Solo
In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder: Brent Wilson Business: Solo Founded: 2018 HQ: Wellington Can you tell us a bit about your business? Solo is an accounting app that makes it easy for self-employed New Zealanders to […]
RECENTly ON NZ ENTREPRENEUR
Sales Strategy for the new financial year – Three key things every business owner must do
With the new financial year beginning on April 1st, it is a critical time to lay the foundations for your sales success in the year ahead. Here are three key things you can do at the start of a new financial year to get your sales rolling. 1. TAKE THE BEST FROM LAST YEAR AND […]
QWB Lab
In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founders: Sabine Doolin and Robert Sadleir Business: QWB Lab Founded: 2021 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? QWB Lab unlocks the value of culture by measuring wellbeing. […]
Wych
In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founder: Dermot Butterfield Business: Wych Founded: 2020 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? Putting consumers in control of their own data is now a commercial and regulatory […]
Neurofanos
In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand. At a glance Founders: Samantha Holdsworth and Hamid Abbasi Business: Neurofanos Founded: 2023 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? At Neurofanos, we are focused on transforming neurosurgery while delivering significant […]
BIZ WIRE
Sales Strategy for the new financial year – Three key things every business owner must do
With the new financial year beginning on April 1st, it is a critical time to lay the foundations for your sales success in the year ahead. Here are three key things you can do at the start of a new financial year to get your sales rolling. 1. TAKE THE BEST FROM LAST YEAR AND […]
Groundbreaking Kiwi AI tech to deter vaping in schools, public spaces
A US investor-backed Auckland company, MACSO, is using artificial intelligence to detect and measure air impurities arising from vaping and cigarette smoke. In trials the technology has already been proven to reduce illicit vaping in one New Zealand middle school. MACSO is partnering with US-based Piera Systems, who has developed a family of ‘intelligent particle […]
Directors’ course highlights importance of board diversity
Entrepreneur and businessperson Wendy Thompson was already an experienced board member when she took the Institute of Director’s Company Directors’ Course (CDC), but she says there was still much to learn. “I thought it would be a great experience and I would meet interesting people,” says Wendy, founder of Thompson Spencer, one of New Zealand’s […]
GEN NZ Unconference for Entrepreneurs, Auckland 14-15 March
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ (GEN NZ) is holding its fifth annual unconference and workshops at GridAKL Futures Lab 14-15 March 2024. The event brings together entrepreneurs from all over New Zealand in a two-day festival of networking and getting sh!t done. At an unconference on 15 March, the attendees set the agenda, and […]
Interview: New Zealand biotech industry update with Dr Zahra Champion and John (“JR”) Robson
Watch/Listen to the Video Interview now: Following a recent story in which New Zealand biotech leaders say our biotech industry is in danger of falling behind after years of under investment, Richard Liew takes a deeper dive with two leading proponents for Kiwi biotechs. He’s joined by Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director at BioTech NZ […]
Entrepreneur Masterclasses take off in Taranaki
A new series of PowerUp Masterclasses, unveiled by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is proving to be a popular initiative for budding Taranaki entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to supercharge their capabilities. As part of the Regional Development Agency’s flagship PowerUp programme, these half-day Masterclasses offer an interactive classroom for participants to enhance their knowledge […]
New Zealand Food Innovation Network
WHO: New Zealand Food Innovation Network WHAT: Startup incubation programmes; Accelerator programmes; Events; Mentoring; Resources HQ: Auckland ESTABLISHED: 2011 INTRODUCTION The New Zealand Food Innovation Network is a Government-supported national network of open-access food and beverage production facilities. We’re here to help innovative, ambitious food businesses develop, scale up and commercialise new products. From research […]
“It’s urgent” – NZ biotech’s call to Government
A comparison between New Zealand and Australia’s approach to biotech shows we’re doing a lot of things right, but that government support for the sector in New Zealand could be improved. New Zealand biotech leaders say that if a comprehensive government biotech strategy isn’t prioritised soon, the sector will continue to fall behind in many […]
Kiwi AI startup signs animal respiratory health trials with Chinese farms, eyes China-wide distribution
A New Zealand company that uses Artificial Intelligence-enabled audio sensors for respiratory health monitoring of animals on commercial animal farms, is going global after signing two memoranda of understanding (MoU) with a Chinese pig farm and a Chinese AgTech solution provider. MACSO is a pioneering new Auckland-based company set up to establish the building blocks […]
Diversity in startup investment high priority for Angel Association New Zealand
At only 24 years of age, Lucy Grunfeld isn’t what many would consider a ‘typical’ entrepreneur. And in a startup ecosystem that is usually dominated by SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, she’s bucking the trend with a product that has the potential to revolutionise women’s rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery. “It was my last […]
