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
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March 2026
⚡️ Connect with WFW’s Ecosystem Experts
Don’t wait for next month. Meet the ecosystem experts behind this edition below — and add them on LinkedIn to keep your opportunity flow live.
Quick Navigation
Emoji Key
🚨 Upcoming deadline
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
💸 Paid event over $200
Tags
Industry Agnostic
Deep Tech
PropTech
Artificial Intelligence
Māori / Pasifika
Creative Tech & Retail
International Opportunity
Save Money
HTK Startup — StartUp Activator
Industry Agnostic
https://htkstartup.com/startup-activator/
Free early-stage support including advisory time, a business health assessment, and a structured action plan. Built for founders needing clarity on next steps and navigation across funding and ecosystem pathways.
Rolling applications.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Pacific Business Trust — Health Check & Workshops
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
https://pacificbusiness.co.nz/services/business-health-check/
Free advisory support and capability-building workshops for Pasifika founders. Best for structured growth support without committing to a long accelerator.
Rolling applications.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Australian Startup Support Directory
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://macksresources.com/ozlist
Directory of AU accelerators, grants, industry growth centres and programmes for NZ founders expanding across the ditch.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Raise Money
Poutama Investment Support
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
https://poutama.co.nz/poutama-development-investment/
Matched (50/50) grant funding up to $10k per application for established Māori-owned businesses funding growth initiatives beyond standard operating costs.
Rolling applications.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
NZTE — International Growth Fund (IGF)
Industry Agnostic
https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/co-funding-and-investment-services
Contestable co-investment fund supporting export-ready NZ businesses expanding offshore, funding international projects that validate new markets or accelerate global growth.
By invitation only (Focus Customers).
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Health Research Council (HRC) — Māori Health Research Grants
Deep Tech · Māori / Pasifika
https://gateway.hrc.govt.nz/funding/maori-health-research/2026-rangahau-hauora-maori-projects
Major government research funding supporting Māori-led health innovation and science.
Project grants can reach $1.2M+, making them one of the largest funding pathways in the NZ ecosystem for health research and deep-tech ventures.
Next round expected mid-2026 (EOI typically opens August).
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
MAS Foundation — Health Innovation Funding
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
https://foundation.mas.co.nz/what-we-fund/
Small catalytic grants supporting whānau and community-led innovation that improves collective health and wellbeing in Aotearoa.
Projects typically test new kaupapa, service models, or community-driven responses addressing inequities in health outcomes.
Strong alignment with kaupapa Māori or Pasifika-led initiatives.
Funding: Up to $50,000
Rolling enquiries.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Te Hapori Matihiko — Daniel Karehana Memorial Scholarship
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
$5,000 scholarship supporting rangatahi Māori (15–22) in technology pathways. Applicants must currently be engaged in formal education, vocational training, or employment within the field of digital and technology.
🚨 2026 round open
Awanuiārangi — Abundant Intelligences Scholarship
Artificial Intelligence · Māori / Pasifika
$30,000 doctoral scholarship for AI research grounded in mātauranga Māori. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
🚨 2026 round open
Kiwibank — StartUp+ (with Ministry of Awesome)
Industry Agnostic
https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/about-us/community-partnerships/helping-kiwi-get-ahead/startups/
A pilot lending initiative for early-stage startups that don’t yet meet traditional bank criteria, designed around how startups actually grow.
Progress-based borrowing up to $150k over two years, released as milestones are met.
🚨 Limited to Ministry of Awesome-associated startups. Rolling applications.
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 funding two concepts (~$30k each) to build responsible, trust-led tools supporting HIV prevention and care in Aotearoa, grounded in privacy, dignity and data sovereignty.
