Catalyst Cloud
Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated IaaS and PaaS cloud provider built on OpenStack, serving the NZ public sector, research institutions, enterprises, SaaS providers, and start-ups from three onshore data centres with full data sovereignty under NZ law.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Catalyst Cloud does
Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated Infrastructure-as-a-Service and Platform-as-a-Service cloud provider, headquartered in Wellington and operating as an independent company within the Catalyst IT group since August 2017 (founded 2014). It delivers compute, block and object storage, networking, load balancing, VPN, direct connection, managed Kubernetes (CNCF-certified), managed databases, cloud orchestration, and security services from three PCI DSS-certified data centre regions in Wellington, Porirua, and Hamilton, all built on OpenStack and exposed via a 100% self-service web dashboard and full OpenStack APIs.
The product portfolio spans general-purpose compute (C1, C3 on Intel Xeon Skylake and Sapphire Rapids), burstable compute (C2 Burst), and GPU-accelerated instances (C2 GPU with NVIDIA A100 80GB; C3 GPU with NVIDIA L40S 48GB and up to 192GB VRAM), enabling AI/ML, data analytics, and virtual desktop workloads. Pricing is usage-based hourly billing across compute, storage, and network, with subscription pricing on managed services (Kubernetes, databases, Windows/SQL Server bundles via Silicon Systems) and pay-as-you-go professional and managed services including private cloud and enclave offerings.
The go-to-market is hybrid: a product-led self-service model ($300 free trial credits, free cloud orchestration) combined with enterprise field sales targeting the NZ public sector through the All-of-Government Cloud Framework Agreement awarded in March 2022, and dedicated engagement with research institutions through REANNZ connectivity and education/development/research grants. Customers include NZ government agencies (Electoral Commission, Ministry of Health, Stats NZ, Māori Television), research bodies (GNS Science, AUT, NIWA, Plant and Food Research), and NZ corporates (PaySauce, Tohu Media, Eco Index, Dragonfly Data Science). Revenue is not publicly disclosed.
Catalyst Cloud firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Catalyst Cloud
- Legal name
- Catalyst IT Limited
- Website
- https://catalystcloud.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated IaaS and PaaS cloud provider built on OpenStack, serving the NZ public sector, research institutions, enterprises, SaaS providers, and start-ups from three onshore data centres with full data sovereignty under NZ law.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Catalyst Cloud industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cloud Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (51821), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Managed Application Platforms (App PaaS & Runtime Services) (HDABAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Managed Container Platforms (Kubernetes & Container PaaS) (HDABAAAB), Cloud-Native Enablement (Containers, Kubernetes, Service Mesh) (BPAEAKAE), Industry/Vertical Cloud Platforms (e.g., Gov/Healthcare/Financial Cloud Regions) (HDABAAAL)
Keywords
Where Catalyst Cloud is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wellington
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices5 records
Markets served
Catalyst Cloud business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Compute: Hourly billing for virtual compute servers (C1, C2 Burst, C2 GPU, C3, C3 GPU) with no upfront commitment. Pay-per-use down to the minute. Resources can be turned off and shelved to save costs.
- Block Storage Services: Block storage billed per GB per hour or per month, with various tiers (HDD with varying IOPS burst limits, NVMe with higher performance).
- Object Storage Services: Volume-based pricing for storage at rest plus data transfer charges to/from object storage.
- Network Services: Charges for public IPv4 addresses, additional networks, routers, load balancers, VPN, and direct connections at various speeds (100Mbps to 10Gbps).
- Platform as a Service - Kubernetes (CCKS): Managed Kubernetes service with pricing based on cluster resources consumed.
- Managed Database Services: Managed database services as part of the PaaS offerings.
- Windows and SQL Server Licenses: Bundled OS licenses (Windows at $13 per 2 vCPU pack/month, SQL Server Standard at $275 per 2 vCPU pack/month, SQL Server Web Edition at $22.50 per 2 vCPU pack/month).
- Premium Support Services: Premium support tiers available for customers requiring additional assistance beyond standard support.
- Professional Services: Managed services including private cloud, professional services, and enclave offerings.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Compute C1 - General purpose virtual servers, 1-64 vCPU, 0.5-1280GB RAM |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Compute C2 Burst - Burstable CPU for light workloads, 1-8 vCPU, 0.5-32GB RAM |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Compute C2 GPU - High-performance GPU servers with NVIDIA A100 80GB |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Compute C3 - General purpose servers with Intel Xeon Sapphire Rapids, 2-96 vCPU |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Compute C3 GPU - GPU accelerated servers with NVIDIA L40S 48GB for AI/ML workloads |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Block Storage - Multiple tiers from HDD to NVMe |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Network Services |
| Subscription | Monthly | Bundled OS Licenses - Windows and SQL Server |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Trial and Grants |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Cloud Orchestration |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Catalyst Cloud product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated cloud computing provider delivering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions built on OpenStack and Kubernetes. The offering includes virtual compute (general purpose and GPU-accelerated instances), block and object storage, networking, managed Kubernetes, managed databases, cloud orchestration, and supporting managed services, distributed across three onshore data centre regions (Wellington, Porirua, Hamilton) with ISO 27001/27017 and PCI DSS certifications.