AANZ Runway Event Review by Sarah Diermeier, Amaroq Therapeutics
Runway is one of the signature events on the Angel Association NZ calendar and provides founders with the opportunity to network and meet with other investors and founders from around the country. Founder Scholarship recipient Sarah Diermeier attended the AANZ Runway event in Wellington in June 2023. Sarah is the Chief Scientific Officer and founder […]
Five tips for small businesses looking to flourish during the holiday season
These past few years have tested the mettle of entrepreneurs like never before. Yet, here you are. So first and foremost, congratulations for making it this far, it is a true testament to your perseverance and dedication. And although times are still undoubtedly tough, we are seeing a turn for the better in business. With […]
Insights
Sales Strategy for the new financial year – Three key things every business owner must do
With the new financial year beginning on April 1st, it is a critical time to lay the foundations for your sales success in the year ahead. Here are three key things you can do at the start of a new financial year to get your sales rolling. 1. TAKE THE BEST FROM LAST YEAR AND […]
Five tips for small businesses looking to flourish during the holiday season
These past few years have tested the mettle of entrepreneurs like never before. Yet, here you are. So first and foremost, congratulations for making it this far, it is a true testament to your perseverance and dedication. And although times are still undoubtedly tough, we are seeing a turn for the better in business. With […]
Knowledge Base: Get contracts and legal docs right with Natalie Fennell and Claire Bodle, On Your Terms
Watch now: (14 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Natalie Fennell and Claire Bodle, lawyers and cofounders of legal documents company “On Your Terms“. Natalie and Claire explain how they are using smart tech to bring down the cost of common business legal documents for New Zealand business owners, as […]
Knowledge Base: Social media strategy with Brent Ireland, Collab Digital
Watch now: (17 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Brent Ireland, CEO of social media and content experts Collab Digital. In 2023, business social media platform LinkedIn celebrated its 20th birthday signifying at least two decades since social media has been available for businesses to use as part of their […]
Knowledge Base: Business structure insights with Robert Rolls
Watch now: (13 Mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Robert Rolls, CEO and founder of business setup and scaleup app, Afirmo. If you’re new to business tune into this illuminating conversation about the business setup process in New Zealand. From choosing between operating as a sole trader, partnership or company; […]
How to create a 1M+ views Instagram Reel for your startup
Matt Miller, founder of BrakeAce, made a Reel for his startup that got 1M+ views in ten days. He shares his learnings for startup founders here. 1. Making a dope Reel was a good investment of time Between recording, editing and publishing I only spent one hour. There was time to develop the vision of […]
Knowledge Base: Joe Sutheran, Joe Blogs Digital
Watch now: (14 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Joe Sutheran, the Google Ads and Google Analytics expert behind Joe Blogs Digital. If you’ve thought about using Google Ads to drive traffic and leads to your website or store, tune in for Joe’s tips on everything from setting up a […]
Knowledge Base: Paul Veric, IPromise
Watch now: (13 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Paul Veric, cofounder of payment app IPromise. We tackle the tricky subject of collecting payments from clients, which can be problematic for businesses that incur costs such as labour and materials when delivering their services to customers, but then have to […]
Knowledge Base: Ben Van Rooy, Human Digital
Watch now: (14 MINS) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with marketing expert Ben Van Rooy, founder of Auckland and Sydney based marketing company, Human Digital. We unpack the seemingly overwhelming subject of marketing for business founders, and ask Ben what the three most important things any new business owner should focus […]
Knowledge Base: Leah Harold, Little Biz Online
Watch now: (12.5 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with WordPress expert Leah Harold, owner of WordPress website design and hosting company Little Biz Online. Speaking to Richard from Whangarei, Leah gives the low down on WordPress for founders considering their website and e-commerce platform options. She explains how to set […]
Knowledge Base: Tom Sweeney, Crew Technology recruitment
Watch now: (12min) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Tom Sweeney, cofounder of Crew Technology Recruitment, a recruitment agency based in Dunedin and Christchurch but helping New Zealand businesses source and employ top IT and digital talent nationally. Tom shares key insights for founders looking to hire their first tech team […]
For customer engagement Emotional Value beats Functional Value
There is irrefutable evidence that, even in the age of instant online purchasing, customers who emotionally connect with a business or brand purchase more, stay longer, and provide hundreds of percent more lifetime value. Yet when you look at the way most businesses market themselves, you’d think this was radical, reckless thinking. Despite emotional connection […]
WANT TO START A BUSINESS OR JUST GETTING STARTED?
