Welcome

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: Rick Kiessig and Phil Oliver Business: Kimer Med Founded: 2020 HQ: Nelson Can you tell us a bit about your business? We are motivated by the vision of making an enormous […]

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: Anton Mitchell and Jessica Manins Business: Beyond Founded: 2017 HQ: Wellington Can you tell us a bit about your business? We’re an innovative virtual world-building studio that creates digital experiences for […]

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, […]

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: Sasha Lockley and Meurig Chapman Business: Money Sweetspot Founded: 2019 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? We are a sustainable finance business focused on helping people […]

H2Ortigator [Horti-gator] – a horticultural irrigation system – is changing the game for growers with its precision irrigation, nutrition, and protection. Brendan Hamilton, the founder, is on a mission to solve a long-standing problem that has plagued orchardists and vineyard growers for years. H2Ortigator is designed to assist commercial orchard and vineyard growers in managing […]

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: Suzie Mulvihill Business: Soulshine Spores Founded: 2021 HQ: Otago Can you tell us a bit about your business? Soulshine Spores are a premium range of medicinal mushroom blends. They are the […]

Kiwi entrepreneurs, Doug Sturrock and Alice Hosted, were invited to speak at an international conference in Melbourne, and will present their enviro-tech construction innovation at the Global Hemp Summit, on September 27. From their home in Kerikeri, Sturrock and Hosted are the cofounders of Rockstead Geobind, which enables new opportunities for building materials made from […]

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: James Ferrier, Phil Matheson and Michel Khuwattansenee Business: BioFab Founded: 2018 HQ: Auckland Can you tell us a bit about your business? The environmental impact from production and disposal of hard […]

Optique Eyecare is gearing up to open its boutique clinic at Auckland’s Glenfield Mall on the North Shore. Cofounders and optometrists Namita Kulhalli and Sashi Singh envision a different approach to eye care – one where people can have both the boutique experience and premium designer glasses at affordable prices. The husband-and-wife team noticed a […]

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: Ankita Dhakar Business: Capture The Bug Founded: 2022 HQ: Waikato Can you tell us a bit about your business? At Capture The Bug, we’re revolutionising cybersecurity in ANZ with our cutting-edge […]

The Food Factory Charitable Trust has been nurturing culinary dreams since its launch in September 2020, with a vision to bridge the gap for aspiring food innovators. This not-for-profit startup based in Stoke, Nelson, is providing the essential ingredients for success. “We’re here to help food businesses to get up and running, and to ease […]

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: Neil Edmond, Alex Lam, Paul Davis, Paul Marsh Business: MoneyTime Founded: 2018 HQ: Canterbury Can you tell us a bit about your business? Most teachers and parents weren’t taught financial literacy, […]