BNZ & Startup Dunedin Launch Startup Focus Group Series

Startup Dunedin has partnered with BNZ to launch a 'Startup Focus Groups'. The focus groups give early stage founders an opportunity to connect with Dunedin’s current business leaders and collect the wisdom, connections and influence of those that have “been there before”.

The focus groups will take place bi-monthly, be invite only and limited to 30 attendees whose experience is specifically aligned to the industry within which the startup is targeting. BNZ are hosting the focus groups in their Partners Centre on 98 George St.

Bronwyn Coombe, Senior Partner of BNZ says “BNZ is really excited to be partnering with Startup Dunedin to provide a forum for our emerging Dunedin businesses to connect with our world class local business leaders and mentors. It can be difficult for fast growing businesses to have access to the experience and guidance of the Advisors and Boards that larger Corporates enjoy. The Startup Focus Groups will help to facilitate and foster these connections.”

Startups can apply for a focus group through Startup Dunedin. Applicants must be Dunedin based and currently engaged in a business development programme or co-working space such as Petridish, Innov8HQ, Challenger Series, The Distiller or Co.Starters. “BNZ’s support allows us to have a deep impact for our most promising startups who are looking to validate their go-to-market strategy and seek industry connections. We’re excited to be able to support more of the brilliant ideas coming out of Dunedin. ” says Donna Hall, Chief Starter of Startup Dunedin.

Sarah Ramsay, Chair of Startup Dunedin hopes the focus groups will help startups overcome the barriers of finding capital and connections in Dunedin. “We want Dunedin to become one of the world's most entrepreneurial small cities. Our startups biggest need is finding capital and strategic advice. Dunedin has many business leaders and industry experts who are quietly achieving great things on a global scale. The focus groups provide a low touch and concentrated way for today’s leaders to connect with the future’s.”

The first focus group was piloted on Thursday, 23rd of May and featured local property-tech startup, Kitt. Kitt is a cloud-based technology residential and commercial property investors use to effortlessly manage accounts, performance and reporting on one or more portfolios. Founder, Aleks Dahlberg was excited to see the results of the focus group “Tapping into the experience and networks of others has been key for us so far. I’m excited to utilise the learning and connections we made on Thursday.”

Members of the business community who wish to attend future focus group events can contact angus@startupdunedin.nz

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