Five New Zealand–linked founders drop hard-won truths!This highlight episode brings together five New Zealand tech entrepreneurs at very different stages—Shaun Quincey, Liam Kampshof, Nick Damiano, Steven Zinsli, and Anna Henwood. It’s a punchy reel of what actually moves the needle in startups: selling into enterprise, building brutally simple products, and staying alive long enough for the compounding to kick in.You’ll hear why enterprise sales is a “dark art” that starts by finding the real buyer, the founder mindset of “stop what’s not working and don’t die,” the moment a recap turns an engineer into a founder, and why loving uncertainty can keep you in the game for 15 years.🕸️ Enterprise infiltration: map budget cycles, find the true decision-maker, ask for money early.🧰 Prototype grit: shower tests, mastitis milk samples, and a raincoat-and-laptop cowshed setup.🔁 Pivot discipline: “stop doing the wrong thing,” survive, and let time create trust.🧠 Founder trigger: when a recap pushes a product-first engineer to build their own company.🎢 Roller-coaster reality: loving uncertainty, community, and autonomy in startups.🤖 AI & robotics: software-first medtech, simple sensors over dashboards, and pragmatic adoption.💼 Go-to-market: from field demos to enterprise programs that actually close.Connect with the Guests:Shaun Quincey — https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-quincey-53548132Nick Damiano — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdamianoLiam Kampshof — https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-kampshofSteven Zinsli — https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-zinsli-💳-aa813184Anna Henwood — https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-henwoodLearn more about NZVC & HostsNZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/Timestamps:00:00 — Intro00:30 — Shaun on “enterprise infiltration” and finding the buyer03:31 — Liam’s prototypes and cowshed data04:32 — Steven: stop what’s wrong, don’t die, play the long game06:26 — Nick: a recap, a product plan, and the founder decision08:00 — Anna: the roller coaster, autonomy, and loving uncertaintyIf this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for the founders below, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder deep-dives.#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #AI, #robotics, #agtech, #fintech, #insurtech, #SaaS, #venturecapital, #productmarketfit, #founderstory, #enterprise, #B2B, #medtech, #marketresearch, #dairy, #compliance, #innovation, #podcast

🐄 Engineer Liam Kampshof turned an early milking-shed prototype into a simple, low-cost sensor now used on 145+ New Zealand farms, catching mastitis early to protect milk quality and payouts!Liam is a New Zealand tech entrepreneur and founder of Bovonic, makers of QuadSense—a snap-in, battery-powered sensor that measures each teat’s conductivity in real time, compares quarters, and throws a red light in ~30 seconds if mastitis is likely. It retrofits into the short milk tube, has no moving parts, a ~3-year battery life, and costs ~5× less than legacy lab systems—so farmers actually install it. 🐄 Mastitis 101: why manual “stripping” fails at scale and how quarter-level conductivity catches it earlier.📈 Adoption: ~145 farms (≈2% NZ) in year one; near 5% in early regions; hardware + profitability.🧭 NZ edge: no subsidies → ruthless ROI; “number-8 wire” practicality meets biomedical chops.🥛 Macro: NZ = #1 dairy exporter (not producer); EU cell-count standards and antibiotic rules shaping demand. Connect with the Guest:Liam Kampshof — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-kampshofCompany (Bovonic / QuadSense): https://bovonic.comLearn more about NZVC & HostsNZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/00:00 — Intro & NZ dairy roots01:11 — Farm childhood in Waikato & Bay of Plenty07:16 — Choosing Biomedical Engineering at Auckland10:16 — London deep-tech: DNA Electronics sepsis project21:10 — Back to NZ during COVID; MIQ and reset23:41 — The mastitis problem & why manual checks fail31:17 — Why quarter-level conductivity is the unlock37:47 — First prototypes; cowshed raincoat + laptop tests41:07 — Fieldays validation: 110–120 signups; pre-orders45:56 — QuadSense demo: sensor in the short milk tube48:38 — Red-light alerts in ~30s; 3-year batteries; self-install54:22 — 145 farms live; ~2% market; ~5% in early regions01:01:27 — NZ collar adoption shows ROI-driven uptake01:03:41 — Global fit: UK/Ireland → EU → US plan01:10:52 — Founder moving to UK to open markets01:19:02 — NZ: top dairy exporter; 95–96% exportedIf this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for Liam below, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder deep-dives.#startups, #NewZealand, #business, #AgTech, #dairy, #dairyfarming, #animalhealth, #mastitis, #sensors, #hardware, #biomedicalengineering, #precisionagriculture, #farmtech, #veterinary, #robotics, #AI, #Fieldays, #NZTech, #founderstory, #TechMates

He rowed solo across the Tasman, later sold his BNPL startup—now he’s rebuilding life insurance with AI from New Zealand.Our guest, Shaun Quincey, is a New Zealand tech entrepreneur who went from a 54-day solo ocean row to exiting a services-focused BNPL company—and now leads Simfuni, an AI-first operating platform for life insurers. He breaks down how a payments “wedge” became a full policy-admin + automation stack, and why eight insurers are already on the platform.We go deep on enterprise sales inside legacy insurers, using AI agents for real self-service (move payment dates, policy changes, docs), and the ethics of data, wearables, and genetics in underwriting. Plus: the early NZ accelerator days, a 7-figure exit with an earn-out, and what it really takes to survive 300 metaphorical “uppercuts” in startups.🧭 From Singapore birth & military family → New Zealand childhood → resilience through constant change.🚣 Rowing Australia→NZ solo at 23; 54 days, capsizes, a bestselling book—and startup lessons.💳 BNPL in services (5k merchants) → strategic sale to Latitude; why timing beat ego.🧠 Simfuni: payments wedge → policy admin OS → AI agents for customer ops.🏢 “Enterprise infiltration”: who decides, budget cycles, and asking for money early.🤖 What AI does today: automate common requests, cut FTEs, boost compliance.📈 Eight life insurers live; AU/NZ focus with South Africa interest next.🧬 Wearables & genetics: pricing fairness vs. privacy—where regulation lands.🧱 Founder mindset: pivots, patience, and building for 5–10 years.Connect with the GuestShaun Quincey — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-quincey-53548132Company (Simfuni): simfuni.comLearn more about NZVC & HostsNZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & welcome01:20 – Shaun’s childhood in Singapore and New Zealand03:30 – Growing up with constant change and resilience06:00 – Family background and his father’s solo Tasman row08:40 – Shaun’s own Tasman Sea adventure (rowing from Australia to NZ)12:00 – Storms, setbacks, and pushing through challenges15:00 – Writing a book and lessons learned from the row19:00 – Transition into career and first job at Debit Success28:30 – Exposure to startups and move to San Francisco31:30 – Founding his first fintech startup (buy now, pay later)35:30 – Growth, competition, and acquisition41:00 – Reflections on exiting and lessons from competition43:20 – Coming up with new startup ideas during earn-out46:00 – Entering the insurance industry50:30 – Cracking enterprise sales with insurers53:00 – Building Simfuni: modernizing life insurance systems56:00 – How AI transforms insurance operations59:00 – Understanding life insurance and underwriting1:03:00 – Risk, reinsurance, and margins1:05:30 – The future of AI in insurance1:08:00 – Vision for Simfuni and closing thoughtsIf this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for Shaun below, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder deep-dives.#startups, #NewZealand, #business, #AI, #insurtech, #lifeinsurance, #enterprise, #SaaS, #automation, #fintech, #BNPL, #payments, #dataprivacy, #actuarial, #regtech, #customerexperience, #founderstory, #productmarketfit, #NZTech, #TechMates

