Airwallex launches startup support programme in New Zealand

Airwallex has launched its "Airwallex for Startups" programme in New Zealand to support the development of local startup businesses.

The programme is designed to aid Kiwi entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures more efficiently, offering a range of resources including practical guidance, networking opportunities, and exclusive product offers from within the startup ecosystem. A highlight of the initiative is the opportunity for participating startups to win a Business Acceleration Grant of NZD $10,000.

Available free of charge to registered businesses in New Zealand with 2-100 employees, the programme is intended to help startups manage their financial operations from the early stages. Among the benefits provided during the first six months are NZD $50,000 worth of fee-free foreign exchange (FX) conversions and a 1% cashback incentive on international transactions conducted using Airwallex cards.

Participants will also gain access to exclusive offers and guidance from various partners in the startup ecosystem, covering areas such as employee share option plans, insurance, accounting software, and compliance tools.

Taylor Fox-Smith, Head of Airwallex for Startups at Airwallex ANZ, spoke about the programme's objectives. "As an Aussie-born, global fintech, we have an important role to play in supporting our neighbouring Kiwi startups as they navigate the founders' journey. Having already worked with tech powerhouses like Auror and Tracksuit, we also believe in deep community connections with enablers like Creative HQ," expressed Fox-Smith.

Fox-Smith emphasised the importance of financial acumen for business success, stating, "Mastering financial foundations is essential to any business's success. We will bring together the experts – including established founders and finance leaders – to share practical guidance so businesses can thrive with a community around them."

The programme first launched in Hong Kong in 2023 and has since expanded to various other regions, including Australia, Singapore, and now New Zealand. Over 2,000 startups have already joined the programme globally.

Airwallex is also enhancing its product offerings in New Zealand, with plans to introduce physical cards and payment acceptance options, complementing its existing services such as foreign exchange, global accounts, and virtual cards for companies and employees.

New Zealand recently achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 20 in the 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, underscoring the importance of supporting local startup enterprises. Seven Asia-Pacific ecosystems are now ranked within the top 30, highlighting the region's growing prominence in the global startup landscape.