Twist in Startup Dunedin’s Challenger Series

Entries are open for the Challenger Series, a competition to find Dunedin’s most promising startup businesses. Once again three new businesses could each win up to $65k of value in services and a place in a five month coaching series featuring Deloitte, Gallaway Cook Allan, Startup Dunedin and proven pool of local and national mentors.

However there is a twist in this year’s application process. Instead of just three startups receiving mentoring and advice, Startup Dunedin have introduced a month long series of workshops for up to ten successful applicants. At the end of the first month of workshops, three startups will be selected to complete an extended five month programme. This is one of several enhancements that Startup Dunedin has made to the programme. Newly appointed Startup Dunedin Chief Starter, Donna Hall said “Following the outstanding success of last year’s programme we wanted to scale things up. There is a lot of great content in the first month that’s able to be shared across a higher number of startups, prior to us going into the one-on-one phase of the programme”.

Startup Dunedin Chair Sarah Ramsay agrees, “Last year it was extremely tough for us to narrow down to just three startups. This process will allow us to spend more time evaluating those final 10. It allows us to get to know those seven who don’t get through better and to ensure they get the recognition and support they need.”

72 startups competed for a place in Startup Dunedin’s 2018 Challenger Series. Paper Not Foil, Elixir and The Pet Bistro were selected to complete the startup programme. Each were paired with mentorship and in-kind sponsorship over a four-month long process that resulted in increased sales, international distribution agreements and improvement of their business processes.

Elixir Founder, Jack Pivac said “I achieved more than I could have on my own. The support of the coaches, mentors and other participants gave me the focus and accountability I needed to accelerate Elixir.”

Donna explained the changes meant that Startup Dunedin could service more startups and get a better understanding of the three selected applicants while preparing their pool of mentors. “Even the startups which aren’t in the selected three will receive recommendations and support from our team. It’s about having a broad impact as well as a deep impact for our best prospects.”

The Challenger Series is unique in the world of startup accelerators and incubators, as one of the only programmes which does not take equity or payment from selected startups. This is made possible through collaboration with business, Government and community at a local and national level.

Programme sponsors Deloitte, Gallaway Cook Allan, Grow Dunedin Partnership, Enterprise Dunedin and Creative HQ have all renewed their commitment. So too have an impressive line-up of prospective mentors who generously donate their time. Last year’s lineup included Zoe Hobson CEO of international gaming company Runaway Play, Chris Hopkins CEO of engineering stalwarts Scott Technology, Kyle Cameron Managing Director of international production house NHNZ and Nigel Bamford Founder of gas fireplace exporter Escea Fireplaces.

Director of Enterprise Dunedin, John Christie, says the Challenger Series is one of a number of initiatives supported by the Grow Dunedin Partnership in collaboration with the startup community. Specifically, it aims to grow businesses that have the potential to upscale and contribute to the future economy of the city. “The start-up ecosystem has shown good signs of growth and activity over the last 12 months,” Mr Christie says.

“We are pleased with the way the Challenger Series has supported entrepreneurs with expert mentors and services from the private and public sectors. The selected three businesses have secured investment, customers and connections through the support of the Challenger Series. This has set the foundation for success and we expect more startups will have an appetite to access this valuable programme, enabling them to establish and grow in the city.”

Applications open Wednesday 10th of April (closing 24th April). Shortlisted applicants will pitch on the 1st and 2nd of May. Ten applicants will then complete the first month of the programme before pitching again on the 30th of May for the final 3 spots. For more information visit www.startupdunedin.nz/challenger

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