Startup founders can’t afford to waste opportunities. But it’s easy for something to get lost when there is no central point of connection.
That’s the purpose of WFW Monthly.
New opportunities for Kiwi founders to save, raise, and make money.
Updated on the first of the month, every month.
Submit a Program or Opportunity to WFW Monthly
April 2026
Tags
Industry Agnostic
Deep Tech
PropTech
AgTech
Artificial Intelligence
Māori / Pasifika
Creative Tech & Retail
International Opportunity
Emoji Key
🚨 Upcoming deadline
💸 Paid event over $200
If You Only Do Two Things This Month
WFW’s Ecosystem Experts highlight two opportunities they’d prioritise from this month’s list.
Lane’s April Highlights:
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R&D Tax Incentives (RDTI + Loss Tax Credit) — Get cash back on eligible R&D spend.
Founder Flight Club — Peer support groups for NZ founders.
Joe’s April Highlights:
Insprie — Investment and growth support for CPG brands.
Burnett Foundation Innovation Challenge — For AI enabled health tech solving HIV challenges.
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Save Money
R&D Tax Incentives (RDTI + Loss Tax Credit)
Industry Agnostic
https://www.ird.govt.nz/research-and-development/loss-tax-credit
Get cash back on eligible R&D spend through two government schemes:
- RDTI — 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spend (offsets tax, with limited refundability)
- R&D Loss Tax Credit — cash refund for loss-making startups (must be repaid once the company becomes profitable)
Both are designed to reduce the real cost of building product and technology.
🚨 Deadlines vary by balance date (commonly April 30th for standard balance date companies)
Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR)
Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/funding/game-development-sector-rebate-scheme-gdsr/
Government rebate supporting NZ game development studios.
20% refund on approved expenses for eligible businesses, capped at $3 million per annum, with a minimum annual expenditure of $250,000 on eligible costs.
🚨 Deadlines vary by balance date (commonly April 30th for standard balance date companies)
NZ Startup Service Providers Directory — What Founders Want
Industry Agnostic
https://whatfounderswant.com/startup-service-providers
A founder-first directory of legal, financial, and professional services that actually work with startups in New Zealand.
13 categories and growing — including venture studios, startup lawyers, tech and product development for non-technical founders, and support with marketing and lead generation.
Founder Signal — batko.ai
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
Verified founder reviews of VCs, lawyers, and service providers with strong coverage across the Australian startup ecosystem.
Access is unlocked by contributing your own reviews.
Best for founders:
- Raising in Australia or working with AU-based investors and advisors
- Pressure-testing who to trust before committing time or money
Business, But Better — Insprie
Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.businessbutbetter.com/
Business, but Better is Insprie’s free education hub for ethical entrepreneurs looking to start, or grow their mission-driven business.
Lessons inspired by NZ startup Ethique’s journey from kitchen table to $100M brand.
Perks & Resources — The Factory
Industry Agnostic
https://thefactorynz.co.nz/perks-and-resources
A curated list of open-source startup resources, perks (credits and discounts), and support for NZ founders.
ConfigCat — Startup Program
Industry Agnostic
https://configcat.com/startup-program/
The ConfigCat Startup Program helps early-stage teams release features safely, even while everything is still under construction.
- 50% off Year 1
- 25% off Year 2
- Up to ~$2.9k savings
Cloudflare — Startup Program
Industry Agnostic
https://www.cloudflare.com/forstartups/
Cloudflare for Startups helps startups connect, protect, and build Internet and SaaS applications.
- Up to $250k in credits
⚡️ Submit a Startup Perk for NZ founders
https://whatfounderswant.com/startup-perks
We’re updating the WFW Perks Library — open-access discounts, credits, and tools for NZ founders.
A direct way to reach startup customers. Currently over $1M+ NZD in verified value.
Raise Money
Angel Association of New Zealand Member Events Calendar
Industry Agnostic
https://www.angelassociation.co.nz/members-events/
A public calendar listing angel club pitch nights and investment evenings across April–July 2026, including multiple active angel groups.
