Spacial AI start-up Haydes wins backing from Allbirds’ Tim Brown, Sir Stephen Tindall, Icehouse Ventures

PremiumChris KeallTechnology Editor/Senior Business Writer·NZ Herald·12 Jul, 2026 09:00 PM4 mins to read‌From left: Hyades founders Jimin Seo, Ashin Alex and Sam Kurian. Photo / Sylvie Whinray A trio of Auckland University graduates have raised $1.5 million for a new AI product they’re developing – following chance meetings with each other, then two of New Zealand’s best-known entrepreneurs. Ashin Alex, Sam Kurian and Jimin Seo co-founded Hyades (named for a star constellation) to develop a system that