He’s turning an iPad into a surgical cockpit—and launching semi-autonomous surgery from New Zealand to the world.Nick Damiano is a Bay Area deep-tech founder with strong New Zealand ties: after building medtech across pacemakers, tele-presence OR support, and implantables (YC alum twice), he co-founded Andromeda to bring autonomous surgical robotics to market—faster and cheaper than the traditional medtech playbook. The bet: software-first robots that learn like self-driving cars, starting with urology and HOLEP (pioneered in Tauranga), guided on an iPad with “Google Maps for the prostate.”This episode gets real about why most medtech financing is broken, how to avoid co-founder minefields, what the FDA actually cares about, and why New Zealand is a killer launchpad for clinical studies and first-in-market deployments. It’s a masterclass in building deep tech with startup speed—plus bold takes on Intuitive (Da Vinci), disposables-free business models, and taking world-class surgery global.Key Topics 🧠 From surgeon family → Stanford → engineering → startups.🫀 Leadless pacing & ultrasound targeting algorithms at EBR.🛰️ Avail/NewRep: remote OR support and the COVID tailwind.🧩 Co-founder fit, intensity alignment, and conflict habits.🧪 Zenflow (BPH): YC medtech, trials, and NZ clinical beachhead.🤖 Andromeda: software-first surgical robots with iPad control.🗺️ HOLEP + “Google Maps for the prostate” to de-risk learning.🏥 FDA pragmatism, NZ fast-track launches, and global access.💼 Business model: no disposables, subscription + partnerships.🥊 Startups vs incumbents: where Da Vinci stops and autonomy starts.Connect with the GuestLinkedIn (Nick): www.linkedin.com/in/nickdamianoCompany (Andromeda): https://www.andromedasurgical.comLearn more about NZVC & HostsNZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:07 – Nick’s medical family roots02:53 – Stanford & switch from medicine to startups07:38 – Early jobs & pacemaker innovation11:47 – Founding Avail (NewRep)17:39 – Medical device reps explained20:33 – Lessons on co-founders & teams27:29 – Company #2: ZenFlow29:19 – Getting into Y Combinator34:34 – Why MedTech is so hard40:25 – ZenFlow outcome & NZ connection45:15 – Founding Andromeda: autonomous surgery48:19 – What the Da Vinci robot does52:34 – Andromeda’s unique approach57:32 – Starting with prostate surgery (HoLEP)1:00:26 – Navigating FDA approval1:05:45 – Future of autonomous surgeryIf this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for Nick below, and subscribe for more New Zealand-powered deep-tech stories.

#startups, #NewZealand, #business, #robotics, #AI, #medtech, #surgery, #urology, #HOLEP, #FDA, #YC, #YCombinator, #DaVinci, #autonomoussystems, #healthtech, #deeptech, #venturecapital, #founderstory, #Andromeda, #TechMates #healthtech

From 15 clinics and 105,000 patients to a fintech rebrand and a tax ruling with IRD—this New Zealand founder turned “HealthNow” into Extraordinary, a benefits-payments platform winning banks, telcos, and airlines.

Steve is a New Zealand tech entrepreneur who scaled an allied-health group to ~$12M revenue at 17–24% EBITDA before exiting at 27, then founded HealthNow—a healthcare BNPL/savings/employer-aid play that evolved into Extraordinary, a modular platform that lets companies control where benefits dollars get spent (travel, meals, gifting, health, more). This episode is a masterclass in ruthless iteration: kill the feature that doesn’t work, follow customer pull, then reprice and reframe until it clicks.

What’s wild (and useful): how investor pushback killed the double-sided marketplace, why “breakage” beats “load fees,” and how a binding IRD ruling unlocked pre-tax public transport benefits—turning a compliance headache (FBT/PAYE) into a business moat. We also get candid about the emotional cost of a pivot, Darwinism for founders (“adapt or die”), and going enterprise (yes, sometimes… wear the suit).

Key Topics

🩺 From clinics to fintech: scaling 15 sites, 120 staff, 105k patients—then exiting to build software.

💳 Why BNPL for healthcare didn’t pencil out—and the pivot to employer-funded benefits.

🧩 Modular platform & pricing psychology: per-employee + fixed “breakage,” not “card fees.”

🧾 Compliance moat: controlling spend categories, FBT vs PAYE, and audit-friendly rails.

🚌 IRD binding ruling: pre-tax public transport for employees (and why that matters).

🏢 Enterprise sales: telcos, banks, an airline—why credibility (and suits) count.

🔁 Founder mindset: grief of a pivot, “persist more than resist,” and 10-15 year time horizons.

Connect with the Guest

Steve — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-zinsli-💳-aa813184

Company (Extraordinary): https://www.extraordinarypay.com

Learn more about NZVC & Hosts

NZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

Timestamps:00:00 – Intro

01:14 – Steve’s upbringing in Auckland

04:13 – Childhood experiences shaping healthcare passion

06:19 – Early lessons about healthcare costs

07:17 – School years and university path

10:26 – First steps in healthcare and scaling clinics

13:28 – Building a multi-clinic business

15:14 – Growing revenue and why Steve exited

17:14 – Shift from clinics to fintech in healthcare

26:45 – First concept of HealthNow

28:23 – Buy Now, Pay Later for healthcare

30:28 – Health savings accounts & employer aid

34:56 – Core problem: healthcare affordability

37:31 – Pivoting from healthcare to broader benefits

42:00 – Advice for founders facing pivots

45:39 – Startup persistence and survival

48:29 – Birth of Extraordinary from customer demand

50:01 – Modularizing the platform & pricing learnings

53:03 – Breakage and gift card economics

55:23 – Public transport benefit opportunity

58:41 – Outlook: next 1–5 years for Extraordinary

1:02:03 – Market size, competition, and growth potential

1:04:34 – Role models and inspiration

1:05:31 – Advice for founders in New Zealand

1:06:59 – Closing remarks

If this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for Steve below, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder deep-dives.

