Graduates the business leaders of the future

Thursday June 21, 2007 For immediate release

Graduates the business leaders of the future

Wellington’s business leaders of the future are graduating from high-growth business incubator Creative HQ next week (Tuesday June 26).

Globally-renowned animation company Karactaz, destinational fashion store deNada, and international on-line casting website StarNow.com have all met the challenging growth targets set by NZ Trade & Enterprise.

They will join companies including Optimal Usability, Virtual Katy, Spikefin, Calcium Communications and SilverStripe as Creative HQ alumni.

A total of 11 high-growth companies have graduated from Creative HQ, and there are currently spaces available for new residents.

Creative HQ is Positively Wellington Business’ business incubator for high-growth start-ups.

The international success of StarNow.com gained local recognition when they were named finalists in the Cyber Gold category at this year’s Wellington Region Gold Awards for business.

With over 500,000 members worldwide and clients including the BBC, MTV and high-profile reality TV stars, chief executive Cameron Mehlhopt says StarNow.com has no intention of slowing down.

“StarNow.com gives talented entertainers like actors and models the chance to manage their own careers, be their own agent and sell their talent to casting agents and directors around the world,” he says.

“The UK is our main market, however we are expanding our local profile and planning to officially launch StarNow.com into the USA and Australia in the coming year.”

Karactaz was founded by Dylan Coburn in 2002 to sell creative services, especially animation products and technology.

The company has received multiple international awards for television commercials and advertising campaigns, and has a strong and growing export market.

“We’re fast becoming a major player in global animation – original property development, production services and proprietary technology,” says Mr Coburn.

“Now we’re developing our own in-house software product ‘Karactaz Eclipse’ to transfer the techniques created for short-form work into long-form forms like television.”

DeNada is the first fashion company to graduate from a New Zealand incubator.

Co-run by Nada Matthews and Stewart Island-based Jo Learmonth, deNada launched a new concept in fashion and retail with the opening of their Featherston Street store.

The collection of street-styled and urban garments in sizes 8-16 is extended to include off-the-shelf garments in curvy and tall, catering for different body shapes.

Jewellery, accessories, good coffee and a boutique selection of low-fi and café style music are available to listen to and buy.

ENDS

Note to the reporter._

* NZ Trade & Enterprise’s high-growth targets state that graduates must achieve two of three measures:
o NZ$500,000 worth of investment
o NZ$500,000 turnover
o A doubling of staff numbers

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