Accelerator

Go all-in with a three-month intensive programme

If you have an idea and you are ready to take it to the next level, you’ve come to the right place.

The accelerator is the perfect option for startup founders looking to grow fast and scale globally.

Our accelerators are three-month virtual programmes, open to startups based in Aotearoa. You can join remotely or take advantage of our Creative HQ offices located in the heart of the capital.

Register your interest for the Impact Accelerator

Expressions of interest for the Impact Accelerator are open now.

Impact Accelerator

The Impact Accelerator is a three-month business acceleration programme that will fast-track the growth of sustainable, high-impact companies in Aotearoa. Starting April 2023 – registrations now open.

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Who’s this for?

The Accelerator is open to founders that are based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, that meet these criteria.

Growth Stage

You have launched a startup and you are now looking to take it to the next level of growth. We’re looking for founders ready to accelerate their growth and expand internationally. Does that sound like you?

Sector-specific accelerators

Our accelerators are usually built around specific sectors we believe are important to Aotearoa. We’re currently running a climate-centred programme. In the past, we’ve focused on different sectors – from tourism to manufacturing, to FinTech.

Commitment

We are looking for founders that are open to working full-time on their startup for the three months of the accelerator. To help you focus on this, we offer equity-free funding upfront.

Based in Aotearoa

We welcome Kiwi startups, based anywhere in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Join virtually or in-person from our office in Wellington. Throughout the programme, we’ll bring the teams together for key events – like launch events and final showcases.

“Creative HQ gave us mentors who we’d catch up with weekly and go through what we’re working on. We were taught how to figure out our products, customers, sales and the critical piece of product-market-fit.”

Kendal Bristow
FTN Motion

Past accelerators

Since 2013, we’ve run 26 accelerators for founders in Wellington and Aotearoa, plus four GovTech Accelerators to fast-track and de-risk impactful government projects.

MC on stage opening up the Climate Response Accelerator showcase — 2022 Climate Response Accelerator

Young entrepreneurs listening to speaker — 2021 Young Founders Incubator

Tourism Design Accelerator cohort — 2020 Tourism Design Accelerator

DJ at PAI launch — 2020 Poneke Artist Intensive

Lightning Lab Tourism Cohort posing in the Christchurch office. — 2019 Lightning Lab Tourism

Startup alumni

Since 2003 we’ve worked with more than 300 startups to help them bring their ideas to life. Find out about some of the founders that have gone through our programmes so far.

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