The Founders' Clinic

Calvin specialises in corporate law, advising on business sales and acquisitions, restructures, capital raisings, joint ventures, shareholder agreements and employee share schemes. He has extensive private equity, venture capital and M&A experience, acting for businesses ranging from SMEs to multinationals, as well as founders and investors.

Calvin advises startups at every stage, from venture structuring to institutional capital raises. Passionate about gaming and emerging technologies including blockchain and AI, he has advised leading gaming companies and presents at the New Zealand Game Developers Conference.

With experience in R&D commercialisation as an engineer and R&D manager, as well as business improvement consulting across Lean and Agile, Adam supports innovative companies to turn ideas into opportunities. He also helps businesses navigate and access government support, with a particular focus on commercialising R&D and identifying relevant funding and support available.

David Claridge is a senior innovation and commercialisation specialist with extensive experience helping early-stage technology ventures turn ideas into successful businesses. Drawing on a background spanning software, engineering services, telecommunications, marine and manufacturing, he supports founders to validate opportunities, develop commercial pathways and generate revenue. As a Navigator with Auckland Business Chamber working alongside MBIE Innovation Services, David connects innovators with funding, expertise and ecosystem networks. Passionate about growing New Zealand technology companies, he is dedicated to helping founders transform promising technologies into sustainable, high-impact ventures.

Ed lives and breathes tech, combining extensive technical, commercial and legal expertise to advise clients on technology and related matters. As CIO at Hudson Gavin Martin, he continues to lead and innovate across all things tech. Passionate about giving back, Ed has held board roles with the NZ Software Association, NZ Game Developers Association and ADLS Technology Law Committee. He lectures in the University of Auckland’s Masters of Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation programme and judges the NZ Hi-Tech Awards. He is also highly recognised by leading legal directories.

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.

Jennifer Liew is Co-Founder and General Manager of Foundr Media Group, which unites NZ Entrepreneur, APAC Innovator, Startup NZ, and Foundr PR to help founders launch and grow awareness for their ventures. She heads up the Foundr PR team, supporting startups, scale-ups, and SMEs across New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Focused on mission-driven ventures, Jennifer leads the delivery of affordable, fixed-price media services, storytelling strategies, and investor communications. She is passionate about helping founders turn their vision into compelling stories that attract attention and build lasting credibility.

Jenny Douché is the Founder & Startup Manager at MBIE, leading the Founder & Startup Support Programme. Her career spans startup founding, research, teaching, programme design, and ecosystem development. Jenny was part of Wellington's first business incubator as the founder of an internationally successful startup and later completed a PhD exploring how incubators influence startup growth and strategy. She also created and led the Master of Innovation and Commercialisation programme at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Jenny is passionate about creating the conditions that help startups thrive and scale.

As Senior Investment Analyst, Jonathan sits within the Investment Team at GD1, assisting the co-managing partners and investment principal. Jonathan has a wide range of experience from his time in the corporate finance and business advisory services team, such as business valuations, financial model reviews, and transaction advisory services, offering critical support to corporate clients. He also has experience in ERP implementation during his time at Westpac New Zealand. Jonathan is excited to learn about new technologies and work with founders to succeed and scale their startups globally.

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 Liew is a startup mentor (GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards Mentor of the Year 2024) with a focus on storytelling and media. He is the founder of NZ Entrepreneur Magazine, APAC Innovator, the Startup NZ Entrepreneurs Programme and FoundrPR through which he helps inspire, inform and educate thousands of Kiwi startup founders and SME business owners every month.

Rudi started life in Germany. From the UK he co-founded and grow a European SAP consulting business to exit in 1999 . After that he moved to New Zealand and began investing in startups in 2010. He started ADI.Clinic in 2013 to give founders advice early on their journey. Since 2014 he is the Chief Cat Herder at FKA, the Flying Kiwi Angels. He was the chair of Moxion when it was acquired in 2022. He is currently investor director of Blue Mirror and Kai's Education.

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.