#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #fintech, #payments, #employeebenefits, #HRtech, #compliance, #FBT, #publictransport, #BNPL, #founderstory, #productmarketfit, #SaaS, #pricing, #B2B, #enterprise, #NZTech, #TechMates, #podcast

Ari Tulla built, pivoted, exited, and is now using AI to rewire preventative health.Ari Tulla is a Finnish-born, SF-based tech entrepreneur who started in gaming and Nokia’s early app ecosystem, founded doctor-finder startup BetterDoctor (later rolled into a 500-person PE platform), and now leads Elo Health, a nutrition company turning biometrics + AI into real-world outcomes. He shares the gritty founder path: consumer → API pivot, exit, then the hard jump from software to atoms (supply chains, tariffs, fulfillment).This conversation gets unusually candid about what actually scales in healthtech: why “prevention” needs business-model innovation, where AI beats human pattern-recognition, and why even die-hard remote founders end up craving one room for speed and trust. We also roam from wearables and privacy to CRISPR, cloning ethics, and what he teaches his kids about building in an AI world.🧊 Finland roots ➜ Nokia’s app era ➜ Silicon Valley leap.🎮 From MUDs to mobile: early internet, world-building, and dev culture.🏢 Nokia lessons: platform bets, Symbian/MeeGo, and timing risk.🔁 Startup pivots: BetterDoctor—consumer → API/SaaS → PE roll-up.🧪 Elo’s thesis: AI + biomarkers + nutrition as preventative medicine.🤖 AI vs. doctors: pattern recognition, triage, and the “QB” model.💤 Sleep, stress, movement: building real-time feedback loops with wearables.🧬 Bio/ethics: cloning, CRISPR, and data rights in health.🏗️ Why you shouldn’t “recreate Silicon Valley.”🧑‍🍳 Team dynamics: remote reality vs. “one room” excellence.

Connect with the Guest

Ari Tulla — LinkedIn: Company (Elo):

Learn more about NZVC & Hosts

NZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

Timestamps00:00 Intro01:50 Ari — Finland & early internet07:00 Gaming (MUDs) & early dev connections12:20 Nokia / Ovi Store & mobile apps36:40 Entrepreneurship → BetterDoctor (growth & pivot)44:10 Sale to PE & running bigger company48:40 Elo.Health origin — nutrition & prevention52:00 Product experiments: blood tests, wearables, supplements57:00 Sleep, stress & health-span discussion01:17:00 Future plans & wrap-up.

If this sharpened your startup/business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions for Ari below, and subscribe for more founder deep-dives.

#startups, #business, #AI, #healthtech, #preventivemedicine, #nutrition, #wearables, #dataprivacy, #biotech, #NewZealand, #SiliconValley, #founderstory, #productmarketfit, #APIs, #PE, #longevity, #sleep, #stress, #wellness, #TechMates

From $5 stamp packs on Queen Street to ~$1.5B in VeVe marketplace GMV—New Zealand entrepreneur David Yu built one of the world’s biggest digital collectibles businesses!

David Yu—founder/CEO of VeVe—grew up in Taipei, moved to Auckland, and turned a teenage collecting habit into a retail chain, a global licensing career, and ultimately VeVe, the NFT platform behind 3D, AR-ready drops from top studios and car brands. He explains how years of community-building in hobby stores and a nose for IP deals translated to landing Marvel/DC/Disney, while making onboarding “frictionless” for mainstream collectors.

We dig into real numbers and roadmap: ~600k funded/holding accounts, ~250k MAU, ~$1.45–1.5B+ secondary GMV, $300–400M primary sales, 4.5M+ digital comics, the launch of VVverse, and why the next wave is a creator economy built on fandom + AI. Plus: the first 3D Steamboat Willie, how to pitch licensors when the category “doesn’t exist,” and why Gen Z will value digital scarcity like previous generations prized paper comics.

🌏 From Taipei to New Zealand: retail → licensing → VV founder journey.

🧪 “Frictionless” onboarding and why Web3 UX has to feel Web2.

🤝 Pitching Disney/Marvel/DC when NFTs “sounded like a scam.”

📊 VV by the numbers: users, GMV, comics, brands, and AR features.

🏗️ VVverse and the rise of creator-built shops, galleries, and car dealers.

🚗 Licensing playbook: from Pokémon cards to Maserati/Lamborghini in AR.

🧠 AI’s role in content generation, NPCs, and smarter collecting.

Connect with the Guest

David Yu – LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidyunzCompany (VeVe): https://www.veve.me

Learn more about NZVC & Hosts

NZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/00:00:00 — Intro

00:02:26 — Origin: Taipei → Auckland; collecting → first businesses

00:09:39 — Pokémon boom & the power of community

00:19:04 — Expanding to Asia: China exports (WFOE) & licensing lessons

00:22:01 — Bentley stroller case — fighting grey-market/daigou

00:36:55 — From blockchain to CryptoKitties: the spark for VeVe

00:41:40 — Why digital collectibles win (space, logistics, Gen Z)

00:47:34 — App Store onboarding: no crypto hurdles

00:54:11 — Pitching Disney/Marvel with mockups & AR demos

00:58:24 — VeVe today: product verticals, key metrics, VV-Verse vision

01:12:43 — Beyond the 2021 hype: NFT recovery & outlook

01:18:55 — 5–15 years ahead: skills & asking AI better questions

01:21:31 — Favorite digital collectible (Steamboat Willie) & wrap-up

If this sharpened your startup/business brain, smash 👍, drop your questions for David below, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder stories.

#startups, #NewZealand, #business, #NFTs, #digitalcollectibles, #VeVe, #VVverse, #blockchain, #web3, #AI, #augmentedreality, #comics, #Marvel, #Disney, #licensing, #creatorEconomy, #gaming, #venturecapital, #TechMates, #podcast

🎙️ Rural Kiwi roots, global marketing leadership, and now startup innovation — Anna Henwood helps brands get real consumer truth in just 48 hours with Stickybeak.

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4is21QIApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/42KZ2x1

Anna Henwood is a New Zealand tech entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of Sticky Beak, a fast, affordable, global consumer-testing platform that recruits real people via social and panels to help marketers validate names, packs, claims, and ads—before they burn media dollars. She shares how leading Les Mills’ marketing through COVID’s chaos (and a rocket-ship D2C pivot) primed her for startups, why “test ingredients, not the cake,” and how tariffs and export shifts are reshaping where brands grow next. 📈

Sticky Beak just passed 100 customers and leans into hard-to-reach markets (Africa, Eastern Europe, SE Asia) while expanding in the UK and Australia. We dig into defensibility, platform-agnostic recruiting (Meta, TikTok, research panels), and smart ways founders can use AI as an “expert co-pilot,” not a synthetic audience replacement.

