Brian Peace worked as a lecturer in Information Systems at Auckland University before founding Peace Software, which became a world leader in creating software for deregulating energy utilities.
At its height, the company employed 500 people in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK and the US. In July 2006, Peace Software was sold to Nasdaq-listed global entity First Data for $115 million.
Peace has now jumped back into the world of tech solutions start-ups, creating BrashTech – a 3D modelling service that uses drones to capture high-resolution aerial imagery.
Co-founded by Peace in association with Auckland computer scientists Ashley Schroder and Jim Mooney, the company has offices in Auckland, San Francisco and Singapore and offers automated infrastructure and inspection analysis of industrial facilities such as refineries, wind turbines and cell towers.
Originally from Kihikihi near Te Awamutu, Peace was recognised with a Young Technology Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1999 followed in 2002 by the EY Technology Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
He is married to Sherin, who devotes her time to running a rescue facility for stray and injured animals in Phuket called Doggie Heaven.
2018: $85 million