Get inspired with our Innovation Showcase, meet the people who can assist your startup journey, or take a free lesson in our online course.
SHOWCASE
ECOSYSTEM MEMBERS
ONLINE COURSE
Founder Focus
ECOSYSTEM
GEN NZ Unconference for Entrepreneurs, Auckland 14-15 March
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ (GEN NZ) is holding its fifth annual unconference and workshops at GridAKL Futures Lab 14-15 March 2024. The event brings together entrepreneurs from all over New Zealand in a two-day festival of networking and getting sh!t done. At an unconference on 15 March, the attendees set the agenda, and […]
Entrepreneur Masterclasses take off in Taranaki
A new series of PowerUp Masterclasses, unveiled by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is proving to be a popular initiative for budding Taranaki entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to supercharge their capabilities. As part of the Regional Development Agency’s flagship PowerUp programme, these half-day Masterclasses offer an interactive classroom for participants to enhance their knowledge […]
New Zealand Food Innovation Network
WHO: New Zealand Food Innovation Network WHAT: Startup incubation programmes; Accelerator programmes; Events; Mentoring; Resources HQ: Auckland ESTABLISHED: 2011 INTRODUCTION The New Zealand Food Innovation Network is a Government-supported national network of open-access food and beverage production facilities. We’re here to help innovative, ambitious food businesses develop, scale up and commercialise new products. From research […]
AANZ Runway Event Review by Sarah Diermeier, Amaroq Therapeutics
Runway is one of the signature events on the Angel Association NZ calendar and provides founders with the opportunity to network and meet with other investors and founders from around the country. Founder Scholarship recipient Sarah Diermeier attended the AANZ Runway event in Wellington in June 2023. Sarah is the Chief Scientific Officer and founder […]
Mastercard and King Kapisi give Kiwi small businesses royal treatment
New Zealand music royalty King Kapisi has joined forces with Mastercard to celebrate small businesses in Aotearoa that reach the remarkable milestone of being in business for 10 years. This initiative stems from the recognition that there are some life milestones that are so impressive that they deserve a letter from the King – like […]
GEN NZ Entrepreneurship Awards Winners announced
The Global Entrepreneurship Network New Zealand (GEN NZ) recognised the winners of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards last week on Thursday 26 October in a ceremony and celebration at GridAKL. The annual awards recognise New Zealand’s rising entrepreneurs, their ventures, and the ecosystem that supports them. GEN NZ Chair Dave Moskovitz said that the judging was […]
Discover your entrepreneurial spirit at Techstars Startup Weekend Queenstown
Marco Dingemans, General Manager at Startup Queenstown Lakes is inviting local and visiting entrepreneurs to make the most of the next Techstars Startup Weekend. In Queenstown Lakes District, the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than ever. To enhance this force, the Techstars Startup Weekend from 10 – 12 November, Queenstown is the place to be. […]
Nominations are now open for the Aotearoa NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 2023 Awards
The Global Entrepreneurship Network Aotearoa NZ has announced the opening of nominations for the Aotearoa NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 2023 Awards. The awards aim to recognise New Zealand founders, entrepreneurs, and supporters in our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Categories include Entrepreneur of the year, Social Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur Support Organisation, Māori Entrepreneur, Investor, Academic initiative, Youth programme, Intrapreneur, […]
New Zealand entrepreneurs on the world stage at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress
More than 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and community leaders are headed to the annual Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Melbourne next week, and a delegation of 56 New Zealanders are set to make the most of such an incredible opportunity. “The GEC has never been so close, providing us a forum to not only […]
SPOTLIGHT
What Government funding is available for startups in NZ?
One of the questions we’re often asked is, “What Government funding is available for startups in New Zealand?” Like so many questions in life, the answer is, “It depends.” So you’ve come up with a great business idea. You know exactly what problem you want to solve, and how you’re going to solve it. And […]
Start-up or startup? And what exactly is one anyway?!
If you’ve ever thought that “startup” was simply another name for a new small business, you’d be right. But, you’d also be wrong. Richard Liew explains. The Spring blossoms are out in force here in Wanaka and if ever there was a season that represented the promise, the energy, and oh-so tantalising potential of the startup […]
5 questions every entrepreneur should ask when people offer advice
When you know nothing, even fools can sound like geniuses. This is a vital lesson that all entrepreneurs need to learn as soon as possible – one that I and other entrepreneurs I know have had to learn the hard way, many times over. When you first start out in entrepreneurship – by this I […]