Discover your entrepreneurial spirit: Techstars Startup Weekend
In Queenstown Lakes District, the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than ever with the return of the Techstars Startup Weekend from 10 - 12 November. Start Up Queenstown Lakes is bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators and mentors to transform ideas into reality in just 54 hours.
The weekend that changes perceptions
The Startup Weekend kicks off with participants pitching their ideas, spanning a wide range of industries and niches. Once the ideas are presented, teams coalesce around the most promising ones, and then the real work begins. Participants become immersed in a whirlwind of creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Tuki Huck, a past participant, reflects on his experience, saying, "The team at Startup QT-Lakes Weekend provided some great energy and guidance. I learned so much from just two days of participation. I was left wanting more."
Mentors are guiding the way
One of the unique aspects of Startup Weekend is the presence of experienced mentors who provide valuable guidance to the teams and have donated their free time to be there. The mentors are seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts who help participants navigate the challenges of launching a startup.
Rachel Butler, a mentor at the 2020 Startup Weekend, emphasises the importance of mentorship: "Being a mentor is about asking the right questions to help the team on their way. Startup Weekend is the best money you'll ever spend - it's a must do for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit."
Pitch night is where ideas become reality
The culmination of Startup Weekend is Pitch Night, where teams present their startups to a panel of judges and a live audience. This high-stakes presentation is the ultimate test of their hard work and innovation.
It's not just about winning; it's about the experience and the lessons learned. Participants often continue to work on their startups after the weekend is over, seeking funding, growing their teams, and scaling their ventures.
Louise Evans, a former participant, summarises the impact of Startup Weekend by saying, "Startup Weekend is an amazing experience - a collision of ideas and creative chaos. A place where would-be entrepreneurs find the confidence to pitch and learn what can make or break an idea".
If you've ever dreamed of turning your idea into a reality, don't miss the next Techstars Startup Weekend event in Queenstown.
The Details
When: From Friday 10 November 5pm to Sunday 12 November 8pm.
Where: CBD Queenstown
How: Sign up via: www.startupqueenstownlakes.com
How much: prices start from $139 including all meals, snacks + mentoring and pitch night
Why: your next big business adventure could be just this weekend away
Techstars Startup Weekend Queenstown has been made possible with the support from Queenstown Lakes District Council, Callaghan Innovation, Anderson Lloyd, Runn and Business Mentors NZ.
