How can Wellington supercharge its startup and innovation sector?

Wellington is the birthplace of startups like Xero, Trade Me, Sharesies, Hnry, Volpara and hundreds more. Estimates suggest there are as many as 4,000 startups and innovation-led businesses across the region. But globally, we’re ranked 254th as a startup city, and slipping.

So what would it take to break into the top 100 startup cities in the world within five years?

This energising, solutions-focused conversation focused on how we can unlock Wellington’s startup and innovation potential—and grab the world’s attention in the process. The conversation was facilitated by Vic Crone – Former CEO of Callaghan Innovation and Xero NZ Country Manager.

Panellists

We assembled one of the most impressive innovation panels ever seen in Aotearoa, who responded to provocations from Wellington’s startup community, offered bold ideas, and shared hard-won insights on what it takes to build a world-class startup environment.

• Rod Drury – Xero founder

• Brooke Roberts – Sharesies co-founder and startup mentor

• Serge Van Dam – Angel investor of the year (2020) and active investor in early-stage ventures

• Professor Stephen Cummings – Innovation and strategy expert at Victoria University

Key themes

Key themes captured by a live scribe at the event. Click here to download as a PDF.