Let’s get started, Auckland!

Aspiring entrepreneurs across New Zealand, it’s time to get moving! Startup Weekend is coming to Auckland in just seven days time!

Originating in Colorado, US in 2007, Startup Weekend is a weekend-long event aimed at getting developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startup companies.

Event Coordinator Jason Armishaw says “Startup Weekend provides Kiwis with a place to test assumptions, meet the right people and create startups – all within a safe and supportive environment.” The first Auckland event, held in April this year, was a sellout and the team is expecting even more to turn up for round two.

The biggest benefit of the Auckland Startup Weekend is about bringing people together with different experiences and ideas and connecting them with the people they can work with on that startup with.

Kicking off with open mic pitches on Friday 23^rd September; attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Through educational workshops on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th September, teams will learn how to develop their product and business plan from a panel of mentors. There’s even the opportunity to demo your prototype and receive feedback from business experts.

Have a great business idea, but looking for a founding partner? Then Startup Weekend is the best place to meet them! In fact, 80% of previous Startup Weekend participants planned to continue working with their team long term, and 36% of teams were still going strong three months after the event.

You’ll also be treated to face time with some of the most inspiring Kiwi thought leaders, who will be in attendance as mentors and judges. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, including web design, media, and business strategy, and have a wealth of experience to help you get your startup off the ground and off to a successful start. And if you’re still not sold, perhaps the idea of meals and all-you-can-drink coffee might get you over the line?

Here at MYOB, we’re excited about this incredible opportunity for all aspiring entrepreneurs. So much so, that we’re throwing open the doors to our castle, and hosting it in our Newmarket, Auckland offices (25 Teed Street). There’ll be MYOB team members in attendance for you to chat to – including our NZ General Manager, Julian Smith. I’ll be onsite for most of the weekend too, so play your cards right and your startup might even get a plug right here on ThePulse!

Its 54 hours of full on fun, aimed at bringing people together, building communities and sharing ideas. There’s over 30,000 Startup Weekend alumni around the world and you’re destined to leave inspired, motivated and with a pocket full of new contacts and friends.

Tickets for Startup Weekend can be purchased here via the website.

See you there!