Tags
Industry Agnostic
Deep Tech
Women
AgTech
B2B SaaS
Artificial Intelligence
Māori / Pasifika
Creative Tech & Retail
International Opportunity
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 May Highlights:
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Startmate Accelerator- $120k investment + strong ANZ investor network (closes May 11!)
Techweek26- Aotearoa's National Festival of Innovation
Joe’s May Highlights:
Moodi Female Founder Fund - $15,000 in grants for ANZ female founders
New World Emerge - Foodstuffs/Rise Growth Lab (closes May 3!)
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A scannable list of funding, support, and opportunities - delivered directly to you.
Techweek26 - Aotearoa's National Festival of Innovation
Industry Agnostic
https://techweek.co.nz/techweek26-programme.
New Zealand's annual tech festival runs 18-24 May 2026 with events across the country - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Queenstown, Nelson, Tauranga, Dunedin, Palmerston North, and beyond.
Over 100 events spanning AI, deep tech, product, sales, governance, workforce, and community - from flagship conference days to regional drop-ins, workshops, and networking nights.
Most events are free or low cost. Great opportunity for regional networking.
WFW Techweek26 Highlights - Save, Raise & Make
The founder-relevant events from Aotearoa's biggest tech week, curated from 100+ sessions across the country.
Looking for a faster way to navigate what’s on during Techweek26?
We made a list for that.
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Techweek26 Programme: At-a-GlanceSave Money
- FREE - ChatGPT: The Basics · Mon 18 May · Online
- Vibe Coding or Tech Debt? Building Fast Without Paying Later · Tue 19 May · Auckland (Deloitte)
- Simple Practical AI Automations · Wed 20 May · Palmerston North
- From Napkin Sketch to Software Prototype in 120 Minutes · Thu 21 May · Auckland
- Doing Business with AI · Fri 22 May · Palmerston North
Raise Money
- Outset Connect: Founders & Experts · Thu 21 May · Auckland (Outset Ventures)
- Making an Exit: Preparing Your Business for Sale · Thu 21 May · Auckland (Duncan Cotterill)
Make Money
- The Agentic Advantage: A New Playbook for US Market Entry · Wed 20 May · Online
- From Signals to Revenue: Activating Customer Data Using AI · Wed 20 May · Auckland
- Beat the Monsters: Using Tech to Reclaim Sales from OTAs · Thu 21 May · Queenstown
- India's Tech Opportunity: Perspectives from NZ Exporters · Thu 21 May · Online
- Search After SEO: Visibility in the AI Era · Fri 22 May · Online
Regional Standout
- Winning from the Waikato 2026 · Tue 19 May · Hamilton
- ThinkTech Kāpiti · Wed 20 May · Raumati Beach
- Growth Jam: Epic Fails Edition · Thu 21 May · Wellington (Movac x Creative HQ)
- EPIC AI Conference (full day) · Thu 21 May · Christchurch (EPIC Innovation)
Save Money
NZ Startup Service Providers Directory (V2) - 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.
Now spanning over 40 service providers across 16 categories.
⚡️ 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.
Opportunities to save money from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from April)
Raise Money
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
Velocity Ideas Challenge
Industry Agnostic
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/cie/programmes-workshops-events/all/velocity-ideas-challenge.html
University of Auckland students & staff - do you have an idea to solve a social issue, tackle an environmental problem, or seize a market opportunity? Maybe your idea is inspired by university research? Submit an entry of up to 1,000 words showcasing your solution for the chance to win $1,000!
🚨 Applications close 11 May 2026
Moodi Female Founder Fund
Industry Agnostic · Women
https://www.moodiblends.com/pages/moodi-female-founder-fund-2026
Women-led businesses are consistently underfunded.
$15,000 in no-strings-attached cash grants for ambitious female founders in NZ and Australia.
🚨 Applications close 24 May 2026
Hope Fish Foundation - Education & Growth Grants
Industry Agnostic · Women
Co-funding grants of up to $5,000 for goal-driven NZ women pursuing educational growth opportunities, including early-stage startups creating positive social impact. Founded by Annah Stretton.
Applications assessed on community benefit and ability to co-fund costs above $5,000.
🚨 April-May 2026 round open now
Pavlova Games
Creative Tech & Retail
Pavlova Games aims to provide completion funding for indie games that are well advanced, planning their launch window, and where studios want to self-publish their games but need a little more gas in the tank to get there.
