Demo Day 2013 is happening on Wed 15 May!

9 Companies. 12 Weeks. Investment-ready now.

Te Papa. Afternoon 15 May.

13/5 Update – it’s a sellout!

 

Check out the startups from the 2013 Class who’ll be pitching here.

 

Want to keep up to date with what’s going on?

Lightning Lab – New Zealand’s Digital Accelerator

Where Investors and Mentors Seed Great Startups

 

The Lightning Lab puts seed investment and intensive mentoring into elite teams of startup entrepreneurs and pushes them to make their business idea fly within three months. Businesses are supported by a set of dedicated technical and business personnel, mentorship from leading entrepreneurs and business experts.

 

We provide an investment pathway for brilliant teams, with great ideas in interesting markets.

 

The programme is open to any team of startup founders across New Zealand and internationally and will run early 2013. Applications are now closed. If you are interested in applying to future programmes subscribe for updates!

 

A member of the Global Accelerator Network, which comprises 51 of the top accelerators globally, Lightning Lab puts startups in front of a world of knowledge, talent and connections to turn a 12-week sprint into a high-growth digital business with momentum and follow-on investment.

 

The Lightning Lab is an in-residence programme based in Wellington. It will culminate in a major pitching event called Demo Day, to a packed room of investors.

 

The first of its kind in New Zealand, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to get your business opportunity kick started with funding, expertise, massive exposure and connections.

THINK FAST

What’s Happening


Demo Day is in two days time! I’m so excited to see our teams pitch in an awesome venue (Big ups Te Papa and WCC) in front of so many investors (100+!)

- Sam 13/5


Seed Fund

In NZ most startups ‘bootstrap’, working part time on their ventures. Lightning Lab requires everyone working on the startup full time; our seed money allows dedicated focus to achieve the audacious goals set within the programme…More

Team

We will fund the people not the idea.  There is a huge difference between that initial germ of an idea and the people that are actually able to take it forward and do something with it.  We will wrap extra resources around the teams, people to help with the coding and the business, who help the company’s go even faster…More

Mentor-driven Model

Get face to face with our mentors – successful entrepreneurs from New Zealand and around the globe. They will wrap a powerful network of expertise, experience and connections around your company.  They’ll share their wisdom, confront your assumptions and test your fortitude…More

Global Accelerator Network

The Lightning Lab is based on best of breed accelerators such as TechStars, Excelerate Labs and Springboard UK. We are the only New Zealand member of the Global Accelerator Network. As part of our membership, our companies have access to exclusive deals with a range of sponsors…More

 

Featured Mentors

Here are some of the mentors we already have on board. See all Mentors here.

 

 

The Programme

The Lightning Lab is based on an internationally proven model developed by the most successful accelerators in the world.  We leverage this network to provide critical connections for our businesses. Everything about the programme is designed to help you do more faster. More

Paid Lab Techs and Unpaid Internships

We have paid positions available for Lab Techs with Technical (design and/or developer) or Business experience and unpaid internships for our Lab Assistants. This is your opportunity to connect with the startup community, build your experience and connections, and it will look great on your CV. More

Mentors and Investors

The Lightning Lab is focused on building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem across New Zealand. We are open to expressions of interest from experienced experts/mentors and investors. Contact Us 

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