Whether you're building your first venture or scaling your startup, this founder-first directory maps the most relevant startup support across Aotearoa. From regional innovation hubs and university startup programmes to Māori and Pasifika-led initiatives, women-focused founder support, and deep tech commercialisation units—this is your up-to-date, industry-agnostic guide to navigating New Zealand’s startup ecosystem. Built for speed, clarity, and real founder needs.
For first-time founders, Series A builders, and global founders scaling into NZ.
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Talk to a Person - Startup Aotearoa
Free 30 minutes of startup advice from someone who’s been there, done that.
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Find local startup incubators and innovation hubs across NZ—from Auckland to Invercargill. Regional founder support for all industries, stages, and business types.
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Looking for a full list of all accelerator, incubator, advice, and learning opportunities for Kiwi founders?
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:the_founder_institute_logo:Founder Institute ANZ — New Zealand-Wide / Remote
Who it’s for: Idea, seed, and scale-stage ANZ startups
What You’ll Get: Global network of startup incubators, accelerators, and investors on a mission to activate and empower communities of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Startup Aotearoa — New Zealand-Wide / Remote
Free 30 minutes of startup advice from someone who’s been there, done that.
Startmate ANZ — New Zealand-Wide / Remote
Trans-Tasman accelerator and founder fellowship supporting startups across New Zealand and Australia. Offers industry-agnostic mentoring, investment access, and cohort-based programs for early-stage founders and operators.
Northland Inc — Northland
https://northlandnz.com/business/
Northland Inc supports startups and businesses through funding, mentoring, and regional growth initiatives.
Creative HQ — Wellington
Wellington’s leading startup hub with accelerators, founder programs, and community events.
The Icehouse- Auckland
A nationwide business growth centre for SME founders offering leadership programmes, mentoring, and community support.
GridAKL — Auckland
Auckland’s innovation precinct offering coworking, startup events, and community programs.
Soda Inc — Waikato
Startup incubator and growth ecosystem in Hamilton, supporting founders with programs and access to investors.
Priority One — Bay of Plenty
https://www.priorityone.co.nz/
Western Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency supporting innovation and startup growth.
Venture Centre- Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
Social enterprise and innovation hub focused on impact and purpose-driven entrepreneurs—provides ideation incubation, mentoring, coworking space, community events and startup weekends, often at no or low cost to founders
Te Ōhaka – Christchurch
Christchurch’s startup incubator, supporting high-growth companies with founder-first programs.
HTK StartUp- Christchurch
A values-led accelerator offering free, cohort‑based incubator and activator programmes with business health assessments, advisory, tech coaching, and desk space.
Ministry of Awesome- Christchurch
https://ministryofawesome.com/
Christchurch leading startup hub with accelerators, founder programs, and community events.
Startup Dunedin – Dunedin
https://www.startupdunedin.nz/
Dunedin’s entrepreneurial hub providing founder support, programs, and ecosystem connections.
Startup Queenstown - Queenstown
https://www.startupqueenstownlakes.com/
Startup Queenstown Lakes supports founders across the Queenstown Lakes District with programs, mentorship, and resources to launch and scale innovative ventures.
Doso — Taranaki
Building and growing a strong, inclusive & connected entrepreneurial ecosystem in Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Venture Taranaki — Taranaki
Regional development agency providing startup support, mentoring, and funding pathways.
The Factory — Palmerston North
https://www.thefactorynz.co.nz/
Startup incubator and investor network in Palmerston North, focused on founder growth.
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Explore kaupapa Māori and Pasifika-led business networks and funding programmes designed to back Indigenous entrepreneurs across Aotearoa.
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Access women-focused startup resources, founder programmes, and investment pathways built to support wāhine entrepreneurs across New Zealand.