The New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super Fund) has made a new investment, taking a US$75 million stake in United States-based View®.

View is a leading manufacturer of dynamic-tinting glass, helping building occupants control, light, glare and preserve views by avoiding blinds and shades. As well as regulating natural light, the dynamic glass, which is installed at more than 120 sites across North America, also reduces the amount of energy used for cooling, heating and lighting buildings. Intelligent systems operate the glass in response to outdoor conditions providing greater comfort and energy efficiency and occupants can also manually control the glass using apps on smartphones and tablets, or by wall switches.

Matt Whineray, NZ Super Fund Chief Investment Officer, said View’s growth potential in a large market, and the exposure it provided to the energy efficiency sector, made it an attractive addition to the Fund’s portfolio.

“We are pleased to be able to further diversify the Fund’s portfolio of offshore, growth-oriented direct investments,” said Mr Whineray.  “While these investments in early-stage companies with strong growth potential make up only a small part of the overall Fund – around 1.5% - they are an appropriate part of the mix for a long-term, diversified investor seeking to maximise returns.”

“View’s energy efficiency benefits are also a good fit with our strategy to increase the Fund’s exposure to alternative energy.”

Previous NZ Super Fund ‘expansion capital’ investments in this vein include fuel cell manufacturer Bloom Energy, wind turbine developer Ogin Inc. and carbon recycling company LanzaTech. In New Zealand, the Fund invests in expansion capital via investment managers Pencarrow Private Equity, Pioneer Capital Partners and Waterman Capital. Around 1.5% of the overall NZ Super Fund is invested in expansion capital.

“We are thrilled that NZ Super Fund has joined our investor group at a time of rapid growth at View,” said View CEO Dr. Rao Mulpuri. “As human wellness and environmental sustainability become strategic imperatives for forward-thinking organizations, View Dynamic Glass is enabling the rapid evolution of occupant-focused, sustainable, and intelligent building design. The strong, positive reaction from our initial customers is driving increased market acceptance and this financing will help us expand our capabilities to meet the growing market demand.”

The transaction settled on 7 August 2015.

The NZ Super Fund's Head of International Direct Investment, Nigel Gormly, will take up a seat on View’s Board.

Media contacts:

NZ Super Fund – Catherine Etheredge, Head of Communications, +64 274 777 501, cetheredge@nzsuperfund.co.nz

View - Robyn Hannah, 408.823.3863, robyn.hannah@viewglass.com