Venture Centre and Soda Inc. have formed a partnership that will see start-up support programmes on offer in the Bay of Plenty Region.
Founder of Venture Centre, Jo Allum, welcomes the new initiative and believes that the region’s start-up entrepreneurs will significantly benefit from the new partnership.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to partner with Soda, who have a proven programme for founders and access to world class mentors. This is a valuable addition to the other support that is available in this region." Says Ms Allum.
"We have a list of founders who need support and have been waiting for this type of programme, so it's exciting to have something like this to offer them." Says Ms Allum
Soda Inc. has supported and been behind many growing start-ups in New Zealand such as beekeeping hive management software, MyApiary and fast growing Patney who have developed a sleep positioner that is scientifically proven to control snoring.
Founders working on start-ups in the Bay of Plenty can apply for the Soda LIFT programme and access the resources, networks and mentorship on offer.
Soda Inc. CEO, Erin Wansbrough, is excited to get underway with the partnership and get founders that are in desperate need of support into a programme.
“We encourage ambitious people who are working on opportunities that have potential for scale to get in touch with the team at Venture Centre and see if this programme is right for you.”
Every company wanting to join the programme will go through an application process.
“There is an application form followed by a meeting to understand the founder’s current challenges and future aspirations for their start-up. If there’s a fit, we’ll invite the founder(s) to present their opportunity to a local panel - ‘a friendly dragons’ den’, and if successful we’ll then work with the founder(s) to craft a customised programme and mentoring match.
“We don’t limit our intake of start-ups to just one profession or level of experience. We’ve worked with a lot of start-ups, engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs and many businesses ranging in different sizes,” says Ms Wansbrough.
Applications will be assessed as they come in, so people who are interested can apply when they’re ready.
For more information about the SODA & Venture Centre start-up programme visit Instigator.