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THE MAGIC OF STARTUP WEEKEND

A trusted process designed by Techstars where people come together to form teams, validate problems, build prototypes, test business models, and pitch startup ideas — all in just 54 hours.

Along the way, you'll learn skills, build confidence, gain momentum, and discover what’s possible when creativity, community, and action collide.
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Now, we’re taking that energy further — building more than a once-a-year event. We're shaping a living, breathing community powered by curiosity.  A space for experimentation, connection, and momentum for aspiring founders and ideas to grow and launch into startups.

 

WHO IS STARTUP WELLINGTON?

We’re a passionate crew from our local ecosystem hooked on the Startup Weekend buzz — bringing connections through "experimental learning" to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. With the world at our fingertips, we believe entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem-solving, digi-tech, and community-powered action will shape our future.

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We’re the bridge builders, the playground designers, the door openers. We don’t just talk about ideas — we roll up our sleeves, dive in, and support bringing them to life. 

IN THE BEGINNING...

It all started in 2011, when Aotearoa’s very first Startup Weekend kicked off in Pōneke Wellington — a city buzzing with creativity, startup energy, and entrepreneurial spirit. People from across the motu came to unlock ideas and explore what was possible to build.

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From 2011 to 2020, Startup Weekend Wellington became a launchpad for thousands, powered by passionate community visionaries and volunteers who built something truly special.  Supported by local organisations and businesses that shared the vision of opening doors to innovation and potential.

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Without them, this community wouldn’t exist. We stand on their shoulders and carry the kaupapa forward with deep gratitude.

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LEARN BY DOING

We believe growth comes from action. By diving in, experimenting, and stepping into the unknown, we create a low-risk lab for innovation.  A space to test ideas, solve real problems, and learn fast. It’s transformative: unlocking better communication, creativity, and shared ownership along the way.

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Anyone who shows up is encouraged to get involved and support one another as we build startups together. We’re grounded in collaboration — where diverse perspectives fuel learning, and we grow together to reach our full potential.

THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BUILD THAN WELLINGTON

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is where ambition meets action.


We are one of the best places in the world to start something new, with everything you need to launch and thrive is here:

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  • A highly skilled workforce

  • An aspirational and growing, interconnected ecosystem 

  • Thriving creative, tech, climate, and entertainment sectors with global outreach

  • Academia and researchers

  • Proximity to government and policymakers

  • Incubators, accelerators, support spaces - for early-stage to high-growth startups

  • Access to venture capital, angel investors, and funding networks

  • Home to our established financial market, NZX

  • Culture setters who drive diverse ideas, collaboration, and creativity

  • Welcoming diverse backgrounds, from immigrants to global professionals and talent 

  • A strengthening of ties across the region

  • Shaped by nature — dramatic hills, a rugged coastline, and a sparkling harbour

  • Backed by Welly’s legendary hospo culture — fuelling coffee chats, big ideas, and connections that power our ecosystem!

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All nearby. All on our doorstep. All of us, backing each other.  All this recipe needs is your ideas and your ambition!


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