For NZ and AU game makers only.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu - Puna Pakihi Business Grants
Industry Agnostic · Māori / Pasifika
https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/opportunities-and-resources/for-business/business-grants/
Three grant types for Ngāi Tahu-owned businesses (50%+ ownership required):
- Kickstart - for pre-revenue businesses
- Stay Up - $5,000 for businesses trading 12+ months with revenue under $120k
- Growth - $5,000 for businesses trading 12+ months with revenue over $120k
Applications processed monthly. Submit before the 20th of each month.
🚨 Round 3 opens 1 May 2026
MBIE AI Advisory Pilot - Co-funding for AI Strategy
Industry Agnostic · Artificial Intelligence
Up to 50% co-funding (capped at $15,000) to develop an AI strategy or implementation plan with an MBIE-registered advisor. Open to NZ businesses with fewer than 500 employees, trading for at least 12 months.
Access is through your local Regional Business Partner hub - not a direct open application. If you're not already an RBP customer, connect with your regional hub first and raise your hand for it.
🚨 Closes 30 June 2026 · Capacity still available in May
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.
NZ Startup (Support) Spotlight:
Farm Innovation Network
https://farminnovationnetwork.co.nz/
NZ network connecting AgTech founders with progressive farms for structured on-farm pilots, alongside accelerator programmes and pathways for global agtech entering the NZ market. Handles farm matching, trial facilitation, and pilot oversight. Best for AgTech founders with a product ready to validate in commercial farm conditions, or international AgTech companies looking for a structured NZ market entry.
Opportunities to raise money from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from April)
Make Money
New World Emerge - Foodstuffs/Rise Growth Lab
Creative Tech & Retail
https://www.newworld.co.nz/who-we-are/foodstuffs-emerge
For FMCG brands looking to grow in NZ supermarkets, the New World Emerge programme offers category winners support from Industry leaders and Foodstuffs mentors.
🚨 Applications close 3 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
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
Seeds Impact Conference 2026
Industry Agnostic
https://events.humanitix.com/impact-conference-2026
Free, virtual half-day conference focused on entrepreneurship and impact.
Worth a look for founders building outside the VC track.
🚨 22 May 2026 · Online
NZ Tech Expo 2026
Industry Agnostic
Annual tech expo bringing together 3,000+ attendees and 80+ exhibitors across the NZ tech sector. Includes lightning talks, live product demos, and sector-specific activations.
Most useful for founders who need high-volume networking, want to demo a product, or are actively looking for enterprise customers and distribution partners.
🚨 18 September 2026 · Auckland
Worthy - FMCG Distribution NZ & Pacific
Creative Tech & Retail · International Opportunity
https://worthy.nz/fmcg-distribution/https://worthy.nz/sell-with-us/
Distribution partner for FMCG brands across New Zealand, Australia, and 19 Pacific island nations. Operates a 3,000+ product network through two distribution companies (Worthy Products and Dutch Rusk), serving retailers with weekly replenishment.
Most useful for consumer product founders with a product already in market who want to reach NZ and Pacific retail without building their own distribution infrastructure.
India FTA Signed
International Opportunity
NZ's free trade agreement with India is now signed, removing tariffs on 95% of NZ goods exports.
Worth checking for founders selling physical products into India.
NZ Startup (Support) Spotlight:
Gritworks - Build the Bike Product You Wish Existed
11-week, in-person hardware accelerator in Queenstown for riders, mechanics, and makers building physical mountain bike products. Includes workshop space, tools, trail testing, mentorship, and a go-to-market plan. No equity taken. Costs NZD $1,000 upfront, with a 3% revenue share that only kicks in after NZD $80k in cumulative revenue, capped at NZD $30k or 4 years. First cohort starts October 2026.
Opportunities to make money from last month that are still active and worth acting on:
Still Open (from April)
Standout Regional Opportunities & Events
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
Ignite'26 Growth Summit - The Icehouse
Industry Agnostic
https://events.humanitix.com/ignite-26-growth-summit-by-icehouse
Full-day growth summit hosted by The Icehouse. Speakers include Craig Piggott (Halter) and Pic Picot (Pic's Peanut Butter), plus an economy panel hosted by Paddy Gower. Open to the public.
