Discover how NZ FinTech companies are helping SMEs in Aotearoa succeed. Join this session as we shine a light on Kiwis helping Kiwis.
What's it all about?
There are a number of companies in New Zealand providing brilliant digital products that help support the SMEs of their home country. We give the stage to Xero and the Lightning lab, both heavy hitting FinTech players out of Aotearoa.
This is your chance to ask those burning questions, learn about the difference their services are making and hear some warm fuzzy stories about the big guys helping the little (and medium) guys.
You can drop into this event at any time.
Tuesday 21 May
3:30pm - 3:55pm
This event does not require registration.
View webcast Email OrganiserSpeakers
Nicole is Small Business Director at Xero where she focuses on supporting New Zealand small businesses to grow through the use of cloud apps and access to the financial services they need to thrive. She has substantial experience in growth strategy, start-up acceleration, business development and product development working across the software, telecommunications, finance and private equity industries.
Before starting with Xero, Nicole led Ventures, Digital and Product at Vodafone, including the creation of the Vodafone Xone, a start-up accelerator. Nicole started her career in Silicon Valley working for Ernst & Young’s Venture Capital Advisory Group, before moving to Europe to work for 3i, Europe’s largest Private Equity firm.
Having worked across 8 countries in 4 continents Nicole subscribes to the value of diversity, the merit of alternative angles and global best practices. Nicole holds an MBA from London Business School and Columbia University, and degrees in marketing and psychology from the University of Otago.
Michael Contaldo is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Innovation Team in the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) and leads on policy relating to startups as well as the Government’s R&D Tax Incentive. Previously he worked in the UK Civil Service for Her Majesty’s Treasury, and for the City of Manchester. He is a graduate of the London School of Economics.
Michelle Polglase
"Michelle Polglase is the Programme Director for the upcoming Kiwi FinTech Accelerator.
The accelerator takes innovative FinTech companies through a 3 month programme to be investment ready. Teams have access to world class expertise including startup coaches, mentors, investors, and top minds in the financial industry including current and former industry executives, Financial Authority officials and data analysts.
Former alumni include Sharesies, Hnry, Choice and Jrny. Opportunities are available for startups, mature stage companies, and industry project teams with applications for the 2019 accelerator closing 24 May.
Michelle has a business background in startups and hi-growth SaaS companies in the areas of eCommerce, EduTech and cyber safety, and is the former GM of Xero partner PracticePlus. She is excited about FinTech innovation and the opportunities for SMEs to disrupt traditional financial institutions. "
