What is Whakatipu Incubator?
Whakatipu Incubator helps Māori, indigenous and other underserved founders invest in their capability and get targeted support to help grow their startup globally.
In our experience a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fit the needs of Māori founders and startups. The Whakatipu Incubator is a customised and targeted model. This is what makes us stand out from the crowd.
The incubator is open to founders across the calendar year with four intakes and offers a blended model that suits founders from different parts of the country.
Register for our May 2024 intake below.
What is the cost of the programme?
The Whakatipu Incubator is FREE for all startups that are accepted into the programme.
View our Code of Conduct here.
Who is this for?
For Māori founders across Aotearoa.
For businesses with high-growth potential.
What is included in the program?
360 Health Assessment
Each participating startup will undergo a business health assessment with a HTK startup advisor prior to entry into the Incubator. Each startup will receive a business health report with recommendations alongside a bespoke action plan.
Community of support
Through our quarterly in-person and monthly Startup Kōrero sessions we create opportunities for startups to develop close connections with people at the same stage as them on their journey. It’s about learning and growing together.
Customised Advisory
Each startup will have a customised and needs based incubation action plan on which we will base our startup support. Participants will work with a dedicated HTK startup advisor to support you through your incubator action plan whilst providing expert advice and support.
Evaluation
Using the initial business health assessment as a baseline, all startups will be reassessed to measure progress achieved after taking part in the incubator.
Who is eligible?
Aspiring founders who have identified a problem they want to solve but have yet to start a company
What is on offer?
Up to 24 hours of business and tech advisory support delivered by expert business advisors and subject matter experts.
Access to perks and discounts from across our partner network.
Access to Masterclasses and workshops with a focus on your capability development.
FREE desk space for 6-months in Auckland and Christchurch.
Dedicated HTK startup advisor for 6 months
Our Partners
Product strategy
Commercialisation strategy
Financial sustainability and business resilience
Investment strategy and readiness
Te Tiriti and cultural engagement in a business context in NZ