🚨 6 May 2026 · Auckland 💸 Paid event over $200
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
Venture Taranaki - PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night
Industry Agnostic
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/powerup-accelerator-showcase-night-2026-tickets-1985099144980
Five Taranaki startups pitch live to investors and industry leaders. Also available as a live stream.
🚨 13 May 2026 · New Plymouth · Online
Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation Expo 2026
Deep Tech
Annual expo for the manufacturing and innovation sector in the Wellington region. Keynote speakers, exhibitor showcase, and networking.
Most useful for hardware and deep tech founders building physical products who want to connect with manufacturers, supply chain players, and export support in the Wellington region.
🚨 19 May 2026 · Lower Hutt (Wellington)
GridAKL - Bootstrappers' Breakfast
Industry Agnostic
https://gridakl.com/event/auckland-bootstrappers-breakfast-may-2026/
Regular morning sessions for early-stage and bootstrapped founders at GridAKL. Check the events page for upcoming dates.
🚨 19 May 2026 (recurrent event) · Auckland
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.
🚨 21 May 2026 · EPIC Christchurch · Tech Week AI Special
Soda Inc - Business Masterclass | A Practical Guide to SEO
https://events.humanitix.com/business-masterclass-or-a-practical-guide-to-seo
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. In this practical masterclass, Danyon Togia from Expert SEO will teach you how to get your business showing up on Google and turn that visibility into real leads and sales.
Designed specifically for small business owners and founders, this two-hour workshop will break SEO down into clear, actionable steps you can start using straight away.
🚨 27 May 2026 · Hamilton
2degrees Auckland Business Awards 2026
Industry Agnostic
https://www.aucklandbusinessawards.co.nz/
Annual awards programme open to all Auckland businesses across nine categories, including Best Emerging Business, Excellence in Innovation, and Excellence in Strategy.
Most useful for founders who can convert a win or finalist placement into customer credibility, recruitment leverage, or press coverage.
🚨 Entries open now · Auckland
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
Community Spotlights
KiwiSaaS
B2B SaaS
NZ community for SaaS founders and teams. Free access includes workshops, a resource library, and regional meetups across Aotearoa. Paid membership unlocks peer communities, mentor intros, board exchange, tune-up consultations, and discounted tickets to Southern SaaS.
Most useful for SaaS founders who want peer connection and practical advice from operators who've built at a similar stage.
Waipā Tech Meetup
Industry Agnostic
https://events.humanitix.com/waipa-tech-meetup-2-2026
This Waipā Tech Series meetup is designed to cut through the noise and focus on practical, real-world ways businesses can harness AI to strengthen what they already do, without massive budgets, technical teams, or shiny-but-useless tools.
Join us for a fast-paced, interactive event where our panel of expert speakers share their growth stories and key milestones. No slides, no scripts, just authentic insights. Next meetup is 19 May 2026 in Cambridge.
NZ Tech Rally
Industry Agnostic
https://nztechrally.nz/meetup-calendar
Wellington-based tech conference bringing together the full software delivery team - developers, designers, testers, product managers, data specialists, and leaders. Three keynotes and 20 talks across five dedicated tracks, plus a regular meetup calendar.
Most useful for technical founders and team leads looking to connect with Wellington's tech community and keep their teams plugged into what's being built locally.
Kāpiti Startup & Innovate Network
Industry Agnostic
https://www.meetup.com/kapiti-startup-innovate-network-meetup
Regular meetups for founders, builders, and entrepreneurs on the Kāpiti Coast. Covers startup stories, investment, tech, marketing, legal, and sales - with a mix of speakers and open discussion.
Good for founders in the Kāpiti area looking for local peer connection and a place to share what they're building.
Community Spotlights from last month that are still active and worth acting on.
Still Open (from April)
⚡️ Just Shipped on WFW
A quick roundup of what we shipped this month - so you don’t have to keep checking the site.
Startup Service Providers for New Zealand Founders (V2)
https://whatfounderswant.com/startup-service-providers
A founder-first directory of legal, financial, and professional services that understand startups. 40+ providers with coverage across 16 categories.
Get Help, Anytime
Foundational support every NZ founder should know about. Always available, high-leverage, and often free.
Talk to a Human
Get Investor-Ready
Expand Overseas
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.
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