Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
Knowledge Base: Angel funding insights with Bridget Unsworth, Angel Association New Zealand
Watch now: (20 mins) In this edition of Knowledge Base, Richard Liew talks with Bridget Unsworth, Executive Director of Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ). If you are building an innovative startup and need funding, tune into this informative discussion where Bridget provides an overview of angel investment funding in New Zealand and plenty of tips […]
Knowledge Base
Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
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RECENTly ON NZ ENTREPRENEUR
PowerUp Podcast returns for season four
The PowerUp Podcast from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki is back with the release of the first three episodes in the latest six-part series that celebrates trailblazing Taranaki entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaving their mark on the world. Season four promises a diverse line-up of driven founders who are achieving amazing things across a […]
DoPaw
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: Lou Anne Lowry Business: DoPaw Founded: 2020 / Launched 2023 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? DoPaw, based in the North Island of New Zealand, stands […]
Manawatū – The future of food
In the heart of the lower North Island, is a small but mighty region batting above its weight on a global scale, poised to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving food narrative. The region’s rich history in food innovation and science, coupled with fertile natural resources, and backed by thriving primary, technology, distribution and logistics sectors, […]
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 […]
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OTHER RECENT NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
BIZ WIRE
One big boost for Taranaki businesses
Taranaki small businesses have overwhelmingly embraced a government programme helping them to grow online. Digital Boost Facilitation Scheme is a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) initiative created to provide additional support and encouragement to small businesses to adopt and practically use the Digital Boost Platforms to digitally transform their businesses. As the regional […]
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 […]
How much bandwidth does your business need?
In today’s digital world, a strong internet connection is the lifeblood of most businesses. With modern technology and digital ways of working available (and constantly evolving), it brings into sharp focus the question – is your internet bandwidth up to the job? Whether you have a cafe that offers free wifi for customers or have […]
Interview: Nick Lissette, Blackpearl Group
Richard Liew talks with Nick Lissette, the Wellington based founder and CEO of data technology company Blackpearl Group, following the company’s recent $2.2M private placement equity raise. Nick reflects on the process of building his first startups with plenty of founder insights about the process of taking Blackpearl public in December 2022, and the mechanics […]
The evolving Taranaki food and beverage sector
There’s something of a reinvention going on among Taranaki food entrepreneurs. The region’s strongest economy has traditionally been rooted in a strong agriculture sector, but today it’s being increasingly complemented and diversified by new businesses that are branching out and adding value to core produce. Regional Development Agency Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says food […]
Pasifika Digital Showcase celebrates community magic on the big screen
Pacific Kids’ Learning is excited to announce their highly anticipated third annual showcase, “The Pasifika Digital Showcase,” taking place at Hoyts Cinemas in Sylvia Park today. The special event serves as the official launch of 35 specially curated animations, demonstrating the immense potential of the digital space and screen industry in preserving and promoting rich […]
Double Yolk scaled from $100,000 to $5 million in four years and their secret is simple
Double Yolk is an Auckland/Sydney-based company that helps SaaS organisations tap into offshore software talent. While offshoring has been around for a long time and there’s a number of providers in the market, not many in this space have been able to scale like Double Yolk. So how did the company achieve this in such […]
Interview: Eric Thompson, School of Design Innovation, Whitecliff
Richard Liew talks with Eric Thompson, Head of the School of Design Innovation at Whitecliffe, about their new “low residence” masters degree being offered for entrepreneurs in New Zealand. A range of entrepreneur topics are discussed including Kiwis’ attitude to failure, passion and critical thinking. WATCH NOW: Supporter Spotlight: Offers and services from NZ Entrepreneur […]
Not just a power play – LPI NZ protects Sky Tower from potentially catastrophic lightning strikes
From Rocketlab to the Sky Tower, supermarket chains, hospitals and The Warehouse stores across New Zealand – Lightning Protection New Zealand (LPI NZ) has a rather impressive clientele. But it’s the reason behind why those customers rely on the team and capabilities of LPI NZ that really shines a spotlight on how important their work […]
New master’s degree unique springboard for aspiring entrepreneurs
Whitecliffe’s new Master of Creative Enterprise and Innovation is New Zealand’s first ever non-disciplinary MCEI. Not only is it highly innovative and unlike anything else on offer either side of the Tasman, but it has the golden stamp of approval from some of the world’s most visionary movers and shakers. Co-designed with industry, the revolutionary […]