🤝 From corporate CMO to startups: lessons from the jump

📲 How Sticky Beak recruits real people globally (Meta/TikTok/panels)

🧪 “Test ingredients, not the cake” — pre-testing creative & packs

📈 COVID’s D2C surge at Les Mills and agile marketing pods

🧭 Tariffs, exports, and why UK/EU/Asia are hot for NZ/AU brands

🤖 Using AI for expert guidance vs. synthetic audiences

🛡️ What makes the model defensible beyond simple A/B ads

Connect with Anna Henwood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-henwood/

Sticky Beak: https://www.stickybeak.co/

Learn more about NZVC & HostsNZVC: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:47 – What Sticky Beak does (fast, global consumer testing)

01:00 – Rural NZ roots → marketing career

02:04 – Waikato Uni, marketing path (sports focus)

09:16 – First roles, overseas stints, London vs. ANZ work styles

11:32 – Les Mills: brand story & global scale

21:25 – COVID hits: daily taskforce & D2C app surge

24:48 – Tens of thousands → hundreds of thousands subs

25:25 – Equipment sold out; LTV and CAC math

33:52 – Why Anna joined Sticky Beak; what changed

36:37 – Re-platforming; hyper-global reach (incl. Africa/E.Europe)

42:54 – Pre-testing vs. ad A/B; “test ingredients, not the cake”

48:42 – Where AI helps (expert co-pilot)

51:10 – Competitors, agencies, legacy panels

53:48 – Defensibility & platform-agnostic recruiting

57:10 – How respondents are sourced; charity option with Oxfam

1:10:59 – Vision: 100 customers, UK/AU expansion over US

1:16:37 – Tariffs, exports, and consumer sentiment

1:19:29 – Founder life: what Anna loves about startups

If this helped your startup or business brain, hit 👍, drop your questions in the comments, and subscribe for more New Zealand founder stories and global growth tactics.

#startups, #NewZealand, #business, #FMCG, #CPG, #marketing, #marketresearch, #consumerinsights, #AI, #SaaS, #D2C, #LesMills, #StickyBeak, #export, #ecommerce, #branding, #advertising, #productmarketfit, #founder, #TechMates

From building websites in high school to revolutionizing Australia's defense capabilities—Vu Tran is redefining what tech entrepreneurship means. 🔥

Join us in this insightful conversation with Vu Tran, co-founder of Go1—one of Australia's most successful EdTech startups—and now Black Sky Industries, an ambitious Australian defense tech startup. Vu shares his incredible journey from growing up in an immigrant household, running entrepreneurial ventures from a young age, to scaling Go1 into a global platform and now pivoting into the defense industry to address critical national security challenges. ⚙️

Discover Vu's candid insights into the importance of grit, risk-taking, and resilience gained from years of entrepreneurial struggles and triumphs. We explore how Vu approaches deep tech startups, the critical thinking behind pivoting from education tech to defense, and his compelling vision to enhance Australia's defense capabilities to ensure peace through strength and innovation. 🚀

Key Topics:

🌍 Growing up as a second-generation immigrant in Australia

💡 Why Vu transitioned from EdTech to Defense

🔥 The importance of grit, pain tolerance, and resilience

🤖 How tech innovation impacts national security

🎖️ Defense as a force for peace and stability

📈 Maintaining core values amidst startup growth

🌐 Global threats and Australia's strategic role

🧩 The intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense

🤝 Connect with Vu Tran:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vutrango1

Black Sky Industries: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bsaero

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:28 - Growing up in an Immigrant Family

05:34 - Balancing Medicine Studies & Entrepreneurship

09:32 - Pivoting to EdTech with Go1

13:02 - Importance of Risk and Resilience

17:12 - Challenges & Learnings from Scaling Go1

23:13 - Why Vu Pivoted from Go1 to Defense Tech

27:20 - Understanding Australia's Defense Needs

32:26 - Global Threats & Defense Preparedness

35:44 - Black Sky Industries: Defense Innovation

41:09 - Why Defense is Vital for Australia

47:47 - Future of Warfare and Drone Technology

53:11 - AI & the Future of Global Security

56:21 - Australia's Strategic Defense Role

01:02:00 - Final Reflections & Advice for Entrepreneurs

🙌 Enjoyed this episode?

Hit like 👍, drop your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more visionary startup insights!

#️⃣ Hashtags:

#startups, #business, #Australia, #EdTech, #DefenseTech, #innovation, #entrepreneurship, #BlackSkyIndustries, #nationalsecurity, #techpodcast, #resilience, #grit, #AI, #autonomy, #VuTran, #AustralianStartups, #globalsecurity, #futuretech, #Go1, #venturecapital

He’s building a startup to beam power through lasers — transforming how we access energy!Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Billy Jeremijenko, the visionary Australian entrepreneur behind Aquila, a groundbreaking startup focused on wireless energy transmission through advanced laser technology. Billy shares his extraordinary journey—from his imaginative childhood, deep fascination with physics, to overcoming massive engineering and regulatory hurdles in launching Aquila.

Discover how Aquila aims to solve global energy distribution challenges by beaming energy via lasers to drones and beyond, unlocking potential for infinite drone flight, enhanced defense applications, and even global energy transmission. In this episode, Billy offers candid insights into the bold future of wireless energy, his contrarian beliefs on transmission versus storage, and why lasers are poised to transform how humanity accesses and uses energy.

Key Topics:

⚡️ Revolutionizing Energy Transmission with Lasers

🌌 Sci-Fi Inspiration Turned Startup Reality

🚀 Achieving Infinite Drone Flight

🛰️ Scaling Wireless Energy Networks Globally

🛠️ Navigating Engineering & Regulatory Challenges

🔋 Energy Transmission vs. Energy Storage

🌏 Empowering Global Energy Access

💡 Startup Lessons from Deep Tech Entrepreneurship

🪐 Lasers & the Future of Energy Infrastructure

🎯 Strategic Insights on Building Hard Tech Startups🤝 Connect with Billy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-jeremijenko-a31399183Aquila: https://www.aquila.earth

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:05 - Growing Up in Australia and Early Inspirations

06:11 - From Student Side Hustle to Tech Innovator

13:02 - Early Entrepreneurship and Tech Projects

17:47 - How Sci-Fi Inspired Aquila’s Mission

27:13 - Founding Aquila: From Concept to Reality

33:00 - How Aquila Uses Lasers for Energy Transmission

38:40 - Pivoting Aquila to Solve Energy Distribution

42:04 - Solving Global Energy Problems with Laser Tech

45:26 - Aquila’s 10-Year Vision for Global Energy Networks

52:57 - Scaling Aquila's Wireless Energy Globally

54:30 - Lasers in Defense and Energy: Aquila's Big Picture

01:01:45 - Essential Advice for Hard Tech Founders

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Hit like 👍, share your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more visionary startup stories and insights!

