The Founders' Clinic

Brendan is an experienced public relations consultant who’s worked with tech companies and organisations including Microsoft, Gen-i, Technology Investment Network, and Worldline. He combines deep communications expertise with a passion for innovation, helping businesses tell their stories effectively while navigating the path from R&D to commercial success. Brendan is also a skilled writer, creative strategist, cartoonist, and startup mentor, with a strong belief in the power of storytelling to drive growth and impact.

Calvin specialises in corporate law and has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital mergers and acquisitions. He advises on corporate transactions such as business sales and acquisitions, corporate restructures, capital raisings, joint ventures, shareholder agreements and employee share schemes.

Craig has a strong background in the commercialisation of R&D, with experience as both an engineer and R&D manager, as well as a business improvement consultant specialising in LEAN and Agile methodologies. He has supported innovative companies to access government support and has a proven track record in science and innovation, including new product development for technology firms and funding organisations.

David is a navigator based in Auckland who works with inventors, scientists, and engineers to help turn ideas into successful ventures. Driven by a desire to boost New Zealand’s economic wellbeing by creating better jobs, David's supported companies that now employ 20–50 people in high-quality roles. In 2020 alone, he secured $10 million in R&D funding for more than 80 ventures, enabling $20 million in total investment.

Ed lives and breathes tech and leverages his qualifications and experience to provide technical, commercial and legal advice. Passionate about giving back to the industry, Ed holds and has held board positions for the NZ Software Association, NZ Game Developers Association, and The Law Association Technology Law Committee. Ed is also a judge for the NZ Hi-Tech awards.

Helen is a well-regarded copywriting trainer, working with teams from some of New Zealand’s best startups, largest corporations and running the Marketing Association’s most popular courses. More recently she’s helped writers get the most out of AI tools to elevate their writing and its impact.

Jason is the Executive Director of FinTechNZ, a versatile leader with over 20 years of experience in innovative technologies, digital marketing, product design, and SAAS/PAAS solutions across various sectors. Known for his hands-on approach, he excels at solving challenges with strategic, user-focused solutions. His career spans FinTech sector leadership, business consultancy, directorships, and investments, focusing on sales, marketing, and digital engagement. Jason has successfully taken ventures from start-up to multinational, driving business productivity and growth through innovation and technology.

Jenny is passionate about helping early-stage startups access great advice, connections and incubator services, to help maximise their success and wellbeing. Jenny manages the Startup and Founder programmes at Callaghan Innovation, where she has been since 2020. She has previously participated in a two-year incubator with her startup, ran startup support programmes, completed a PhD on how incubators influence the strategies of startups, and created and taught the Masters of Innovation and Commercialisation at Victoria University.

Jonathan is a Senior Investment Analyst at GD1, a venture capital firm, working closely with founders on fundraising, pitch refinement, and business strategy. With prior experience in Business Advisory and Corporate Finance, he brings expertise across finance, accounting, and operations, supporting portfolio companies as a versatile, hands-on partner through growth.

Keren Phillips is the ecosystem coordinator and lead advisor for Startup Aotearoa's Auckland branch. She also works within the Auckland Council team designing support programmes and initiatives for the startup community. Previously, she was the co-founder and VP Marketing of HRTech software, Weirdly. Her experience spanning SME and startup leadership, brand, and business strategy development across a range of industry sectors helps inform her coaching work with NZ's most exciting cohort of emerging founders.

Lucas leads recruitment for early-stage NZ tech startups, specialising in 0–1 founding roles. He creates and executes customised talent strategies, helping founders and hiring managers build high-performing teams that drive business growth. Drawing on extensive experience and a strong network, Lucas functions as both a trusted advisor and hands-on recruiter, connecting clients with top talent and fostering meaningful industry relationships. Committed to long-term impact, he takes a proactive, “show-don’t-tell” approach to service, ensuring every placement aligns with a startup’s vision and culture. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys trail running, surfing, making pizza, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Matt is the Founder and Director at Oxygen Advisors, providing VCFO-level support to full financial management for start-up and high growth companies. A University of Otago graduate, Matt has worked with many notable companies including Auror, Thematic, Archipro, and Woop. His expertise spans financial strategy, capital raising, and scaling businesses from early-stage startups to substantial revenue growth. Under Matt's leadership, Oxygen Advisors has supported over 100 startups, building a track record of success and reputation for resilience in the fast-paced growth ecosystem.

Richard is creator of Startup NZ Entrepreneurs Programme, and Founder and Editor of NZ Entrepreneur Magazine and APAC Innovator, through which he helps inspire, inform and educate thousands of Kiwi startup founders and SME business owners every month. Richard launched his first small software business at the age of 23 and got his first glimpse into the growing New Zealand startup community when working with one of the first startups at Auckland's Icehouse incubator in 2002. He has experience across industries including recruitment and HR, software, sales training, digital media, advertising, PR and online education. 

Rudi is an Auckland-based angel investor, business advisor, and independent director. He has invested in more than 30 Kiwi startups and led a collaborative, no‑fees investment model that has generated significant returns and ecosystem impact. As the driving force behind ADI (Angel Drop In) clinics, Rudi has given thousands of founders expert advice, combining lean startup methodology, funding strategy, governance guidance, and candid industry commentary.

Sean is a highly skilled Chartered Accountant with a passion for helping entrepreneurs. His technical expertise and personable approach make him the perfect partner for businesses looking to take their financial management to the next level. With a can-do attitude, Sean creates a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can ask questions and receive guidance without judgement. He is committed to uncomplicating the world of numbers, making it accessible and manageable for all.