# Ministry of Awesome

> Ministry of Awesome is a Christchurch-based nonprofit startup support organisation serving founders across New Zealand through coaching, incubation, experienced entrepreneurs-in-residence, community events and investor connections. Its programmes focus on customer understanding, commercial traction and globally scalable businesses.

- **Founded:** 2012
- **Headquarters:** Christchurch, New Zealand
- **Founders:** Kaila Colbin (Co-founder), Sam Johnson (Co-founder), Vicki Buck (Co-founder), Sacha McMeeking (Co-founder)
- **Products:** Founder Catalyst, Pre-Founder Catalyst, Startup Aotearoa, Electrify Aotearoa, Electrify Accelerator
- **Notable:** Established Te Ōhaka with Ara in 2019., Current Founder Catalyst page reports 330 supported startups, 78% still operating, NZ$333 million in private capital, NZ$31 million in non-dilutive funding, NZ$93 million in annual portfolio revenue and 1,080 jobs; these are self-reported portfolio outcomes, not MoA financials or causal impact estimates., Finalist for Best Contribution to the NZ Tech Sector in the 2025 and 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

## Products & services

- **Founder Catalyst** — Nationwide early-stage incubation; current programme lasts seven months, with dedicated entrepreneurs-in-residence, mentoring, recurring sprints and investor connections. No participation fee or programme equity stake; a collaboration agreement is required.
- **Pre-Founder Catalyst** — Customer-discovery support for founders building toward Founder Catalyst readiness.
- **Startup Aotearoa** — Free personalised one-to-one startup coaching delivered with Creative HQ and regional partners.
- **Electrify Aotearoa** — Annual summit supporting women founders and connections with investors and the wider startup community.
- **Electrify Accelerator** — Historical accelerator launched for women and non-binary high-growth startup founders.
- **Coffee & Jam** — Monthly Christchurch lunchtime founder meetup for sharing ideas and making connections.
- **Orion Energy Accelerator** — Sector programme with Orion Group supporting energy innovations and decarbonisation.
- **Electrify Aotearoa Seed Investment** — 2026 one-off opportunity for one eligible startup to receive up to NZ$100,000 via SAFE from Foggy Valley Aotearoa and NZGCP; investment is discretionary.

## Achievements

- Established Te Ōhaka with Ara in 2019.
- Current Founder Catalyst page reports 330 supported startups, 78% still operating, NZ$333 million in private capital, NZ$31 million in non-dilutive funding, NZ$93 million in annual portfolio revenue and 1,080 jobs; these are self-reported portfolio outcomes, not MoA financials or causal impact estimates.
- Finalist for Best Contribution to the NZ Tech Sector in the 2025 and 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Current Founder Catalyst page invites expressions of interest for the summer 2027 cohort by 1 November; lists a seven-month programme.
- **2026-10** — GridAKL lists MoA among providers for its upcoming 14 October 2026 reverse-pitch and speed-networking session.
- **2026-06** — Electrify Aotearoa seed investment application materials identify the EA26 opportunity, with a 30 June deadline and up to NZ$100,000 for one selected startup.

## Links

- Website: https://ministryofawesome.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ministry-of-awesome/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mnstryofawsm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministryofawesome_nz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MnstryOfAwsm

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/ministry-of-awesome
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-08