Budding entrepreneurs receive a head start with startup education scholarships
A new batch of enterprising New Zealanders are being given the opportunity to fast track their ventures from idea through to startup, thanks to an online education initiative backed by Callaghan Innovation and entrepreneur education platform Startup NZ. The initiative invites New Zealanders with “scalable and high growth” business or social enterprise ideas to apply […]
NZ rises to #20 in Emerging Startup Ecosystem global ranking: Oceania sees highest early-stage funding in the world
The 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) was released at The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam by Startup Genome and Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). It shows seven Asia-Pacific ecosystems in the top 30 ranking – with New Zealand making it to the Top 20 for the first time. New Zealand shot up in the Emerging […]
HOW-TO’S, TIPS, Insights AND ADVICE
Insights
Ask the right questions of the right people
Yes and no. Two simple words that can have loaded connotations. There’s certainly a place for single word answers, but when you’re building a business or teasing out an idea, you want to expand your thinking, not shut the conversation down. Keep your options open Hearing ‘no’ can feel limiting when you’re exploring why and […]
500 Founders: Matt Miller, Ani Tawhiao-Lomas, Rob Stirling & Samantha Gadd
Want to tap in to the best startup advice from entrepreneurs who are out there doing it? Welcome to ‘500 Founders’ where we ask innovators from around New Zealand for their top insights for first time startup founders. Matt Miller – Founder BrakeAce “My best piece of advice for founders is to keep in mind […]
Tech Futures Lab
WHO: Tech Futures LabWHAT: LEARNING & MENTORING; EVENTS; resourcesHQ: AucklandESTABLISHED: 2016 INTRODUCTION Tech Futures Lab is a leading edge learning environment that offers a range of NZQA accredited qualifications designed specifically for people seeking to innovate, redesign and reinvigorate organisations, industries and themselves. We do this by building capabilities and confidence in people to use […]
500 Founders: Thomas Clyma, Tina Chou, Dean Brown & Knight Hou
Want to tap in to the best startup advice from entrepreneurs who are out there doing it? Welcome to ‘500 Founders’ where we ask innovators from around New Zealand for their top insights for first time startup founders. Thomas Clyma – Cofounder TheTestMart “When starting on the journey of bringing an idea to life you […]
Is the age of free money over?
The answer is probably yes. In recent years, ‘free’ money has been abundant in the market due to unique microeconomic conditions. But the tides are turning with markets becoming unstable, inflation rising, and central banks attempting to stamp out this inflation. Meanwhile, companies that have ridden the wave and enjoyed the perks of inflated valuations […]
Which Power Up Kickstart Finalist will take the $10,000?
Less than a month away from PowerUp Kickstart Finals Night, Venture Taranaki, the Economic Development Agency for Taranaki, is shining a spotlight on the top five finalists. We asked each finalist four questions, to provide us with a little more insight into the entrepreneurial growth and development they’ve experienced during the competition process. A popular […]
5 tips for communicating and collaborating effectively when remote working
The landscape businesses operate in has been permanently altered after two years of remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies big and small are moving towards hybrid models that will continue to permit a portion of the work week to be done from home. It’s certainly tested traditional management styles as managers continue to […]
AANZ Runway event review by Virginia Fay, Patternsnap
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. Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ) are delighted to announce that BNZ have partnered with us to create a Founder Scholarship for each of […]
Protect your small business from cyberthreats with these simple interventions
The last couple of years have accelerated the digital transformation of many businesses. Pandemic restrictions forced us to think creatively, be more innovative and, in many cases, digital adoption has played a big role in that. As a specialist small business lender, we’ve seen our customers use their funds to invest heavily in technology – […]
Startup Watch: HuntingHQ
WHO: huntinghq Founder: Marc Featherstone HQ: Christchurch website: huntinghq.com What products, services, solutions, or technology have you developed? HuntingHQ is a unique SaaS marketplace that solves a variety of pain points for landowners, hunters, and other recreational users. HuntingHQ puts landowners in control with access to our powerful hunter management and booking system, insured and […]
Ambitious Female founders wanted for RISE UP competition
Soda is searching for globally ambitious female entrepreneurs from Aotearoa to apply for RISE UP and be in to win $10,000. “At Soda we are passionate about supporting women in business, particularly those tenacious enough to start their own business. We created RISE UP in 2021 to encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship as a […]
Transport innovation fund presents opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators
An innovation fund launched by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency this month is designed to accelerate innovative solutions in the transport sector and presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, and the wider private sector, to further their work in this space. Transport and the movement of people and products is one of the most dynamic areas […]
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Which Power Up Kickstart Finalist will take the $10,000?
