Levi Fawcett

Levi Fawcett is a Christchurch-based engineer and entrepreneur and co-founder and chief executive of Partly, the AI-powered platform digitising the US$1.9 trillion global auto parts industry.

Fawcett studied mechatronics engineering at the University of Canterbury, where he founded four businesses before graduating. During his studies he also worked at Rocket Lab, building navigation systems for the company’s rockets while completing his degree in evenings and weekends. That early experience at one of New Zealand’s most celebrated deep-tech companies shaped his approach to building technology businesses.

In 2020, Fawcett co-founded Partly alongside Nathan Taylor, Mark Song, Evan Jia and Tony Austin. The company uses AI and machine learning to turn raw car parts data into structured, searchable information, letting parts manufacturers, retailers and marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon help customers find the right part from a licence plate. Before Partly, an estimated 95% of auto parts sales activity still happened over the phone.

Partly’s growth has been rapid: the company raised New Zealand’s largest-ever Series A at $37 million, grew to more than 50 employees within three years and expanded into Europe and Australia. Fawcett was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 and overall winner of the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards in 2024.

Fawcett’s profile is noteworthy because he took a deeply unglamorous industry, auto parts and recognised that its complexity was the opportunity. His Rocket Lab roots, Christchurch base and record-setting fundraise make him one of the most compelling young founders in New Zealand’s current generation.

Sources: NZ Herald · EY New Zealand · Icehouse Ventures