Puawai

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/s: Kate Forward & Stephen Ponsford

Business: puawai

Founded: 2024

HQ: wellington

Can you tell us a bit about your business?

Puāwai helps users ideate, execute, and scale their business in one smart, connected workspace. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, Puāwai brings strategy, content, and collaboration together, powered by intelligence that gets smarter and personalised the more you use it.

Users can map out business models, validate ideas, build customer profiles, manage bids, track goals, and streamline content, all from a single platform. Our AI learns your strategies and adapts to your unique tone of voice, turning everyday tasks into smarter outcomes.

Puāwai is here to support your journey with comprehensive tools that empower sustainable growth.

Come for one module, stay for the smarts.

What’s the backstory for your business idea?

The idea for Puāwai was sparked over a beer in December 2024. As former colleagues, we often found ourselves discussing how many great ideas never take off, not because of a lack of passion, but because people struggle to execute or clearly articulate their goals. We wanted to build something that could guide and support that critical next step. Since then, we’ve developed a beta version of the platform and already have paying customers on board, a solid sign we’re solving a real problem.

What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?

We’ve learned a huge amount through late-night research, community connections, and real-world experience. We’re lucky to bank with BNZ and regularly use their Partner’s Lounge — a great space where we’ve met amazing people and organisations in Wellington all working toward success. Meetups like Growth Jam have also been invaluable for networking, swapping stories, and learning from others.

A major milestone was attending SaaStr Annual in San Francisco, where we heard from global tech leaders on AI, scale, and staying relentless. We were immersed in the language, energy, and ambition of thousands of people. One big takeaway was the art of the pitch. Everyone there was unapologetically confident in telling their story. No tall poppy syndrome in sight. It gave us a ton of food for thought and lit a fire under us to go bigger, bolder, and keep building.

For other founders, we recommend getting involved in the community — talk to people, attend meetups, and seek out genuine conversations. You never know what might spark your next breakthrough.