Less than a month away from PowerUp Kickstart Finals Night, Venture Taranaki, the Economic Development Agency for Taranaki, is shining a spotlight on the top five finalists. We asked each finalist four questions, to provide us with a little more insight into the entrepreneurial growth and development they’ve experienced during the competition process. A popular […]
AANZ Runway event review by Virginia Fay, Patternsnap
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. Angel Association New Zealand (AANZ) are delighted to announce that BNZ have partnered with us to create a Founder Scholarship for each of […]
Ambitious Female founders wanted for RISE UP competition
Soda is searching for globally ambitious female entrepreneurs from Aotearoa to apply for RISE UP and be in to win $10,000. “At Soda we are passionate about supporting women in business, particularly those tenacious enough to start their own business. We created RISE UP in 2021 to encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship as a […]
Transport innovation fund presents opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators
An innovation fund launched by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency this month is designed to accelerate innovative solutions in the transport sector and presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, and the wider private sector, to further their work in this space. Transport and the movement of people and products is one of the most dynamic areas […]
Sprout seeks agrifoodtech entrepreneurs for global transformation
Home-grown agrifoodtech accelerator and investment company Sprout is putting the call out for registrations from entrepreneurs who are ready for serious acceleration and a shot at their share of seed-stage investment, as well as dedicated mentorship and connection with global networks. As the leading agrifoodtech accelerator and investment company in New Zealand, Sprout’s Lead Mentor, […]
Wellington UniVentures
WHO: Wellington UniVenturesWHAT: Research & Commercialisation; advisory services; Seed investmentHQ: WellingtonESTABLISHED: 1992 INTRODUCTION Wellington UniVentures works with innovators at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and external parties to shape their research into initiatives that create impact. We do this by connecting them with partners, industry and investors to enable the growth and […]
New partnership aims to create more jobs for Kiwi women
Soda and HIRE HER have joined forces to create more jobs, provide more opportunities and make a bigger impact for Kiwi women. HIRE HER is a digital talent and jobs platform for women in New Zealand and Australia. Launched 11 months ago HIRE HER has nearly 1,000 female freelancers and contractors registered on its site. […]
Electrify Aotearoa Women Founders Conference May 2022
Women will start, shape, and build the future of Aotearoa industry, but change needs to come faster. That’s the rallying call for Electrify Aotearoa, an all-day national conference taking place in Christchurch, May 26. Spearheaded by Ministry of Awesome and Blackbird Ventures, the event brings together Aotearoa’s leading founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups for […]
Hospoconnect wants ‘less paperwork, more foodwork’ for chefs
When dining at a restaurant, often we don’t give a second thought to how those delectable morsels of fresh produce arrived on our plate. However, navigating the produce ordering process for restaurants and cafes can be fraught with challenges. Chefs text, call or fax their orders through to a range of suppliers and issues arise […]
FEATURED AND FAVES
SPOTLIGHT
Why our small businesses are a BIG deal
In the entrepreneur world we hear a lot of talk about entrepreneurs and businesses needing to be “global from day one”. Investors and business commentators lament our lack of large global businesses and say the “three-B” (bach, ‘Beemer’ and boat) mentality of Kiwi business owners is holding us back. In this regard small businesses are often […]
Editorial: We owe a duty of care to founder mental health and it requires a collaborative solution
I didn’t know Jake Millar, save for a few emails swapped with our editor when he was just getting started with Unfiltered. As for so many others though, the news of his death by suicide last year still came as a shock and with a deep sense of sadness. Sadness for the loss of a […]
Why every Kiwi should back or build a startup
Not all of us are built to be founders but we can all find a way to back ambitious, world-changing businesses; whether it’s buying their products, using their services, promoting them, encouraging and supporting them or investing in them. Certainly, backing and building startups will do a whole lot more for our future and our […]
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 […]