Even if you’re not pitching that night, these rooms are where founders meet angels, learn what gets funded, and often find warm intros.
🚨 Near-Term Dates:
- Angel Investors Marlborough Pitch Night — 15 April 2026 in Blenheim.
- Flying Kiwi Angels Pitch Night — 21 April 2026 in Auckland
- Mainland Angel Investors Pitch Investment Evening — 22 April 2026 (listed as multi-city across the South Island; venues TBC).
- Angel HQ Investment Evening — 23 April 2026 in Wellington (location via organiser).
Fieldays Innovation Awards
Industry Agnostic · AgTech
https://www.fieldays.co.nz/attend-fieldays/explore/innovation-awards
National innovation awards programme tied to Fieldays, spotlighting new products and solutions across primary industries.
Strong fit for agri, foodtech, and on-farm or adjacent B2B innovation with something to demonstrate. Includes a prize pool of $75,000+ plus exposure through Fieldays channels and onsite judging.
🚨 Applications close 24 April 2026
Red Bull Basement NZ
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://www.redbull.com/nz-en/events/red-bull-basement-new-zealand-2026
Global competition for early-stage ideas with AI tooling, mentorship, and a pathway to pitch internationally.
- Build and submit an idea (no company required)
- National winners get support + development phase
- Global final in San Francisco
- $100K USD prize
🚨 Applications close 27 April 2026
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa — Innovation Challenge
Artificial Intelligence · Māori / Pasifika · Deep Tech
https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/articles/news/burnett-foundation-aotearoa-innovation-challenge/
AI innovation challenge focused on improving HIV prevention and care while protecting privacy, dignity, and cultural data sovereignty. Supports two selected concepts with ~$30k seed funding, plus access to domain expertise, connections, and real-world insight. Best suited for teams building responsible, health-focused AI solutions.
🚨 Applications close 28 April 2026
Startmate Accelerator
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://www.startmate.com/accelerator/program
$120k investment + strong ANZ investor network. Built for founders serious about traction and fundraising.
🚨 Applications close 11 May 2026
Insprie — Consumer Brand Growth & Investment
Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.insprie.com/accelerator
Growth and investment partner for ethical, product-based businesses scaling internationally. founded by Ethique’s Brianne West.
Works hands-on with founders across brand, retail, export, and fundraising, with access to global distribution and investor networks.
Best suited for companies with a product already in market and early traction (e.g. revenue, retail, or distribution). Rolling applications.
NZ On Air — Music Funding
Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.nzonair.govt.nz/funding/music-funding/
Government funding supporting the creation, recording, and promotion of New Zealand music — including singles, multi-song projects, and video content.
Funding types include:
- New Music Single (up to ~$11k)
- New Music Project ($11k–$55k+)
- targeted rounds (e.g. Pasifika, Pan-Asian, Kids)
🚨 Near-Term Deadlines:
- New Music Pan-Asian — 23 April 2026
- New Music Project — 21 May 2026
- New Music Single (next round) — 11 June 2026
MBIE — Catalyst Fund (Seeding & Strategic)
Deep Tech · International Opportunity
Government fund supporting international research partnerships, from early collaboration through to large-scale joint projects.
Seeding rounds fund early-stage connections, while Strategic calls fund larger projects with specific countries.
Current round: NZ–China Strategic Research Alliance funding up to $330,000 over three years across clean energy, aquaculture, and health/biomedical science. Best suited for deep tech or research-led teams with an international partner and institutional backing.
🚨 NZ–China Strategic round opens 4 May 2026
NZ Startup Spotlight:
Fundsorter — Grant Funding, Sorted
NZ-built platform helping organisations find and apply for contestable grant funding. Includes a live database of 2,000+ funding opportunities, matching tools to surface relevant grants, and AI-assisted draft applications to reduce time spent writing and tracking submissions. Best suited for founders or teams pursuing non-dilutive funding alongside revenue or capital.
Opportunities to raise money from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from March)
Make Money
KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards
Deep Tech
https://kiwinet.org.nz/Awards/About
National awards recognising research-to-market impact.
