Holding It Together: The Human Side of Startups
23 October 2025
- Starting Out
Being a founder is tough; relentless pressure, blurred boundaries, and the constant push to deliver. In this session, we’ll get real about the challenges and share practical ways to stay well while building big. From setting boundaries to finding support, join us for honest stories and smart strategies to prevent burnout and stay grounded.
In this honest and practical session, we’ll shine a light on the real mental health challenges founders face and the strategies that actually help. From setting boundaries and building support systems to managing stress and staying connected to purpose, you’ll hear lived experiences from founders who’ve navigated the highs and lows of the journey.
This session isn’t just about wellness, it’s about sustainable leadership, long-term resilience, and building startups that don’t come at the cost of your health.
Free
This is a free event – register below
Speakers
Bridget Unsworth
Chief Executive Officer at Angel Association New Zealand
Bridget is an active angel investor and a member of Angel HQ. Previously she was Investment Director for New Zealand Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP)’s Aspire Fund and has worked in the venture capital, private equity and angel investment sectors in London and New Zealand. She is on the boards of TracPlus Global and Invest South.
Marshall Couper
CEO at Loffty
Marshall is an entrepreneur and Co-founder of Loffty, a mental health platform aimed at uplifting millions through comprehensive, accurate assessment and then referral to appropriate digital solutions and mental health professionals. He blends three decades of experience in startups, venture capital and business advisory across the mental health and SaaS sectors. Marshall is a proud ambassador for THE REAL Mental Health Foundation.
Nicola Taylor
Co-Founder at Tax Traders and Taxi
Lawyer and tax-tech entrepreneur on a mission for justice, equity, and a tax system that works for everyone. Co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi. At the heart of her work is the belief that the tax system should be fair and transparent, and the benefits of that tax system should be easily available to all taxpayers. She believes that truly great businesses are driven by purpose, are focused on creating value for those around them and have people at their heart.
MC
Dr Angela Lim
Doctor, CEO & Co-founder at Clearhead
Angela is a serial healthtech entrepreneur and the founder of Clearhead, a digital mental health platform. With a background as a paediatric doctor at Auckland Hospital, Angela brings a deep understanding of clinical care, combined with a passion for innovation and system-level change. She has held roles across the New Zealand healthcare system, including with the Ministry of Health and on several national and local health boards — particularly in healthcare information technology. Angela has led multiple research projects across biomedical and population health domains, and her work continues to champion integrated, consumer-centric healthcare solutions.
Venue
GridAKL / John Lysaght
101 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010
GridAKL / John Lysaght is more than just a workspace — it's a thriving community of visionaries, innovators and change-makers. GridAKL is home to a diverse mix of startups and small businesses working together to create solutions that make a difference.