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: Zarina Bazoeva & Matt Kennedy-Good
Business: Neocrete
Founded: 2018
HQ: Auckland
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
Neocrete makes cement replacements for high performing, low-carbon concrete, nano-engineered for building of the future. Neocrete combines Roman innovation with nanotechnology to create low-carbon, high-performing concrete, at the same price as conventional concrete.
Harnessing the power of volcanoes, Neocrete’s Activator can already reduce the carbon in concrete by 50% and is ontrack to produce carbon neutral concrete by 2027.
Proven in the laboratory and tested at scale, Neocrete is now raising money to build our first plant, to serve our customers here and overseas. Neocrete is the future of concrete.
What’s the backstory for your business idea?
Neocrete was set up as result of a chance conversion between myself and my cofounder Matt Kennedy-Good. I was checking if there is an appetite for more durable high-performing concrete in New Zealand that my dad developed over his lifetime. Matt loved the idea, and the fact that it was made of natural materials (as Matt has a big passion for sustainability) has introduced me to one of the largest developers in NZ who asked if our improved concrete can also be sustainable?
We have set up a trials programme with Callaghan Innovation and Higgins concrete and straight away had very encouraging results! Neocrete was born shortly after.
What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?
- We’ve been blessed with amazing mentors and the support from family and friends. Just to name a few – Professor Christine Woods, who teaches MBA classes on entrepreneurship, Chris Burgess – Investment Manager for NZTE, Aaron Small – Senior Investment Manager, Callaghan Innovation, Akina Foundation, NZTE and Invest New Zealand – InvestHer programme.
- For other founders, especially the ones struggling with breaking into a large industry, I’d recommend Theory of Diffusion of Innovation.
- I also loved Bad Blood – the infamous Theranos story – but would recommend reading it to learn what not to do when you are a startup, and what the consequences are of fast decisions with no integrity and wrong motivations.
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