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Mark Robinson is Principal at VentureNest, a not-for-profit advisory supporting New Zealand’s startup ecosystem. With 7 years as a Business Innovation Advisor at Callaghan Innovation and experience helping 200+ ventures, he’s guided founders through healthtech, deep tech, and research-led commercialisation.
This guide distills those lessons into a roadmap for Kiwi founders to unlock government grants and support with clarity and efficiency. From mapping the right pathway to stacking and sequencing funding, Mark shares founder-tested insights to help startups secure non-dilutive capital and reach their first milestones.
Mark Robinson | VentureNest
builds The Kiwi Startup Founder’s Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Most Out of NZ Government Support
A practical playbook for early-stage founders to map, stack, and win non-dilutive funding in New Zealand.
NZ Government Support Execution Guide
Every NZ Government Grant & Support Program in One Place
- 🏛️ The Complete List of New Zealand Government Startup & SME Support Initiatives (2025)
Find Your Fastest Path to NZ Government Support
Choose your pathway below to unlock the full scope of government support available to your business. Designed to reduce friction with faster access to the grants and support that move you forward, faster.
Almost every government grant flows from one question: are you doing R&D?
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NZ Government Support Directory
The only complete, scannable directory of active funding, capability, and export programs for Kiwi startups and SME in New Zealand.
- Mark’s execution guide shows you how to unlock and sequence government funding.
- The NZ Government Support Directory shows you what’s live right now in 2025 — every grant, tax credit, export program, and more.
Part 1: Foundations of NZ Government Support
Understand the system, who to talk to first, and which support streams to prioritise.
Part 2: Applying & Sequencing Grants
How to align grants with your roadmap, avoid funding gaps, and apply effectively.
Part 3: Writing Grants That Get Funded
Principles, examples, and what founders usually get wrong.
Part 4: Pathways to Government Support
Every founder’s first stop before diving into grant pathways.
Part 5: Grant-by-Grant Execution Tips
Detailed advice and links for each major grant program.
Your Strategic Partner for Startup & Early-Stage Innovation
VentureNest empowers early-stage startups to navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialisation. We specialise in de-risking your innovation pathway, building robust strategies, and preparing your venture for sustainable growth and investment readiness.
Whether you're developing the next breakthrough in healthcare technology or revolutionising agricultural practices, VentureNest is your trusted partner for helping turn innovative ideas into commercial success.
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