🚨 Applications close 17 April 2026
Movac — Sales Jam Workshop Series
Industry Agnostic
Half-day event featuring experienced operators sharing real-world lessons from selling NZ tech into global markets. Includes rapid-fire talks, Q&A, and networking with sales, marketing, and growth leaders.
Best suited for founders and teams actively selling or preparing to sell internationally.
🚨 Near-Term Dates:
- 21 April 2026 · Auckland
Sustainable Business Network (SBN)
Industry Agnostic
Network connecting businesses with corporates, government, and partners focused on sustainability. Provides events, training, and introductions across a 400+ member ecosystem.
Most useful for founders selling into corporates where sustainability is part of the buying decision. Membership-based access.
New Zealand Leadership Awards
Industry Agnostic
https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/new-zealand-leadership-awards.html
National awards programme recognising leadership across multiple categories.
Best suited for founders and operators with demonstrated leadership impact who can convert PR into revenue in the New Zealand market.
🚨 Applications (& nominations) close 1 May 2026
Sprout Agritech — Sprout Accelerator (Spring26)
Deep Tech · AgTech
https://www.sproutagritech.com/sprout-accelerator/
3-month accelerator supporting agrifood startups to refine foundations, positioning, and investor narrative.
Open to ventures across the agrifood value chain, from idea through to post-launch.
🚨 Applications close 26 May 2026
Government Procurement (GETS) Marketplace
Industry Agnostic
https://www.marketplace.govt.nz/
https://www.marketplace.govt.nz/about-marketplace/whats-open-on-marketplace
New Zealand’s central marketplace for government contracts. All public sector tenders — from small pilots to multi-year contracts — are listed here.
Approved suppliers on Marketplace can offer services and products directly to registered government agencies.
Seedlab Australia — Bootcamp (Round 14)
Creative Tech & Retail · International Opportunity
https://www.seedlabaustralia.com.au/bootcamp
6-week, part-time online bootcamp designed to prepare consumer brands for retail distribution. Free to participate (supported by Woolworths).
Best suited for NZ and Australian brands in food, non-alcoholic beverage, and sustainable personal or home care with products already in market.
🚨 Applications close 15 May 2026
Opportunities to make money from last month that are still active and worth acting on:
Still Open (from March)
NZ Startup Spotlight:
Concord Visa
US visa support for founders expanding into the US market. Best for founders planning US expansion who need to physically relocate or hire there. Strategic visa pathways (O-1, E-2, L-1, EB-1A), free consultation to assess options, built specifically for startup founders and high-growth teams
Standout Regional Opportunities & Events
Manawatū Innovation Showcase
Industry Agnostic
https://events.humanitix.com/manawatu-innovation-showcase-2026
Annual regional showcase of startups, emerging technologies, and innovation across Manawatū — from early-stage ventures through to scaling companies.
Good for founders looking to see what’s being built locally and connect with operators, researchers, and ecosystem players.
🚨 7 May 2026 · Palmerston North
Movac Monthly Founder Coffee
Industry Agnostic
Small-group founder sessions hosted by Movac, designed for honest, practical conversations — not pitches.
Each session brings together three founders and one Movac Partner for an hour of open discussion.
Understand Your IP and Unlock its Value — Soda Business Masterclass
Deep Tech
https://events.humanitix.com/business-masterclass-or-unlocking-ip-turn-your-ideas-into-profits
Practical workshop on how to use intellectual property to protect and grow your business, led by IP strategist and patent attorney Kate Wilson (James & Wells).
🚨 22 April 2026 · Hamilton
Power Lunch with AJ Tills — Soda
Industry Agnostic
Industry Agnostic
https://events.humanitix.com/soda-power-lunch-with-aj-tills
Small-group lunch and discussion with AJ Tills, a global marketing leader and Uber’s first hire in New Zealand.
🚨 5 May 2026 · Hamilton
Coffee and Jam — Ministry of Awesome
Industry Agnostic
https://ministryofawesome.com/coffee-and-jam/
A monthly lunchtime tradition of connection, inspiration, and collaboration for the Christchurch startup community.
