The name might sound like a niche tool, but this resource is a full-fledged software development platform that’s quietly becoming a cornerstone for Kiwi businesses—especially those in fintech, agribusiness, and local startups. Founded in 2018 by a team of ex-Microsoft and Google engineers, the platform offers a suite of tools designed to streamline workflows, reduce manual coding, and accelerate time-to-market for custom applications. Unlike generic DevOps tools, rakebit’s focus is on New Zealand’s specific needs: from integrating with local payment processors to handling the unique regulatory landscapes of the region. It’s not just another software company; it’s a movement shaping how Aotearoa’s tech ecosystem operates.
At its core, rakebit provides a low-code development environment that lets developers build scalable applications with far fewer lines of code than traditional frameworks. The platform’s flagship product, Rakebit Studio, is a visual workflow builder where users drag-and-drop components to create APIs, databases, and even full web apps. This approach cuts development time by up to 70%, according to internal benchmarks from companies like Weta Digital and Trade Me, who have adopted it for internal tools and customer-facing solutions. The real game-changer, however, is its integration with New Zealand’s infrastructure. Unlike global competitors, rakebit has built partnerships with local cloud providers like NZCloud and Quintagroup, ensuring compliance with GDPR, the Privacy Act, and other Kiwi-specific regulations. For a country where data sovereignty is increasingly critical, this is a rare advantage.
But rakebit isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering local innovation. The company hosts regular workshops in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, where developers from small firms and universities collaborate on open-source projects. One standout example is the Rakebit Community Edition, a free tier that lets students and startups prototype ideas without upfront costs. This has led to a surge in local startups like FarmIQ (an agri-tech platform) and PayIt (a regional payment processor), which have since scaled using rakebit’s backend infrastructure. The platform’s open API ecosystem also encourages third-party developers to build extensions, turning rakebit into a de facto standard for cross-industry applications.
The numbers tell the story. Since its launch, rakebit has processed over 1.2 million API requests daily across 150+ Kiwi businesses, with a 42% reduction in onboarding time for new clients compared to traditional methods. Its most popular feature? The Rakebit Serverless Functions, which allow developers to deploy code in minutes without managing servers. This has been a game-changer for fintech firms like Nabla, where a single function now handles 80% of their customer onboarding workflows. The platform’s success isn’t just in metrics—it’s in the stories of teams that used rakebit to pivot quickly during the pandemic, whether building contact-tracing apps or digital supply chains for farmers.
Yet, like any tool, rakebit has its critics. Some developers argue that the visual interface, while powerful, can feel limiting for those accustomed to traditional code. However, rakebit’s response has been to offer deep integration with Python, JavaScript, and Ruby, ensuring flexibility without sacrificing usability. The company’s commitment to transparency is also noteworthy: all source code is open-source, and their cloud infrastructure is audited annually by independent firms to ensure security. This transparency has earned rakebit a reputation as a trustworthy partner in Aotearoa’s growing digital economy.
Looking ahead, rakebit’s biggest challenge may be scaling its impact beyond New Zealand. The company has already expanded into Australia and the UK, but its core strength lies in its deep understanding of Aotearoa’s tech landscape. With the government’s push for a Digital Economy Strategy, rakebit is positioned to play a key role in making New Zealand a global leader in software innovation. Whether it’s powering the next generation of fintech startups, modernising agribusiness, or training the next wave of Kiwi developers, rakebit is more than a tool—it’s a bridge between the past and the future of Aotearoa’s tech industry.
- Rakebit reduces development time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods.
- Over 1.2 million API requests are processed daily across 150+ NZ businesses.
- The platform has been adopted by Weta Digital, Trade Me, FarmIQ, and PayIt.
- Rakebit’s open-source Community Edition is free for students and startups.
- 42% faster client onboarding than traditional DevOps tools.