NZ’s richest woman targets Seek with AI recruitment startup

After nearly two decades building toy giant Zuru, Anna Mowbray is betting AI can disrupt recruitment. Her startup Zeil is now targeting Australia as the first step in a global expansion.

Zuru cofounder and New Zealand rich lister Anna Mowbray is bringing her AI-powered recruitment platform to Australia, where she hopes will rival recruitment giants Seek and LinkedIn.

Zuru may not be a household name, but the toy company has helped make the Mowbrays New Zealand’s wealthiest family, with their fortune estimated at NZ$20 billion. Anna Mowbray spent nearly 20 years building the company alongside brothers Nick and Mat, much of that time as COO. Three years ago, however, she stepped down from the enterprise.