Taranaki Startups Begin 10-Week Sprint To Scale With PowerUp Accelerator

Press Release – Venture Taranaki
The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors.
The PowerUp Accelerator has officially kicked off, with six ambitious founders from across the region now embarking on a high-impact, 10-week journey designed to grow their early-stage ventures into investable, scalable businesses.
The PowerUp Accelerator, an initiative of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, offers a hands-on, founder-focused experience combining mentoring, expert-led workshops, peer support, and direct exposure to capital investors.
'This isn't a theory-based programme – it's tailored, practical, and focused on real-world outcomes,' says Jennifer Patterson, General Manager of Economic Development, Venture Taranaki.
'Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring to unlock their potential, expert sessions to sharpen their business strategy, and the chance to fine-tune their pitch so they're ready to step in front of investors with confidence.'
Throughout the programme, founders will also have access to dedicated co-working spaces and take part in regular peer check-ins to build a strong support network with other like-minded entrepreneurs.
The Accelerator culminates in a live Showcase Night on 26 June – a pitch event where each participant will present their venture to an audience of investors, industry experts, and potential collaborators. Tickets will be available to the public on 2 June. Those interested can attend online or in person.
'It's a chance to gain valuable feedback, build connections, and create real momentum for their business,' adds Patterson.
'We're really excited to be part of the Accelerator programme and the momentum it brings to RockPool's mission,' said Masina Taulapapa, co-founder of RockPool Collective. ''At RockPool, we're reimagining aged care by connecting senior Kiwis with local families to build thriving intergenerational communities – a fresh and powerful solution to isolation, childcare challenges, and ageing at home.'
'The PowerUp programme gives us the chance to strengthen our business and connect with others who believe in building a more inclusive, intergenerational Aotearoa – an invaluable opportunity at this point in RockPool's journey.'
The 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and ingenuity of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, with ventures spanning healthcare, aged care, edtech, skincare, and premium beverages. The startups and their hand-picked mentors include:
– BOTALLOW: New Zealand's first supplier of premium, cosmetic-grade tallow at scale. Mentored by Nick Carey from Green Meadows Beef.
– Elshaw: A natural solution for managing healthcare dressings and patches. Mentored by Glen Stephens from Sol + Sea
– ExplainIT: Transformational education tools for those who struggle with numbers. Mentored by Kevin Best from Trackit
– Her Strength: A science-based learning platform designed to help young female athletes thrive in sport. Mentored by Letitia Stevenson from Yonder HQ
– Rockpool Collective: Reimagining the future of aged care by building intergenerational communities. Mentored by Sandra Julian
– Zoa Vodka: International award-winning premium vodka produced exclusively in Taranaki. Mentored by Lindie Meintjes
'The PowerUp Accelerator is part of our wider mahi to strengthen the regions' innovation ecosystem,' says Patterson. 'We're proud to support these founders and help them move from promising ideas to powerful enterprises.'
About the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Event
The PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night is a live pitching event where six of the region's boldest new ventures will present their ideas to investors, industry leaders, and supporters.
The night Hosted by Stacey Hitchcock, General Manager of Investment, Venture Taranaki, alongside a special guest speaker, you are sure to be entertained and inspired.
Date: Thursday, 26 June 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Venue: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth
Tickets: Available 2 June – $35 to attend in-person, or $15 to view the online stream.
About PowerUp
PowerUp is a Venture Taranaki initiative. It is a range of support, services and activity focused on fostering and nurturing entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki, to help create smart, connected communities and enterprises.
PowerUp is a carefully constructed programme of events and activities, delivered in conjunction with partners, and designed to complement the services and support already on offer by the wider ecosystem.
A key objective of PowerUp is to highlight the range of support available for start-ups, entrepreneurs and enterprises across the entire ecosystem, helping to build visibility of the ecosystem itself. Connection and collaboration with the region's institutions, businesses and communities is vital to successfully powering-up the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Taranaki.

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