Product overview
Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated IaaS and PaaS cloud computing provider built on OpenStack. The product portfolio consists of Infrastructure as a Service offerings (Compute with C1/C2/C3 general purpose and GPU variants, Block Storage with HDD/NVME tiers, Object Storage, Network, VPN, Load Balancer, Direct Connection) and Platform as a Service offerings (Managed Kubernetes, Managed Database, Cloud Orchestration, Alarm monitoring, Ingress Protection). Additional managed services include Private Cloud, Professional Services, and Enclave. The platform is distributed across three New Zealand data centre regions (Wellington, Porirua, Hamilton) with ISO certifications and government contracts supporting public sector adoption.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Core cloud infrastructure product line providing virtualized compute, storage, networking, and related resources for organisations, built on OpenStack with data centres in Wellington, Porirua, and Hamilton.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) Managed platform services including Kubernetes, databases, alarm monitoring, cloud orchestration, and ingress protection, enabling customers to deploy applications without managing underlying infrastructure.
- Compute Virtual server provisioning service offering multiple compute types including general purpose (C1, C3), burstable (C2 Burst), and GPU-accelerated (C2 GPU with NVIDIA A100, C3 GPU with NVIDIA L40S) instances with various vCPU and RAM configurations for diverse workload needs.
- Block Storage Persistent block-level storage service with multiple tiers offering HDD and NVMe options with varying IOPS limits and replication factors for performance and redundancy needs.
- Object Storage S3-compatible object storage service for storing and retrieving data at scale with built-in redundancy across multiple replicas, billed by storage volume and data transfer.
- Network Networking services including routers, security groups, public IPv4 address allocation, and additional networks for connecting cloud resources.
- Load Balancer Layer 7 load balancing service for distributing traffic across multiple compute instances with health monitoring capabilities.
- Direct Connection Dedicated physical connections (100Mbps, 1Gbps, 10Gbps) enabling private network connectivity between customer premises and Catalyst Cloud, designed for hybrid cloud architectures.
- VPN Virtual private network service enabling secure encrypted connections between remote users/sites and the Catalyst Cloud network.
- Managed Kubernetes (CCKS) CNCF-certified managed Kubernetes service enabling containerized application deployment and management for development teams.
- Managed Database Managed database hosting service for popular database engines, providing automated backups, maintenance, and high availability.
- Cloud Orchestration
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% faster user experience
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Catalyst Cloud
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Catalyst Cloud technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Catalyst Cloud partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- REANNZcoreREANNZ (Research, Education, Advanced Network NZ) enables its members to connect directly to Catalyst Cloud via redundant 10GbE connections. Provides Cloud Connect service for private networking, inter-cloud connectivity, and inter-region connectivity. Research organisations receive free data transfer to/from Hamilton region.
- MUTEX NZminorMUTEX NZ provides professional support, consultation and implementation services for ThinLinc remote desktop server, delivered as a managed service from Catalyst Cloud.
- TechnologyWiseminorTechnologyWise manages Nextcloud on Catalyst Cloud - an open-source, self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform. Provides managed services for clients.
- CLVRminorCLVR provides managed DevOps services, Kubernetes optimization (using Kubecost), and training on Catalyst Cloud Kubernetes platform.
- Katana TechnologiesminorKatana Technologies (100% Kiwi owned) provides Actifio Multi Cloud Data Management for enterprise-class data protection, backup, and ransomware recovery on Catalyst Cloud.
- DeRefminorDeRef provides managed GitLab service on Catalyst Cloud, offering full DevOps lifecycle platform with code management, keeping IP and code safe on NZ-controlled servers.
- PureSearchminorPureSearch provides hosted OpenSearch solution on Catalyst Cloud for search and analytics, with guaranteed data sovereignty and support for NZ organisations.
- Marksmen ITminorMarksmen IT (100% Kiwi owned) provides Sophos XG Security appliance management and Cloud Backup services (built on Veeam) for Catalyst Cloud customers.
- SignifyminorSignify (Smarter Web Company) provides digital development and web hosting on Catalyst Cloud. Supports some of NZ's largest websites with 2 million+ Kiwi users monthly.
- Silicon SystemsminorSilicon provides Maestro Windows Server Management and bundled Windows/SQL Server licenses for Catalyst Cloud. Also provides Windows bundled OS licenses as part of compute offerings.
- CatalystcoreCatalyst (parent company/sister company) is the largest provider of open source technology training in the southern hemisphere. Provides Koha, Mahara, Totara Learn, and Moodle management services. Co-founder and Platinum Partner of Totara Learn.