#️⃣ Hashtags:

#startups, #business, #Australia, #EnergyTech, #Aquila, #lasertech, #renewableenergy, #deeptech, #futuretech, #entrepreneurship, #innovation, #globalenergy, #techpodcast, #startupfounder, #climatetech, #AustralianStartups, #physics, #energystorage, #energytransmission, #venturecapital

He turned a side hustle fixing walls into a quarter-million-dollar student business—and he's now reshaping the food insights industry.

Join us as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Toby Hilliam (Skilton), a seasoned entrepreneur from New Zealand and founder of Appetise, a cutting-edge platform that provides consumer insights for some of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. 🌱

Starting from humble beginnings fixing holes in student flats, Toby Hilliam (Skilton) grew his entrepreneurial skills through ventures across various industries, ultimately recognizing an opportunity in the underserved market of consumer insights for grocery brands. 📈

Key Topics:

💡 Launching Multiple Startups & Key Lessons

📈 Turning Side Hustles into Serious Businesses

🥘 How Appetise Revolutionizes Food Insights

🧠 Achieving Real Product-Market Fit

🌏 Scaling from New Zealand to Global Markets

🔍 Secrets of Consumer Data & Behavior

🤖 Leveraging AI to Predict Food Trends

💸 How He Bootstrapped & Exited Ventures

🥑 The Future of Food Brands & Fusion Cuisine

🚧 Avoiding Common Startup Pitfalls

🤝 Connect with Toby:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tobyskilton

Appetise: appetiseinsights.io

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Background

01:05 - Growing Up in Small Town NZ

02:35 - Early Entrepreneurial Experiences

06:11 - How a Side Hustle Became a $250K Business

09:39 - Selling His First Business: Lessons Learned

13:02 - Traveling and Discovering New Startup Ideas

17:47 - Building MUTU & The Pivot That Changed Everything

23:04 - Knowing When to Exit Your Startup

27:13 - The Inspiration Behind Appetise (formerly MenuAid)

33:00 - Using AI to Revolutionize Recipe Creation

38:40 - Pivoting from Consumer to B2B Insights

42:04 - Solving Food Brands' Biggest Pain Point

45:26 - The 10-Year Vision for Appetise

52:57 - How Appetise Plans Global Expansion

54:30 - The Future of Food Brands

56:38 - Standout Brands Leveraging Consumer Insights

01:01:45 - Advice for Early-Stage Founders

🙌 Enjoyed this episode?

Hit like 👍, drop your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more behind-the-scenes startup stories and insider business insights!

#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #FoodTech, #entrepreneurship, #innovation, #Appetise, #consumerinsights, #marketresearch, #productmarketfit, #globalexpansion, #AI, #StartupLessons, #SideHustle, #FounderStory, #NZTech, #dataanalytics, #foodindustry, #startupadvice, #growthstrategy

She started her first business selling sherbet at age five—now she runs a revolutionary global online school.

🎧 Listen On:

👉 Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4is21QI

👉 Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42KZ2x1Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Penelope Barton, CEO of Crimson Global Academy, an innovative online education platform transforming the traditional schooling model globally. Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Penelope Barton, CEO of Crimson Global Academy, an innovative online education platform transforming the traditional schooling model globally.

Penelope shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, starting from selling sherbet at age five, overcoming unique challenges, and eventually leading one of the most cutting-edge education startups originating from New Zealand. 🌏

In this episode, Penelope provides deep insights into the future of education, how Crimson Global Academy empowers students through personalized, globally accessible schooling, and how emerging AI technology is reshaping education. 🎓 Listen in to discover her unique perspective on fostering critical thinking, enhancing personalized education, and the importance of entrepreneurial resilience and adaptability. 🎯Key Topics:

🎓 Reinventing Education with Tech

🌏 Scaling a Global Online School

🤖 The Role of AI in Future Education

🚀 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience

📚 Personalized and Accelerated Learning

💡 Key Lessons from Entrepreneurship

🌱 EdTech and Education Innovation

📈 Scaling Global Market Expansion

🏫 Transforming Traditional Schooling Models

🌟 Building an Innovative Learning Community

🤝 Connect with Penelope Barton:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelopebarton/Website

(Crimson Global Academy): https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school/uk/

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Penelope’s Early Life

02:42 - Entrepreneurial Spirit from Childhood

05:57 - Early Entrepreneurial Ventures and Learnings

09:54 - Transition to Tech and Startups

13:21 - Crimson Education and Launching Markets

17:25 - Joining Crimson Global Academy

22:18 - How Online Schooling Models Work

27:33 - Crimson Global Academy's Unique Approach

31:30 - Use of AI in Education and Its Implications

35:59 - Importance of Physical Interaction in Online Education

38:02 - The Evolution of Schooling

42:41 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

47:45 - Thoughts on University Education

51:43 - Purpose of Education in Modern Society

54:15 - Crimson's Vision for Global Expansion

56:52 - Navigating Government Partnerships in Education

58:49 - Final Reflections on New Zealand Startup Ecosystem

🙌 Enjoyed this episode?

Hit the like button 👍, comment your key takeaway 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more insightful startup journeys!

#️⃣ Hashtags:#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #EdTech, #CrimsonGlobalAcademy, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #Education, #OnlineSchool, #FutureOfEducation, #TechPodcast, #StartupLessons, #AIinEducation, #PersonalizedLearning, #SchoolInnovation, #GlobalEducation, #CriticalThinking, #LearningCommunity, #EducationTech, #StartupStories

