Supporting founders from idea to scale
The Factory works alongside early-stage founders to validate ideas, build traction, and grow startups through hands-on, founder-first support.
Whether you’re just getting started or building momentum, we tailor our support to what you need next.
How we work with founders
Our approach is flexible and founder-first. There is no single pathway. We start by understanding you and your idea, then tailor support to what will be most useful.
Our team includes experienced founders who understand the challenges of building a startup, alongside strong relationships with trusted local service providers and ecosystem partners. This allows us to deliver practical, relevant support at each stage of the journey.
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We meet with you to understand your idea, stage, and goals, and to explore where support could add the most value.
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Based on that conversation, we identify the right mix of support to help you move forward. Depending on your stage and needs, this may include:
Founder 101
Foundational support using lean methodology to test ideas, understand customers, and build strong early foundations.One-to-one founder support
Personalised support for early-stage founders through the Startup Aotearoa programme.Ongoing incubation support
Continued engagement as your startup gains traction and begins to grow.Connections and networks
Introductions to founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.Capital readiness and access
Guidance into early-stage capital through the Manawatū Investment Group and the wider investment landscape across Aotearoa.
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We work alongside you as you validate, build, and grow, providing practical support as challenges and opportunities emerge.
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Support continues as your startup evolves. There is no hard stop. Our role adapts as your needs change.
Incubator and accelerator programmes
Working closely with founders gives The Factory a clear view of shared gaps and emerging needs across startups and the wider ecosystem. This insight has informed our long history of designing and delivering cohort-based incubator and accelerator programmes that respond to real founder demand.
One example is Innovate, which we designed, delivered, and grew to support founders initially in Manawatū before expanding across multiple regions in the North Island. Innovate was created in response to a national gap, regional founders lacked access to structured startup support and risked being left behind. This same need is now reflected nationally through the Startup Aotearoa programme.
We have also identified sector-specific opportunities aligned with New Zealand’s economic strengths. This led to the design and delivery of an agritech accelerator, which has since grown into an independent organisation, Sprout Agritech, creating lasting impact across the agritech ecosystem.
In addition, we designed and delivered an investment readiness programme after identifying a consistent gap for founders across all sectors who needed structured support to prepare for capital raising. As a startup support organisation with an active angel network, we were well positioned to respond to this need.
Alongside delivering our own programmes, we are well connected with other incubator and accelerator providers across Aotearoa. For many startups, our role is to help identify the most appropriate programme for their stage and sector and support them to progress into it. As a result, many national cohorts have included startups we have worked with prior to entry.
With over 22 years of experience, The Factory continually scans for emerging trends and unmet needs across the startup ecosystem. When gaps are identified, we work with partners to design and deliver practical, founder-first support that responds to real founder demand. Whether through cohort-based programmes or ongoing founder support, our aim remains consistent, to help founders access the right support at the right time and increase their chances of success.
Interested in talking?
If you are a founder, part of a startup, or exploring an idea, and would like to see how The Factory could support you, get in touch for an initial conversation.
Our team will help you understand what support is available and what the next steps could look like.
“From the earliest idea through to MVP and market, The Factory was a constant partner in our journey. They provided practical support, challenged our thinking, and helped us navigate product development, go-to-market strategy, and early investment, while connecting us into the wider innovation ecosystem."
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Flame