About Us

2003 | First software

First software launched

Seequent is grounded in science and technology and has been from the start. In the 1990s, world-renowned Professor of Engineering, Professor Richard Bates of the University of Canterbury, produced a cohort of students who collaborated to ultimately develop the technology that underpins our Leapfrog software, the 3D implicit modelling product that started it all. From early use in Hollywood movies, to mapping asteroids for NASA, the commercial launch of Leapfrog came in 2003.

Image: A modest office in Christchurch, the home of some of the earliest Leapfrog innovation.

2005 | Leapfrog develops

Developing a competitive edge

Our foundations in curiosity and innovation run deep. We spent the next few years exploring the art of the possible, talking to geologists in the field and rebuilding and relaunching Leapfrog.  It was a game changer; fast, intuitive software that helps geologists experiment, collaborate, and integrate ever-increasing amounts of data to unlock the secrets of the earth – aligned to the way geologists work. Globally acclaimed, Leapfrog is cherished by thousands around the globe.

Image: An early Leapfrog model

2014 | Expansion

Capability expansion through acquisition

Following early success with our geological modelling software Leapfrog, we realised a growing need for complementary earth science tools. From 2014 to 2021 we set out to find innovative geoscience and geotechnical software solutions, acquiring ten leading companies in this space. Today, our world-leading earth modelling and analysis, data management and team collaboration software portfolio serves mining, energy, civil engineering and environment customers globally.

Image: Former CEO Shaun Maloney (left) with Tim Dobush, CEO Geosoft following our acquisition of Geosoft in 2018

2017 | ARANZ to Seequent

A global geoscience powerhouse

Our diversification unearthed an aspiration to create impact on a global scale. We are passionate about the critical role geoscience and the Earth sciences play in overcoming some of the biggest challenges we face, and we needed a name that truly spoke to that ambition. In 2017, we said farewell to ARANZ (Applied Research Associates of New Zealand) and welcomed Seequent.

See – see the data, insights and science, the bigger picture.
Quent – see the patterns, difference pathways, future impact and the best way forward.

Image: Our founders holding a replica of the Eros asteroid they mapped for NASA

2021 | Acquired by Bentley

A powerful partnership with Bentley Systems

Seequent was acquired by Bentley Systems in 2021, the leading provider of engineering software, focused on advancing the world’s infrastructure for a better quality of life. Together, we bridge the uncertain and unseen underground, with the built world above, creating a ground-breaking class of software solutions.
Seequent continues to provide the software and insights that our customers need to make better, more sustainable decisions  – now as a part of Bentley.

Image: The Bentley brothers, founders of Bentley Systems

2024 | Visible Geology

Inspiring next generation Geologists

Geoscientists are an endangered species. Earth science enrolments are dropping globally, yet geoscientists remain in demand to help solve the biggest challenges of our times. In 2024, we launched Visible Geology, a free, transformational teaching and exploring tool that brings geological concepts to life in 3D. We hope this encourages the digital natives of today to become the earth science superstars of tomorrow.

Image: Students using Visible Geology