Winning hackathons at 16 and launching satellites by 26—meet the founder revolutionizing Australia's space tech.Join us as we chat with Shoaib Iqbal, the dynamic founder behind Esper Satellites, a groundbreaking Australian startup that leverages hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor Earth’s resources and environmental conditions from space. 🛰️ Shoaib’s entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager winning hackathons in Saudi Arabia, eventually propelling him to build a pioneering space tech company in Australia. 🌍Discover how Shoaib transitioned from simple DIY electronics to sophisticated hyperspectral sensors, the critical lessons learned from pivoting use-cases, and how his company is on track to deploy a constellation of satellites designed to significantly impact mining, agriculture, and global climate monitoring. 🌱 This episode offers deep insights into space entrepreneurship, innovation at the cutting edge of Earth observation, and the powerful role young innovators play in shaping the future of technology. 🤖Key Topics:🛰️ Launching a Space Tech Startup🌍 Revolutionizing Earth Observation🔬 Hyperspectral Imaging Technology🚀 Lessons from DIY to Deep Tech🔥 Climate Monitoring Innovations🌱 AgTech and Environmental Solutions🪨 Transforming Mineral Exploration🎯 Achieving Product-Market Fit🤖 Future of AI in Earth Observation📡 Scaling Global Satellite Networks🤝 Connect with Shoaib Iqbal:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaib-esper/Website (Esper Satellites): https://www.espersatellites.co🔗 Learn more about NZVC:Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Shoaib’s Background01:40 - Growing Up in Saudi Arabia03:39 - Early Entrepreneurial Experiences05:25 - Shoaib’s First Hackathon Win08:03 - Moving to Australia and Exploring Tech10:19 - Building Innovative Solutions from DIY Tech13:01 - Choosing Australia and Adjusting to a New Life16:55 - Developing the Idea Behind Esper Satellites20:12 - Understanding CubeSats23:03 - Transitioning from Gaming to Satellite Tech28:25 - The Genesis of Hyperspectral Imaging31:17 - Initial Customer Discovery and Early Traction36:49 - Challenges and Lessons in Building Tech for Space40:06 - Future Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging42:57 - Finding Initial Customers and Early Investors48:46 - Australia’s Advantage for Space Tech Startups50:31 - Esper’s Vision for Global Satellite Coverage52:19 - Regulations and Challenges in Space Tech54:02 - The Process of Launching a Satellite55:28 - Use Cases in Mining, Agriculture, and Defense58:49 - Shoaib’s Advice for Young Entrepreneurs🙌 Enjoyed this episode?Hit the like button 👍, comment your key takeaway 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more visionary startup journeys!#️⃣ Hashtags:#startups, #business, #Australia, #SpaceTech, #HyperspectralImaging, #EsperSatellites, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #EarthObservation, #ClimateMonitoring, #SatelliteTechnology, #AgTech, #DeepTech, #TechPodcast, #StartupStories, #FutureTech, #SpaceExploration, #YoungInnovators, #TechInnovation, #Aerospace

From programming on punch cards in rural New Zealand to leading a multi-million dollar EdTech success story. 💻🎧

In this inspiring episode, we speak with Bob Drummond, a visionary New Zealand entrepreneur who navigated from humble beginnings programming with punch cards in a tiny rural school to pioneering Kami, one of the world's leading digital education platforms. 🌐 Bob shares his fascinating journey of early innovation, international entrepreneurial adventures, significant tech breakthroughs, and critical lessons learned from both remarkable successes and challenging setbacks. 📚

Discover how Bob Drummond’s varied experiences—from video stores to billion-dollar software exits—shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy, his thoughts on leveraging AI in education, and his insights into what makes startups succeed or fail. This episode is packed with candid stories, deep reflections on the evolving tech landscape, and powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

🙌 Key Topics:

💻 From Punch Cards to Digital Revolution

🌐 Scaling Global EdTech Success

📚 The Future of Education with AI

📉 Lessons Learned from Business Failures

🚀 Secrets Behind Building Billion-Dollar Startups

🏫 Revolutionizing Classroom Learning

🤝 Importance of Mentors and Advisors🇳🇿 Entrepreneurship and Innovation in New Zealand

🌟 Maintaining Focus in Startups

🔮 Predictions for the AI-Powered Future

🤝 Connect with Bob:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobdrummond/

Website (Kami): https://www.kamiapp.com

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Bob’s Background

02:43 - Early Days Programming with Punch Cards

05:50 - Entrepreneurship Lessons from Video Stores

07:17 - Adventures in Europe: Startup Struggles

09:56 - Building and Scaling a Telecom Software Startup

12:53 - Major Startup Setbacks and Lessons Learned

16:53 - Recognizing the Internet’s Potential Early

21:30 - The Journey Back to New Zealand

25:22 - Pivoting into Education Technology

31:17 - Focusing on Teacher-Driven Product Development

36:15 - Massive Growth During the Pandemic

42:19 - Kami’s Impact and Scaling Strategy

48:40 - Importance of User-Led Adoption

52:33 - AI’s Role in the Future of Education

56:45 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

1:06:20 - Choosing Education as a Startup Focus

1:08:45 - Kami’s Competitive Advantages

1:10:33 - Retaining Customers Post-Pandemic

1:13:08 - Kami’s Sales Strategy

1:16:45 - Future of Education with AI

1:18:34 - Advice for EdTech Entrepreneurs

1:22:28 - Kami’s Future Vision

1:25:33 - Reflections on Entrepreneurship Journey

🙌 Enjoyed this episode? Hit the like button 👍, leave your favorite insight 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more inspiring startup journeys!

#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #EdTech, #Kami, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #AI, #Education, #TechPodcast, #StartupLessons, #DigitalEducation, #FutureOfWork, #ClassroomTechnology, #ScalingStartups, #BusinessStrategy, #TechRevolution, #StartupStories, #Leadership, #GlobalEducation

Dropped out of high school after a handshake gone wrong—now he runs a $50M AI-driven language empire.Dive into the extraordinary journey of Finn Puklowski, a New Zealand entrepreneur who transformed personal setbacks into the highly successful Fluency Academy, an AI-powered, creator-led language education platform. Finn candidly shares the rollercoaster ride from bankruptcy in his early 20s to scaling Fluency Academy into a $50 million powerhouse with over 35 million followers globally.Learn how Finn leverages the creator economy, AI technology, and deep market insights to revolutionize how languages are taught, especially in markets like Brazil, and his vision for the future of education and employment in an AI-driven world. This episode is packed with raw truths, inspiring resilience, and invaluable startup lessons.Key Topics:🌍 Revolutionizing Language Learning Globally💡 Leveraging Creator Economy for Massive Scale🤖 AI Integration in Education📉 Lessons from Bankruptcy to Breakthrough🇧🇷 Why Brazil Was the Perfect Market🎓 Innovative Approaches to Teaching🚀 Rapid Scaling & Growth Strategies📱 Future of Digital Education Platforms🌱 Building Impactful Nonprofit Initiatives🧠 Mental Health & Entrepreneurship🤝 Connect with Finn Puklowski:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finn-puklowski/Website (Fluency Academy): https://fluency.io🔗 Learn more about NZVC:Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nzMark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Finn’s Background01:30 - Growing Up Entrepreneurial in NZ03:40 - Early Business Lessons & Bankruptcy06:13 - Dropping Out of High School15:05 - Moving to Brazil & Finding Opportunities16:23 - Launching Fluency Academy19:21 - Scaling to $10M Revenue Bootstrapped22:35 - Maintaining Quality at Massive Scale25:05 - Secrets Behind Rapid Startup Growth31:04 - Future Vision & AI Integration36:19 - Why Fluency Focuses on B2C39:00 - Future of Language Learning & AI48:05 - Creator Economy & Influencer Strategy52:23 - Leveraging AI for Content & Sales56:45 - Startup Advice for Young Entrepreneurs1:01:17 - Expansive: AI Integration in Business1:02:48 - Jobs Impacted by AI & Automation1:03:27 - Advice to Young Founders🙌 Enjoyed this episode?Hit the like button 👍, comment your favorite insights 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more inspiring startup journeys!#️⃣ Hashtags:#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #EdTech, #AI, #LanguageLearning, #FluencyAcademy, #Entrepreneurship, #CreatorEconomy, #Brazil, #Innovation, #TechPodcast, #StartupLessons, #Resilience, #Scaling, #MentalHealth, #FutureOfWork, #EducationTechnology, #DigitalEducation, #StartupStories

