Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
Hawaiiki Pepi
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: Joelle Holland Business: Hawaiiki Pepi Founded: 2022 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? Hawaiiki Pepi is a Māori owned Pakihi (business) that creates Māori designed products […]
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Business building tips and insights from Startup NZ subject experts.
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RECENTly ON NZ ENTREPRENEUR
Founder Q&A: Ben Reid, Milk NZ
Business: Milk NZ Founder: Ben Reid HQ: Auckland Tell us a bit about yourself and your business. I started Milk 19 years ago alongside Simon Cairns, and it’s been quite the journey. My background was in design, and I spent some time working in the industry in the UK before coming home to start Milk. […]
Bio Gold
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: Carl Meyer Business: Bio Gold Founded: 2019 HQ: Bay of Plenty Can you tell us a bit about your business? Our company produces 100% New Zealand made natural health products to […]
Calma Sleeps
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: Manita Chand Business: Calma Sleeps Founded: 2023 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? Calma Sleeps is a sleep care brand with a dedicated mission: to ensure a […]
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 […]
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OTHER RECENT NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES
BIZ WIRE
Founder Q&A: Ben Reid, Milk NZ
Business: Milk NZ Founder: Ben Reid HQ: Auckland Tell us a bit about yourself and your business. I started Milk 19 years ago alongside Simon Cairns, and it’s been quite the journey. My background was in design, and I spent some time working in the industry in the UK before coming home to start Milk. […]
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 […]
Kara Technologies pioneering inclusive emergency Sign Language success for the Deaf
In a groundbreaking development, Kara Technologies has emerged as one of the recipients of a pivotal $500,000 scale-up funding initiative, courtesy of Australian Red Cross, in collaboration with the Telstra Foundation. This significant infusion of funding will help to catalyse Kara’s innovative avatar technology, paving the way for the creation of an accessible and user-friendly […]
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 […]
The Selwyn Foundation launches $550,000 Respectful Ageing Innovation Challenge
Grants available for organisations with novel solutions to the challenges facing seniors. The Selwyn Foundation has launched its inaugural Respectful Ageing Innovation Challenge, which will see $550,000 given to develop solutions to the complex problems seniors face. The Selwyn Foundation embarked on a transformation process two years ago, selling six of its seven rest homes, […]
Founder Q&A: Integrape
Business: Integrape Founder: Joris Besamusca HQ: Waihi What products, services, solutions or technology have you developed? We are a software company that builds digital tools for viticulture. Our core product is Integrape a decision support platform focussing on nutrition and variability in the vineyard. We aggregate and standardise data relevant to the health and production […]
Azura to develop technology to extract energy from wave power
A New Plymouth-based startup has developed wave energy conversion technology to produce electrical power and potable water from the power of waves. Azura Wave Power has developed and refined a unique and patented wave technology system to extract energy from the power of waves. Unlike other wave energy converters, Azura’s technology system extracts power from […]
Kiwi data storage startup Nexustorage helping businesses unlock the power of their data
An intelligent Kapiti-based Kiwi data storage startup is combining the reliable functionality of traditional storage technology, with modern cloud capabilities. And this, says Glen Olsen, founder of Nexustorage and creator of Nexfs, is what makes it truly unique. Olsen knows that data isn’t the most interesting thing in the world. But he says the trick […]
Hiringa Energy to address climate change by taking clean, green hydrogen fuel to the world
A group of energy professionals based in New Plymouth is building one of the world’s first green hydrogen refuelling networks, designed principally to refuel trucks in the heavy transport sector. Hiringa Energy was created in 2017 to enable large-scale decarbonisation in a commercially sustainable way, motivated by a desire to address climate change. It will […]
On Your Terms bridging tech and personalised service to bring down business legal costs
While we ponder if AI is the way forward or the path to doomsday, Kiwi legal tech startup On Your Terms has found a way to combine the best of tech with the expertise of a personal legal service, at a fraction of the price. AI has its limitations, and when it comes to legal […]
Founder Q&A: DietDecoder
Business: DietDecoder Team: Cynthia Northcote (Director) and Emily House (CTO) HQ: New Plymouth What products, services, solutions or technology have you developed? We are what we eat and the same goes for our livestock. Developed in the lush countryside of eastern Taranaki, DietDecoder is the result of 25 years of on-farm experience in improving animal […]
Afirmo app aims to be first stop for Kiwi businesses
Afirmo, an innovative, cohesive Software as a service (SaaS) app, is making small business ownership and success more attainable for thousands of people in New Zealand, regardless of business background and skill set. The software is a one-stop-support-shop for small businesses, offering tools and assistance to give the best possible start to people venturing into […]
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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 […]
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 […]
Pros and cons of buying your own router
Wifi routers, are a critical piece of equipment when it comes to connecting devices at your office to the Internet. In New Zealand most service providers, (ISPs) give or rent a modem/router for free upon sign-up to a new broadband plan (although some charge for delivery) and some even throw in a wifi mesh system. […]
FROM THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM
ECOSYSTEM
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 […]
Business awards celebrate Newmarket’s finest
The Newmarket business community came together on Friday 25th August to celebrate excellence and innovation at the annual Newmarket Business Awards (NBA), hosted by the Newmarket Business Association (NBA). The event, held at Cordis and sponsored by Auckland MINI Garage and Q Mastercard®, showcased the remarkable achievements of businesses in the Newmarket precinct. The Newmarket […]
Callaghan Innovation launches counselling service for startup founders
Callaghan Innovation has today launched a counselling service to support founders whose mental health is suffering due to the significant pressures associated with establishing and growing a startup. Plans for the service were announced at the Electrify Aotearoa conference on 1 August at the same time as the organisation launched a guidance and resolution service […]
Rebel Business School partners with Semaine Group for new course, Business Plan Sprint
Rebel Business School Aotearoa (RBSA) is well-known for two things: its unapologetic, startup-friendly mentality, and its dedication to business education. As we move into the latter half of 2023, Rebel has once again turned their eye to New Zealand’s entrepreneurial innovation. This time, they’ll be partnering with the Semaine Group, developers of the bizezi app, […]
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 […]
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 […]
FEATURED AND FAVES
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 […]