- Dragonfly Data ScienceminorDragonfly Data Science builds data visualisations and analytics tools on Catalyst Cloud, including the Kōkako iwi radio monitoring system.
- optimate.meminoroptimate.me provides SugarCRM implementation on Catalyst Cloud for customer relationship management, with offices in Australia and New Zealand.
- EiaraminorEiara provides DevOps and cloud tooling services using Terraform infrastructure-as-code for deploying web technologies into Catalyst Cloud.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Catalyst Cloud competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Google Cloud: Global hyperscale cloud offering IaaS/PaaS plus differentiated data and AI services. Alternative for NZ enterprises considering large-scale cloud platforms, including AI/ML workloads.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Global hyperscale cloud provider and the primary alternative for NZ enterprises and government. Competes with Catalyst Cloud across all IaaS/PaaS categories at vastly greater scale and service breadth.
- Microsoft Azure: Global hyperscale cloud with strong enterprise and government footprint in NZ. Competes with Catalyst Cloud for the same IaaS/PaaS workloads, particularly among Microsoft-stack customers.
Emerging players
- DigitalOcean: Simple, developer-focused IaaS provider targeting SMBs and startups with predictable pricing. Comparable to Catalyst Cloud's self-service, pay-as-you-go motion for startups and SaaS providers, though without sovereign positioning.
- OVHcloud: European independent cloud provider emphasizing data sovereignty, open standards, and value pricing. Comparable to Catalyst Cloud's sovereignty-plus-open-source positioning, though operating at much larger scale across Europe.
- Vultr: Independent cloud provider offering affordable compute, storage, and bare-metal globally on a self-service model. Comparable to Catalyst Cloud's PLG, pay-as-you-go approach and OpenStack-style openness for cost-sensitive customers.
- Hetzner Cloud: European value-priced cloud provider known for low-cost compute and storage. Comparable on the cost-efficient, developer-friendly axis of the market that Catalyst Cloud also targets for startups and SMBs.
Direct peers
- Sliced Tech: Australian sovereign managed cloud provider focused on government and security-cleared workloads. Comparable sovereign-cloud positioning to Catalyst Cloud, serving a similar regulated-customer profile across the Tasman.
- Macquarie Cloud Services: Australian sovereign cloud and managed hosting provider, owned by Macquarie Telecom. Competes on data sovereignty, Australian ownership, and government/regulated-industry customers — directly comparable business model to Catalyst Cloud's NZ positioning.
- AUCloud: Australian sovereign IaaS cloud provider serving government and regulated industries. Closest international analogue to Catalyst Cloud — same sovereign-cloud thesis, similar customer base, and similar scale of operations within Australia.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Catalyst Cloud social profiles
Digital presenceCatalyst Cloud compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Catalyst Cloud financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Catalyst Cloud leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Catalyst Cloud funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Catalyst Cloud M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Catalyst Cloud
What does Catalyst Cloud do?
Catalyst Cloud is a New Zealand-owned and operated cloud computing provider delivering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions built on OpenStack and Kubernetes. The offering includes virtual compute (general purpose and GPU-accelerated instances), block and object storage, networking, managed Kubernetes, managed databases, cloud orchestration, and supporting managed services, distributed across three onshore data centre regions (Wellington, Porirua, Hamilton) with ISO 27001/27017 and PCI DSS certifications.
Is Catalyst Cloud a public or private company?
Catalyst Cloud is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Catalyst Cloud founded?
Catalyst Cloud was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Catalyst Cloud based?
Catalyst Cloud is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Catalyst Cloud make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Compute is the primary driver. The others are block Storage Services, object Storage Services, network Services, platform as a Service - Kubernetes (CCKS), managed Database Services, windows and SQL Server Licenses, premium Support Services and professional Services.
Who are Catalyst Cloud's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Emerging players are DigitalOcean, OVHcloud, Vultr and Hetzner Cloud. Direct peers are Sliced Tech, Macquarie Cloud Services and AUCloud.
Does Catalyst Cloud have an API?
Yes. Catalyst Cloud provides an OpenStack API for programmatic access to all cloud services. The OpenStack API is a RESTful API that allows users to create, manage, and automate cloud resources including compute instances, block storage, object storage, networking, load balancers, and Kubernetes clusters. Authentication uses tokens that last up to 12 hours, with MFA support available. The cloud offers CLI tools via the python-openstackclient and other OpenStack client libraries (python-ceilometerclient, python-heatclient, python-neutronclient, python-swiftclient, python-octaviaclient, python-magnumclient, aodhclient, gnocchiclient). Configuration is managed via OpenStack RC files sourced from the dashboard. Developer documentation is at docs.catalystcloud.nz.
What industry is Catalyst Cloud in?
Catalyst Cloud's product category is Cloud Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABAAAD, Managed Application Platforms (App PaaS & Runtime Services), with a secondary code of HDABAAAB, Managed Container Platforms (Kubernetes & Container PaaS). Its NAICS code is 51821 and its SIC code is 7374.