Born in Soviet-era Moscow and now revolutionizing dairy without cows—this entrepreneur is reshaping New Zealand’s future.In this insightful episode, we speak with Irina Miller, founder of DaisyLab, a groundbreaking New Zealand startup utilizing precision fermentation to create dairy-identical proteins without cows. Irina’s remarkable journey begins in Soviet-era Moscow, spans entrepreneurship adventures, and culminates in her pioneering efforts to revolutionize the dairy industry sustainably.

Discover Irina's personal motivations behind DaisyLab, including her eye-opening experiences in Russia’s rapidly changing society, her initial reluctance towards entrepreneurship, and how her passion for animal welfare led to the creation of innovative dairy solutions. Gain unique perspectives on the future of food tech, animal welfare, and how DaisyLab aims to transform traditional dairy production globally.

Key Topics:

🧬 Precision Fermentation Technology

🥛 Disrupting Traditional Dairy Production

🌍 Sustainable Food Innovation

🐄 Animal Welfare and Ethics🇳🇿 Entrepreneurship in New Zealand

🛠️ Scaling a Deep Tech Startup

📈 Challenges of Funding Innovation

🌱 Veganism and Future of Protein

🧪 Biotech and Synthetic Biology

🤝 Collaborating with Traditional Industries

🤝 Connect with Irina Miller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/🌱-irina-miller-85449b8/

Website: https://www.daisylab.co.nz

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Irina’s Background

01:30 - DaisyLab’s Revolutionary Dairy Tech

04:01 - Growing Up in Soviet-Era Moscow

11:03 - Studying Abroad in the US

16:31 - Moving to New Zealand

27:24 - Career & Transition to Entrepreneurship

30:02 - Inspiration for DaisyLab

34:12 - Precision Fermentation Explained

42:00 - Challenges in Protein Production

48:03 - DaisyLab’s Startup Journey

54:58 - Dairy Industry Collaboration

1:01:34 - Animal Welfare & Veganism

1:08:39 - The Future of Alternative Proteins

1:11:32 - New Zealand’s Biotech Opportunity

1:14:11 - Advice for Moving to New Zealand

🙌 Enjoyed this episode? Hit the like button 👍, share your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more groundbreaking startup insights!

#️⃣ Hashtags:

#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #foodtech, #biotech, #precisionfermentation, #animalwelfare, #sustainability, #dairyinnovation, #vegan, #alternativeprotein, #techpodcast, #deeptech, #entrepreneurship, #syntheticbiology, #innovation, #futurefoods, #dairyalternatives, #proteintech, #nztech

From failing physics grades to building New Zealand’s groundbreaking fusion reactor startup—meet the entrepreneur rewriting the rules of energy.

Join us in this captivating conversation with Ratu Mataira, founder and CEO of OpenStar, a revolutionary New Zealand startup pioneering fusion technology. Ratu shares his journey from struggling undergraduate physics student to becoming an industry leader determined to solve one of humanity’s most significant challenges: clean, limitless energy through fusion reactors. Discover how OpenStar has rapidly achieved milestones that took others decades, using innovative superconducting magnet technology inspired by Ratu’s deep physics background.

This episode dives deep into Ratu’s compelling backstory—his inspiration from his grandmother's historic efforts in revitalizing the Māori language, his entrepreneurial adventures, and the thrilling science behind levitated dipole fusion reactors. Ratu reveals bold truths about startup innovation, the future of global energy, and why New Zealand is uniquely positioned to lead in groundbreaking technology.

Key Topics:

⚛️ Revolutionizing Fusion Technology

📚 Struggling Student to Tech Pioneer🧲 Breakthrough Superconducting Magnets

🚧 Overcoming Engineering Challenges

🌏 Clean Energy & Climate Solutions

🔬 Levitated Dipole Fusion Reactors Explained

💡 Startup Lessons & Rapid Iteration🇳🇿 New Zealand’s Tech Advantage

📈 Scaling Deep Tech Startups

🌠 Fusion: The Future of Global Energy

🤝 Connect with Ratu Mataira:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ratu-mataira-24648ab2/

OpenStar: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openstar-technologies/

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Ratu’s Background

01:26 - Journey from PhD in Superconductivity

03:50 - Inspiration from Grandma’s Māori Revival

09:57 - How Ratu’s Grandmother Saved Te Reo Māori

19:22 - Early Interest in Physics and Science

24:02 - Entrepreneurial Adventures & Early Startups

29:36 - The Path to a PhD in Superconductivity

37:20 - Fusion Technology & the Levitated Dipole Reactor

45:55 - Milestone: Achieving First Plasma at OpenStar

54:40 - Why Levitated Dipole Fusion is Unique

59:30 - Rapid Development & Startup Iteration

1:02:13 - Timeline for Fusion Commercialization

1:05:28 - Fusion’s Vision: Energy Abundance

1:11:15 - AI, Fusion & The Future of Abundance

1:18:25 - Funding & Fusion’s Billion-Dollar Pathway

1:22:08 - Why Build Deep Tech Startups in NZ🙌

Enjoyed this episode?

Hit like 👍, comment your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more groundbreaking startup stories and tech innovations!

#️⃣ Hashtags: #startups, #business, #NewZealand, #fusion, #energy, #deeptech, #OpenStar, #superconductors, #innovation, #climatechange, #techpodcast, #cleanenergy, #entrepreneurship, #science, #NZTech, #futuretech, #sustainability, #physics, #fusionreactor, #renewableenergy

Meet the Kiwi entrepreneur who made history aboard Blue Origin!

In this thrilling episode, we talk to Mark Rocket, a groundbreaking New Zealand tech entrepreneur and aerospace pioneer. Mark recently soared into space on Blue Origin's NS-32 mission, becoming the first New Zealander to experience suborbital spaceflight. He shares firsthand details about his extraordinary journey—from rigorous training to the awe-inspiring moment he floated weightlessly above the Earth.

Dive deep into Mark's entrepreneurial adventures—from founding Rocket Lab and launching the Southern Hemisphere’s first private rocket, to leading Kea Aerospace, revolutionizing environmental monitoring and telecommunications with innovative stratospheric drones. Don't miss Mark's unique insights into the future of aerospace, startup challenges, and what it truly feels like to gaze back at our planet from space.

