Twenty years ago, The Factory started its journey as The Bio Commerce Centre, and today is the home where bold ideas come to be validated, accelerated and scaled into real world start-ups making a difference. We know how tough the journey is for a founder who is attempting something that has never been done before. Our role is to support them in the best way possible to ensure they have the best chance to succeed. We have a wide network that has the skills and experience to support all different types of start-ups and industries. Our team of curious and knowledgeable individuals have worked with over 5,000 founders, 500 businesses and raised $60 million of investment for start-ups in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Where we focus –  

• Advocacy – connector, concierge, navigator, champion and voice for start-ups

• Support – advice, mentorship, and capability-building programmes for founders and start-ups

• Investment – facilitation and access to capital

Our emphasis and HQ is in the Manawatū, and we work with founders and investors across New Zealand.

The Factory is owned by a Charitable Trust (Manawatū Entrepreneurship and Investment Trust), and backed by regional stakeholders that help keep the lights on and the engine humming.