Human interactions and relationships are complex. How can we make sure that we are holding the right conversations? At the heart of most conflict is a breakdown of communication. Two great books I’ve recently read, and highly recommend, are: Crucial Conversations: tools for talking when stakes are high; and Nonviolent Communication: a language of life. … Continue reading Words matter
Startup companies need capital for growth. Increasingly, angel investors have a role to play in providing financial backing for promising start-ups and early-stage businesses. There are a wide range of angel investment groups throughout the country, aligned with Angel Association New Zealand. Angel investors often support founders through business networks and governance. PWC have recently released … Continue reading Angel and VC Investment in Aotearoa, NZ
Aotearoa, NZ’s inaugural Aerospace Summit kicked off to an enthusiastic reception at Te Pae ki Ōtautahi, the new Convention Centre in Christchurch. With Christchurch featuring as one of five Antarctic Gateway cities globally, it seems appropriate to reimagine ourselves as a city of opportunities supporting Aerospace and FutureTransport initiatives. Kea Aerospace founder Mark Rocket laid … Continue reading Aerospace Summit takes off 🚀
Deep tech startups usually spin out from new technologies developed within universities, CRI’s and within private companies. These startups often have protectable IP (patents or trade secrets), extensive datasets (barrier to entry), or research expertise (difficult to copy). Startups commercialising complex IP are often capital intensive, requiring substantial up-front investment to develop their product and … Continue reading So, what is Deep Tech?
The national startup and investment ecosystem got together in Ōtautahi, Christchurch for Electrify Aotearoa. Why a female founder conference? As Marian Johnson (Ministry of Awesome) explained, “4 out of 5 startups are all male, with no women in the co-founding group at all. 83% of our startups are male. Our future world is being designed … Continue reading Electrify Aotearoa
Taking a startup to the next level requires support. Strong corporate governance practices provide a foundation for a company culture built on high standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility.
If you're looking to take a product or service to market, you'll need to ensure all business fundamentals are covered. These 7 commercialisation principles will help you on your way. 1. Finding product-market fit This is essential, and aim to achieve this with your MVP (minimum viable product). Many startups jump straight to the 'solution', … Continue reading 7 commercialisation principles
It’s World Investor Week, backed by the FMA here in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The launch event recognises the digital revolution that has taken place in investing, with the phenomenal growth in the use of online investing platforms such as Sharesies. Indeed, University of Canterbury's Investment Society is the fastest growing and largest University club (with … Continue reading World Investor Week
It’s been a week of aerospace and future transport announcements. This month’s Aerospace Christchurch Meetup featured a ‘preparation for Mars’ theme, with interesting presentations from UC's Dr Sarah Kessans and Dr Allan Scott, Jim Collins (Complete 3D), Miranda Sattherwaite (International Antarctic Centre), and Michael Tecofsky (RF Test Solutions). Linda Falwasser (Tāwhaki Joint Venture) with Minister Hon Dr Megan … Continue reading Project Tāwhaki aerospace partnership 🚀
I loved my office in the CBD, on the 10th floor of what is now Spark's building, overlooking the Square. I'd exited my business, and recently joined global SaaS company SLI Systems. Here’s a photo of the last time I saw that office - that’s my desk, with the window fallen on it. Better than Rod, … Continue reading Earthquake recovery bootcamp
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