Key Topics:

🚀 Becoming New Zealand’s First Space Traveler

🌍 Blue Origin NS-32 Mission Insights🧑‍🚀 Rigorous Spaceflight Training

🌌 Emotional Impact of Space Travel

🌠 Personal Reflections on Space

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Blue Origin Spaceflight Experience

02:09 - Preparing for Space Travel

03:16 - Training and Safety Protocols

05:29 - Feelings Before Launch

06:03 - Launch Day Excitement

07:05 - Takeoff and Acceleration

07:55 - Zero Gravity Experience

08:49 - Viewing Earth from Space

10:08 - Emotional Reflections from Space

11:29 - Descent and Landing

12:21 - First Moments Back on Earth

13:17 - Future Space Travel Plans

🤝 Connect with Mark Rocket:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rocket-8727353

Kea Aerospace: https://www.keaaerospace.com

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/🙌 Enjoyed this episode?Hit the like button 👍, leave your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more inspiring startup journeys and groundbreaking tech stories!

Hashtags:#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #aerospace, #BlueOrigin, #RocketLab, #KeaAerospace, #SpaceTravel, #entrepreneurship, #innovation, #techpodcast, #suborbital, #NZTech, #spaceflight, #technology, #environment, #stratospheric, #futuretech, #spaceindustry, #firstinspacenz

All additional videos and photos from Blue Origin. Credit: Blue Origin.

She turned a $3,000 Bitcoin curiosity into one of New Zealand’s biggest crypto exits.Meet Janine, founder and CEO of Easy Crypto, who successfully navigated the turbulent crypto market—overcoming regulation hurdles, market crashes, and intense skepticism—to build and exit one of New Zealand's most notable crypto startups.

From early challenges of securing banking relationships to eventually selling to Australia's SwiftX, Janine candidly shares the rollercoaster journey, valuable insights into fintech innovation, and the future of digital currencies.

In this episode, you'll hear surprising truths about running a crypto business, why banks initially turned her away, and how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped crypto adoption. Plus, discover Janine's bold predictions on stablecoins, digital currencies, and the future of decentralized finance.

Key Topics:

💰 Building and Exiting a Crypto Startup

⚖️ Navigating Regulation and Banking Challenges

📉 Surviving Crypto Market Volatility

🌍 International Expansion & Mergers

🔗 Why Stablecoins Matter

🚨 Avoiding Crypto Scams

💡 Future of Crypto & Blockchain

🤝 Power of Networks in Entrepreneurship

🚀 Resilience & Lessons for Startup Founders

🌐 Crypto Adoption & Global Trends

🤝 Connect with Janine:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-grainger/

Easy Crypto: http://easycrypto.com/

🔗 Learn more about NZVC:Website:

https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Easy Crypto Exit

02:12 - Overcoming Crypto Market Crashes

03:14 - What Easy Crypto Actually Does

05:11 - Early Customers & Product Evolution

09:40 - Janine’s Personal Crypto Journey

11:17 - Navigating Crypto Volatility

19:12 - Regulatory and Banking Challenges

28:30 - Launching NZ Dollar Stablecoin

38:10 - Early Career & Path to Crypto

41:10 - Starting a Crypto Business While at a Bank

46:42 - Decision to Go Full-Time on Easy Crypto

48:51 - Fundraising Insights & Challenges

51:45 - What's Next After the Exit?

53:03 - Industries Janine is Excited About

54:13 - Lessons for Startup Founders

55:48 - Building a Startup in New Zealand

57:39 - Global Trends in Crypto Adoption

🙌 Enjoyed this episode? Hit like 👍, drop your thoughts 💬, and subscribe 📲 for more startup insights and crypto trends!

#️⃣ Hashtags:#startups, #business, #NewZealand, #crypto, #blockchain, #EasyCrypto, #entrepreneurship, #innovation, #fintech, #stablecoins, #CryptoMarket, #StartupLessons, #TechPodcast, #DigitalCurrency, #NZTech, #Acquisition, #BankingChallenges, #GlobalExpansion, #FounderInsights, #CryptoAdoption

He changed his name to Rocket, launched New Zealand's first private space vehicle, and became the first Kiwi in space 🚀

Meet Mark Rocket, a pioneering New Zealand entrepreneur who transitioned from playing in rock bands to launching the Southern Hemisphere’s first private rocket into space with Rocket Lab 🛰️.

Now leading Kea Aerospace, he's innovating in stratospheric drone technology. In this episode, Mark dives deep into his unconventional journey—from growing up in a grungy Christchurch, making groundbreaking strides in aerospace 🌌, and achieving his lifelong dream 🌠 as the first Kiwi to journey into space aboard Blue Origin's suborbital rocket 🚀.

Mark shares candid insights on overcoming skepticism, navigating co-founder dynamics, and how his passion for space technology led him to invest in and co-found Rocket Lab alongside Peter Beck. Discover how Kea Aerospace is revolutionizing environmental monitoring 🌱, telecommunications, and disaster response from the stratosphere. Also, hear Mark’s bold truths about balancing entrepreneurship with personal well-being, and what it means to be New Zealand's first citizen astronaut 👨‍🚀.

Key Topics:

🚀 Launching the Southern Hemisphere's First Private Rocket

🌏 From Busking in Europe to Aerospace Entrepreneurship

🤝 Co-founding Rocket Lab & Navigating Early Challenges

✈️ Innovating with Stratospheric Drone Technology

🌌 Why New Zealand is a Unique Aerospace Hub

🛠️ Entrepreneurship: Making It Happen Against All Odds

🛰️ First Kiwi in Space with Blue Origin

🔮 Future Vision for Kia Aerospace & Global Expansion

🤝 Connect with Mark Rocket:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rocket-8727353

Kea Aerospace: https://www.keaaerospace.com🔗 Learn more about NZVC:

Website: https://www.nzvc.co.nz

Mark Pavlyukovskyy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlyukovskyy/

Hendrik Remigereau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrik-remigereau-09a03067/

⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & Growing Up in Christchurch

07:42 - Early Life & Travels in Post-Cold War Europe

14:34 - Discovering the Internet & Early Career

19:12 - Starting New Zealand's First Internet Marketing Firm

29:04 - Selling a Company & Investing in Aerospace

30:36 - Meeting Peter Beck & Founding Rocket Lab

38:30 - Launching Kia Aerospace & Stratospheric Innovation43:22 - Applications of Stratospheric Drones

49:54 - Transitioning Views on Defense Tech

55:03 - The Future of Aerospace in New Zealand

58:54 - Entrepreneurship Advice & Key Traits

1:03:08 - Personal Vision & Kia Aerospace’s Future

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