Booster's BIF backs battery recycler Linca with NZ$300K seed

What's the deal? Linca, an early-stage New Zealand company, has raised NZ$300,000 in a seed round led by the Booster Innovation Fund (BIF). The startup is developing technology to recover critical minerals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries onshore.

What's the endgame? Linca's process aims to extract recycled lithium, nickel, and cobalt from the black mass of waste batteries using modular facilities in New Zealand, rather than exporting the material offshore where value is lost. The company says its approach cuts reliance on mining and smelting, boosts metal sovereignty, and supports circular manufacturing.

Why now? The deal fits BIF's remit to back New Zealand businesses at the seed stage of growth, particularly those founded on locally developed intellectual property. Following the transaction, Linca will represent 1.2% of BIF's portfolio, which holds over 35 active companies and a net asset value of NZ$25.3 million. Booster's wider group administers more than NZ$8 billion on behalf of over 200,000 New Zealanders.

The signal: Domestic battery recycling is drawing capital as countries seek to secure critical minerals without relying on imports or offshore processing. Linca's onshore, modular model reflects a broader push toward local supply chains and circular manufacturing.

Read more: BusinessDesk