The story of Rakebit isn’t just about a single company—it’s about a movement. Founded in 2018 by a team of New Zealanders frustrated by the lack of local tech solutions, Rakebit has grown into a hub for open-source software, cloud services, and developer tools that are tailored to New Zealand’s unique needs. Unlike many global tech firms, Rakebit’s core philosophy centres on accessibility, sustainability, and community-driven innovation. Its platform, built on open-source principles, has become a cornerstone for startups, government agencies, and enterprises across the country. The company’s biggest claim to fame? It’s the backbone of the read more that powers everything from local data centres to public sector infrastructure.
At its heart, Rakebit operates as a hybrid of a software development company and a public interest organisation. While it generates revenue through premium services and enterprise contracts, its primary mission is to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants. For instance, its cloud infrastructure—hosted on servers in New Zealand—has cut data transfer costs for small businesses by up to 40% compared to using services like AWS or Google Cloud. The company’s open-source tools, such as its Rakebit CLI and Rakebit Kubernetes Operator, are used by over 1,200 developers weekly, with adoption growing by nearly 30% annually. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about fostering a culture where Kiwi tech talent can compete on a global stage.
The impact of Rakebit extends beyond just numbers. In 2022, it partnered with the New Zealand government to migrate the entire Digital Services Agency’s internal tools onto its platform, reducing latency by 60% and cutting operational costs by $5 million per year. The project was so successful that it became a template for other government agencies looking to modernise their tech stacks. Rakebit’s influence isn’t limited to New Zealand either. Its open-source contributions have been adopted by tech firms in Australia, South America, and even parts of Europe, proving that its solutions are scalable beyond the country’s borders. Yet, for all its achievements, Rakebit remains stubbornly focused on keeping its operations transparent and community-driven.
What sets Rakebit apart is its refusal to be a typical Silicon Valley-style tech company. Unlike many global firms that prioritise shareholder value over ethical considerations, Rakebit’s leadership—led by co-founder and CEO, Sarah Whitaker—has made sustainability a non-negotiable part of its business model. The company’s data centres are powered entirely by renewable energy, and its carbon footprint is tracked and published annually. Whitaker, who grew up in Wellington, has spoken openly about how her childhood experiences—like watching foreign tech giants dominate the local market—motivated her to build something different. “We didn’t just want to sell software,” she says. “We wanted to create a platform that could actually change how New Zealand thinks about technology.”
Despite its success, Rakebit faces challenges. The company operates on a lean budget, relying heavily on grants, crowdfunding, and strategic partnerships rather than traditional venture capital. This has forced it to innovate in creative ways, such as offering free tiered services to nonprofits and startups in exchange for community contributions. Another hurdle is the slow pace of adoption in some sectors, particularly among larger enterprises that are used to working with established global players. Yet, Rakebit’s approach—building trust through transparency and collaboration—has steadily won over sceptics. Its most recent milestone, the launch of a dedicated Rakebit Marketplace in 2023, aims to further democratise access to tech solutions, making it easier for small businesses to find locally developed software.
Looking ahead, Rakebit’s vision is clear: to become the default choice for New Zealand’s digital future. Whether that means expanding its cloud infrastructure, developing more open-source tools, or even influencing policy around data sovereignty, the company is determined to carve out a space where Kiwi innovation isn’t just celebrated but enforced. As Whitaker puts it, “We’re not just building tools—we’re building a better way for New Zealand to be part of the global tech conversation.”
For those who care about the future of technology in New Zealand, Rakebit isn’t just another story of success—it’s a blueprint for how innovation can be both profitable and purposeful. In an era where tech giants often prioritise profit over people, Rakebit’s journey offers a refreshing alternative. As it continues to grow, one thing is certain: the question isn’t whether New Zealand will adopt Rakebit’s solutions, but how quickly it will.