🚨 Online briefings 25 March · Limited concepts selected
Westpac — Startup Lending
Industry Agnostic
https://www.westpac.co.nz/business/loans-and-finance/start-up-lending/
Business lending for NZ startups operating under two years. Offers term loans, overdrafts, equipment finance and revolving credit tailored to early-stage cashflow needs.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
ANZ — GoBiz & Business Loans
Industry Agnostic
https://www.anz.co.nz/business/lending/gobiz/
Online business lending for NZ companies using MYOB or Xero, with up to $500,000 secured or $250,000 unsecured (including existing ANZ lending).
Requires 2+ years operating history and NZ citizenship or residency.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
KiwiNet Spin-out Programme
Deep Tech
https://kiwinet.org.nz/SpinoutProgramme#
A programme designed to turn research projects into investible spin-out companies, supporting teams from tech transfer through to capital raising.
Open to projects from KiwiNet partner research organisations with board support and a defined commercial lead.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
NZ Angel Investment Network
Industry Agnostic
https://www.newzealandinvestmentnetwork.co.nz/
Online angel investor marketplace connecting New Zealand founders with accredited local investors. Founders can create a pitch listing and share business proposals directly with angel investors actively seeking early-stage opportunities. Best for pre-seed and seed founders ready to validate investor interest and start deal conversations.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
The Pitch by Deel
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://www.deel.com/the-pitch-by-deel
Global SAFE investment tournament open to startups globally.
• Up to $50k regional SAFE
• $1M global SAFE
Regional dates: Tel Aviv (23 March), Dubai (6 April), Paris (13 April), Berlin (20 April), London (28 April), New York (5 May), Singapore (13 May).
🚨 Applications close two weeks before each regional event
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 10 May 2026
500 Global — Flagship Accelerator
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://500.co/founders/flagship
Seed-stage accelerator investing in early tech startups, with in-person programming at HQ in Palo Alto focused on growth and scaling.
🚨 Accepting applications for Batch 37 (Q1 2026 start)
EnergyLab Angel Investment Group
Deep Tech · International Opportunity
https://energylab.org.au/angel-group
Climate-focused Australian angel network investing in Kiwi climate tech startups.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Australian Angel Investment Network
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://www.australianinvestmentnetwork.com/
Online angel investor marketplace connecting New Zealand founders with Australian angel investors. Founders can create a pitch listing and share business proposals directly with angel investors actively seeking early-stage opportunities. Best for pre-seed and seed founders ready to validate investor interest and start deal conversations.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
AUS Crowdfunding Platforms Directory
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://thecrowdspace.com/directory/startups-crowdfunding-platforms-in-australia/
Explore the crowdfunding opportunities for NZ startups in Australia.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Make Money
Tupu Accelerator
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
Eight-week kaupapa Māori accelerator supporting investment readiness. Free, no equity.
🚨 Applications close 23 March 2026
Ministry of Awesome — Founder Catalyst
Industry Agnostic
https://ministryofawesome.com/founders_founder-catalyst/
9-month programme focused on traction and sustainable revenue growth.
🚨 Applications close 29 March 2026
Creative HQ — Creative Tech Activate
Creative Tech & Retail
https://creativehq.co.nz/build-for-founders/creative-tech-activate/
8-week pre-accelerator for idea-stage founders building creative technology infrastructure.
🚨 Applications close 31 March 2026
Access Activator (Whaikaha x Creative HQ)
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/our-work/accessibility-work-programme/access-activator
Pilot fund backing solutions that improve access for Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori and tāngata whaikaha Māori — offering up to $25k (idea stage) or $100k (scale stage) plus mentoring support.
🚨 Applications close 29 March
Kea NZ
Industry Agnostic
Diaspora investor and mentor access + deal distribution platforms for Kiwi startup founders going global.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
NZ HealthTech Activator
Deep Tech
https://hta.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/
National support for NZ healthtech founders navigating regulatory, clinical validation and capital pathways before raising or scaling.
Rolling applications, enquire today.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
BlueStart Aotearoa
Deep Tech
https://www.ocean-impact.org/bluestart-aotearoa
A startup support programme for early-stage founders building Blue Economy ventures with global ambition.
