Soda's new capital raise programme - BOOST - started this week with three business founders from around New Zealand eager to learn how to raise capital and boost their business.

Participating in the inaugural programme is Glen Stephens, founder of Sol+Sea; Christopher Staal, founder of EC8; and Pickl founders.

Sol+Sea is an environmentally conscious lifestyle brand which creates natural performance skincare for adventurous people and ocean enthusiasts. Sol+Sea won Venture Taranaki's PowerUp programme which was powered by Soda.

Sol+Sea founder, Glen Stephens says: "I'm blown away by Soda's programmes, along with the help and support."

EC8 is developing a system to supply pre-cut plasterboard to construction sites saving two days on build time and reducing waste by up to 30 per cent. Founder, Chris, recently graduated from Soda's LIFT programme.

Pickl are developing a first-in-market digitised home loan product to demystify, simplify and optimise the mortgage experience. Pickl won Soda's Seed Grant earlier this year.

The three founders are being mentored by industry experts Timothy Allen, founder of Ubco; Kate O'Leary, founder of Ceres Organics; and Kristen Lunman, co-founder of Hatch, who will help guide them through the programme.

They will attend a range of specialised capital raise workshops, facilitated by Deloitte, Tompkins Wake, Angel Association and Hillfarrance, before the programme culminates in an investor showcase on 24 November 2021.

Find out more about BOOST.