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Startup Accelerators & Incubators in New Zealand: How to Choose the Right Path for You
New Zealand's startup ecosystem has exploded, and so has the range of accelerators and incubators you can tap into as an early-stage founder. But what’s the difference between a startup accelerator and a business incubator and which one is right for you?
This guide breaks down the top accelerators and incubators in New Zealand, giving you all the info on how they work, who they’re for and how to apply. We’ve also included some handy tips on choosing the right programme for your early-stage startup.
Startup accelerators in New Zealand are fixed-term, cohort-based programmes that can offer you pre-seed funding, mentorship and growth support in exchange for equity. They often include a demo day where startup founders get the opportunity to pitch to investors.
NZ business incubators are usually more flexible and open-ended, focusing on very early-stage support including providing space, coaching and sometimes grants for startups in New Zealand, without necessarily taking equity.
Ready to grow, fundraise and go to market with your startup? Accelerator programmes would be your best bet. If you’re a first-time founder working on an early-stage idea, then we’d recommend getting into the incubator space.
Backed by Blackbird Ventures, Startmate is one of Australasia’s best startup accelerator programmes, offering $120K investment for 7.5% equity, mentorship from world-class founders and a strong alumni network.
A Callaghan Innovation-backed accelerator, Sprout focuses on agritech and foodtech startups, offering up to $75K investment and access to industry networks.
Designed specifically for technical founders, Phase One helps early-stage NZ SaaS startups and software businesses grow in record time with funding, community and coaching.
Flux, part of the Icehouse accelerator network, offers pre-seed capital and a hands-on programme that helps high-growth ventures to scale quickly.
Web3NZ, Futureverse and Blockchain NZ are all emerging NZ accelerators focusing on decentralised innovation and tokenised startup funding.
Creative HQ’s Lightning Lab is NZ’s first accelerator programme, with verticals including GovTech, tourism startups and female-founded ventures.
If you’re a founder at the idea stage, Icehouse Incubation offers tailored incubation alongside co-working, mentorship and investment readiness.
The Distiller is a South Island-based incubator offering low-cost co-working, community support and mentorship to founders in the early stages of development.
A deep tech incubator, WNT Ventures is based in Tauranga and supports high-risk, high-reward startups. Working closely with scientists and IP holders to bring innovations to market, the programme is backed by Callaghan Innovation.
Soda Inc supports founders in Waikato with business coaching, growth planning and a mix of incubation and acceleration pathways. It’s ideal for regional businesses and first-time entrepreneurs.
Auckland UniServices offers incubation support for university spin-outs and science-led startups, providing commercialisation expertise, mentorship and early funding.
Can I go with both an incubator and accelerator?
Yes! Many startups begin in an incubator to validate their idea and then move into an accelerator for growth and fundraising.
Do NZ accelerators offer funding?
Most offer pre-seed or seed funding in exchange for equity, usually in the $50K–$150K range.
How competitive are these programmes?
Accelerators can be very selective, especially the ones with strong investment networks. Incubators are often more accessible, particularly regionally.
What should I prepare for an application?
A clear pitch deck, traction metrics (if you have them), a committed team and a validated problem with a clear solution.
Both incubators and accelerators play vital roles in New Zealand’s startup ecosystem. Choosing the right one depends on your stage, goals and the type of support you need. Use this guide to identify the best fit and come back to it so you can apply the info to multiple programmes as you grow.
Need help preparing your pitch, deck or go-to-market strategy? Atlas Digital works with founders across all stages to help them grow smarter. Reach out anytime.
Looking to raise capital after your incubator and/or accelerator programme? Start with our complete directory of angel investors in New Zealand for seed funding, or explore our comprehensive list of venture capital companies in New Zealand to identify the right investors for your Series A and beyond.
