real SME opportunities, validating market demand and our hands-on lending model.
$2M Loan + Equity Kicker
Queenstown Entertainment
Pre-exit funding to scale regional entertainment assets, delivering yield plus equity upside ahead of PE acquisition.
$5M Debt / Equity Blend - North Island MachineryGrowth capital and consolidation funding in a recovering industrial sector, targeting asymmetric returns through a hybrid structure.
$$11M Secured Expansion Funding - Canterbury Food SupplierFully secured loan supporting national distribution growth and vertical integration, generating 12% yield and potential warrant gain.
$11M Fully Secured, ESG-Flagged - Southland Dairy FarmRefinancing and governance uplift for a proven agribusiness with strong cash flow, compliant with ESG transition standards.

Meet the team

Seasoned leaders in private credit, governance, and SME investment, united by a shared mission to back the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.
Hayden Dillon
Founder / Managing Director
Hayden Dillon
Founder / Managing Director
Founder / Managing Director
With 25+ years in banking, governance, and SME investment, Hayden has advised hundreds of regional businesses on growth and succession. He leads the fund’s strategy and deployment, bringing deep insight from his time with BNZ, NAB, and Findex.
Michael Stiassny
Chairman
Michael Stiassny
Chairman
A recognised authority in corporate governance and restructuring, Michael has over 40 years of board and leadership experience. His independent oversight ensures disciplined decision-making and strong fiduciary standards across the fund.
Kiran King
Acquisition Strategist
Kiran King
Acquisition Strategist
A commercial strategist with experience growing businesses across major Western markets, including Australia, New Zealand, North America, and the UK. Kiran specialises in building end-to-end acquisition systems that turn brand, positioning, and channels into predictable revenue. He has scaled service businesses, led national commercial transformations, and built high-performing sales and marketing teams across multiple industries. He also brings deep expertise in e-commerce growth, full-funnel performance systems, and demand generation for businesses looking to expand internationally.
Supported by Partners
Our network of legal, financial, and commercial partners strengthens every stage of the investment process, from due diligence to portfolio growth.
Supported by Partners
Our network of legal, financial, and commercial partners strengthens every stage of the investment process, from due diligence to portfolio growth.

Why We Win Deals Others Can't

We operate beyond the constraints of traditional banks and private equity, combining speed, flexibility, and deep governance insight to unlock opportunities others overlook.
Fast, Flexible, Founder-Focused.
We move faster than banks, offering tailored structures and flexible terms that help strong SMEs access capital when they need it most.
Aligned with Business Ownerstrue partners to business owners.
We act as true partners, embedding advisory support, board access, and strategic oversight, not just capital. That alignment builds trust, transparency, and performance.
Relationship-First Lending.
Our partnership approach means repeat deals, stronger borrower loyalty, and better visibility into performance, creating higher-quality returns for investors.
Smart, Strategic, and Scalable.
We’re not just faster, we’re smarter. By combining data-led credit decisions with governance experience, we capture quality opportunities before they hit the mainstream market.