🚨 23 April 2026 · EPIC Christchurch
🚨 21 May 2026 · EPIC Christchurch · Tech Week AI Special
RetailFest AUS
https://retailglobal.com.au/whats-on/
Creative Tech & Retail · International Opportunity
Ecommerce and retail-focused awards and flagship event in Australia, bringing together founders, operators, and brand leaders.
Includes exposure, networking, and access for founders scaling consumer brands into Australia.
🚨 5-7 May · Gold Coast
💸 Paid event over $200
Standout Regional Opportunities & Events from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from March)
Community Spotlights
Founder Flight Club — Peer Support Groups
Industry Agnostic
https://www.founderflightclub.nz/
Helping founders form small peer groups over ~10 months for accountability, shared problem-solving, and support.
After all, being a founder and running a startup can be tough and lonely.
PIXEL
Industry Agnostic · Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.instagram.com/areyouapixel
An interdisciplinary innovation community led by young people for young people.
Runs workshops, co-working sessions and social events to inspire big ideas and make it easier to meet ambitious peers.
StartUp Club NZ (University of Auckland)
Industry Agnostic
https://startupclubnz.notion.site/about-us
https://www.instagram.com/startupclubnz/
Startup Club NZ is a UOA club that delivers startup curriculum to students and connects students with the world of startups.
VESA + The Atom (Victoria University of Wellington)
Industry Agnostic
VESA (Entrepreneurship & Start-up Association)
https://www.instagram.com/vesa_vuw
Student-led startup community at Victoria University of Wellington. Runs events, workshops, and showcases to help students explore ideas and connect with the local startup ecosystem.
The Atom Innovation Space
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/innovation/the-atom
Vic uni innovation space supporting student founders with advice, events, and co-working for the community.
Community Spotlights from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from March)
⚡️ Just Shipped on WFW
A quick roundup of what we shipped this month — so you don’t have to keep checking the site.
Expert Edition | Startup Governance in New Zealand
https://whatfounderswant.com/expert-editions/startup-governance
Debra Hall builds a practical, stage-specific roadmap for founders to understand who has authority, what they’re legally responsible for, and how to make governance decisions at each stage of startup growth.
Startup Service Providers for New Zealand Founders
https://whatfounderswant.com/startup-service-providers
A founder-first directory of legal, financial, and professional services that understand startups. 13 categories and counting.
VC Teardowns | How NZ VCs Evaluate Startups
https://whatfounderswant.com/vc-teardowns
This series documents how real New Zealand venture capitalists evaluate (fictional) early-stage startups — exactly as if they were reviewing live deal flow.
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The Ecosystem Experts Behind WFW Monthly
WFW Monthly only works if the people scanning the ecosystem have actually built inside it.
This is not a content role. It is judgement.
Our Ecosystem Experts are founders, directors, accelerator leads, investors, and operators who have carried real commercial accountability — and understand the difference between activity and traction.
Joe Slater
Joe Slater is a founder, director, and startup operator who has built and exited multiple New Zealand consumer brands, including Six Barrel Soda. He has led accelerator infrastructure at Creative HQ, delivered national coaching through Startup Aotearoa, and now holds executive responsibility for Product at Consumer NZ and coaches startups at Cascade Coaching.
He brings cross-sector, revenue-first judgement to WFW Monthly — shaped by operating, governing, and scaling companies inside the realities of the NZ market.
Lane Litz
Lane Litz is the founder of What Founders Want and a former founder, operator, and VC. She was employee #6 and Head of Education & Teacher Services at VIPKID, helping scale the company to 700,000+ students at a $1.5B valuation. She later founded and exited Speakia, and served as Venture Partner at Icehouse Ventures, vetting startups across climate, deep tech, medtech, edtech, and SaaS.
Lane brings operator-to-investor perspective to WFW Monthly — focused on decision speed, capital pathways, and building companies for both success and scale.
WFW Monthly: The Archives
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