Meet the team

Jackson is a commercial thinker and connector who is passionate about helping and supporting our businesses grow across the greater region. With a strong leadership and financial services background, and a founder of a Fintech company himself.

Born in the Horowhenua with whakapapa connections to Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and the Pasifika community (Tonga). Jackson has over decade of experience leading people in Banking and Technology. Jackson is passionate about ensuring businesses across the region feel well connected and supported to grow. 

Deborah is an innovation specialist and has a sound understanding of the funding and support services available to businesses looking to innovate and grow. Deborah also works closely with Callaghan Innovation to match businesses to the support they need.

With a strong business development background, Clare is a visionary thinker who is passionate about helping and supporting startups and entrepreneur businesses.

She sees herself as an enabler and a facilitator, continuously learning about new products and knowledge to help increase capability for businesses so they can advance their vision and build their capabilities.

A self-described ‘generalist’ with a passion to bring a Te Ao Māori lens to supporting businesses in the region, Michelle’s focus is on pakihi Māori.

Born in Oamaru with whakapapa connections to Ngaī Tūhoe, Michelle has been involved in startup technology businesses and public sector work focused on governance and all-of-system reviews. Michelle places emphasis on bringing her authentic self and lived experience to understand how best to support pakihi by connecting them to the wider ecosystem.

Born and bred in Wellington, Nik has years of experience in owning, running and working alongside a number of ventures around the region.

Nik is enthusiastic about helping local businesses successfully navigate their way through difficult periods and ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive in Wellington.