TAKE YOUR STARTUP TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

We are Aotearoa New Zealand’s most prolific startup programme, helping early-stage companies validate markets, gain traction, secure funding, and achieve their unique global ambitions.

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WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY

Prioritise outcomes to move quickly

Keep focused and results-oriented with a personalised plan that aligns our resources to your startup’s specific needs.

Build your core competencies

Participate in workshops, peer mentoring, and expert coaching designed to strengthen capabilities as a founder.

Maximise your chances to fund your venture

Get frequent exposure to leading VC and angel investors that help you build a compelling story to pitch for your next round of funding.

Get strategic help with domain expertise

Tap into the knowledge and experience of our global Startup Mentor network as you navigate your goals and challenges.

Create a culturally intelligent business

Learn to build a human-centred, meaningful company culture that includes the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Unlock partner resources & benefits

Get free and discounted resources on software products and platforms as well as legal, financial, and advisory professional services.

Check out the programme

Startups we've catalysed:

Check out the startups

PARTICIPATE ONSITE OR REMOTE

What’s best for you? Participate onsite at Te Ōhaka, the NZ hub for startups in downtown Christchurch, or choose from remote and hybrid options.

What will you experience?

Take a closer look at what our programme is like, and how you can be catalysed.

See how it works

Who should apply?

Meet the NZ startups who have accelerated their growth by joining the programme.

Check out the criteria

Do you have questions?

Have a few questions? See if these answers will help.

Check out our FAQ's

OUR FOUNDER EXPERIENCE

Emily Blythe

Founder & CEO

PyperVision

"It has been such a valuable opportunity to be part of Founder Catalyst over the last couple of years. We have been able to take advantage of fantastic mentors and networks, events as well as resources and support.

One of the most invaluable resources provided to us is the other startups we have been surrounded by, we are all going through different journeys but face the same challenges, and being able to get other founder’s takes on these challenges has accelerated our progress."

Heather Pearson

Director

Calmly

"The Ministry of Awesome’s startup programme at Founder Catalyst has provided opportunities, connections and the professional space at the perfect time of our startup journey. The continuous access to founders, industry experts and investors has been key in guiding us on the path to becoming a high growth startup.

Tē tōia, tē haumatia – nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce and way of doing things. The awesome culture found at Te Ōhaka defines this whakatoukī perfectly."

Nick Jackson

Co-Founder & CTO

Spout

"We have enjoyed being a part of the Founder Catalyst community and space.

One of the biggest advantages is the networks, connections and mentors that are opened up which have allowed us to grow.

It’s also great to have an epic selection of like-minded founders surrounding us to bounce problems and ideas off."