🚨 Applications now open and rolling
NZTE — Export Support
Industry Agnostic
https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/exporting-with-nzte
Free support for NZ businesses preparing to export or scale offshore, including market validation, capital readiness, in-market advisors and distribution guidance.
Best for founders planning international expansion within 12–18 months.
👀 Not new, but essential if you’re going global
REACH Australia & New Zealand
PropTech · International Opportunity
https://www.nar-reach.com/australia-and-newzealand
Growth accelerator backed by Second Century Ventures. For real estate and adjacent tech founders seeking global industry access.
🚨 Applications open for 2026
Startupbootcamp Australia
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
https://www.startupbootcamp.com.au/
Global accelerator network connecting startups to international partners, investors and corporate pilots across Energy, Fintech, PropTech and FoodTech (Circular Economy).
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
MedTech Actuator
Deep Tech · International Opportunity https://medtechactuator.com/accelerator-singapore
Milestone-driven accelerator for health and medtech startups expanding into Singapore, offering tailored commercialisation support, in-market validation and investor readiness — without a fixed cohort structure.
🚨 Applications now open.
SOSA
Industry Agnostic · International Opportunity
Global innovation platform connecting startups with corporates, investors and public sector partners — offering U.S. go-to-market support, accelerator access and curated enterprise deal flow.
🚨 Applications now open.
Standout Regional Opportunities & One-Off Events
Angel Association NZ — AANZ Runway
Industry Agnostic
https://app.glueup.com/event/aanz-auckland-runway-145549/
One-day fundraising event with angels. Great networking for early stage founders interested in raising angel investment.
🚨 10 March 2026 · Auckland
KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards
Deep Tech
https://kiwinet.org.nz/Awards/About
National awards recognising research-to-market impact.
🚨 Applications close 17 April 2026
Sunrise (Blackbird) — Sydney
Industry Agnostic
Annual founder and investor conference in Sydney focused on innovation, capital, and scaling connections.
🚨 30 April 2026 · Sydney
💸 Paid event over $200
NZ Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner
Industry Agnostic
Tickets open for NZ Hi-Tech Awards Gala as it brings the sector together to celebrate the 2026 finalists, winners, and Flying Kiwis.
🚨 22 May 2026 · Auckland
💸 Paid event over $200
Electrify Aotearoa
Industry Agnostic
https://electrifyaotearoa.co.nz/
High-energy gathering spotlighting women building ambitious companies across sectors.
🚨 9–10 June 2026 · Auckland
💸 Paid event over $200
Ministry of Awesome — Coffee and Jam
Industry Agnostic
https://ministryofawesome.com/coffee-and-jam/
Monthly Christchurch founder meetup.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Kāhui Collective
Creative Tech & Retail · Māori / Pasifika
https://www.facebook.com/Kaahuicollective
Collective of Māori, Pasifika and Indigenous designers building global pathways through retail, trade and shared commercial infrastructure.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Tech Taniwha
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
Community-led network supporting Māori in tech through storytelling, monthly events and practical connection across Te Ao Hangarau.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Always-On Advice
Regional Business Partner Network (RBP)
Industry Agnostic
https://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network
Your first stop as a NZ startup founder. Free, region-based growth advisors who connect you to training, funding (including up to 50% subsidised management training via MCDF), and practical business support.
Register in 5-10 minutes, receive a response in days.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Startup Aotearoa
Industry Agnostic
A nationwide mentoring programme offering up to 10 free one-on-one sessions with experienced startup coaches. Designed to help early-stage founders pressure-test their thinking before over-investing time or money.
Strong fit for founders who are early, stuck, or unsure what actually matters next.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
Angel Diagnostics & Investment Clinic (ADI Clinic)
Industry Agnostic
A free clinic providing direct feedback from angel investors. Helps founders understand readiness, gaps, and next steps before approaching angels or raising a round.
Best for founders with a product in market who want to understand how angels think — without pitching blind.
👀 Not new, but noteworthy
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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