Four Key Takeaways From Electrify Aotearoa 2025

Written by Marco Dingemans, sharing insights from Electrify Aotearoa for our startup community.

Panel & key note speakers at Electrify Aotearoa.

I recently attended the Electrify Aotearoa conference in Wellington, dedicated to championing women entrepreneurs in New Zealand’s startup ecosystem. I returned inspired, having gained new knowledge and valuable connections that will help Queenstown Lakes district founders grow and thrive.

Here are my four takeaways from the conference:

1. Building Community Is Critical for Founder Success

Electrify Aotearoa highlighted the importance of founders connecting with each other. Data shows that founders who are plugged into a broader ecosystem are 26% more likely to succeed.

2. Practical, Founder-Led Learning Makes a Difference

Attendees gained actionable insights on everything from branding, sales to scaling a team, delivered by people who have been through the process themselves.

Snpashots from Electrify Aotearoa.

3. Storytelling Inspires and Educates

Founders shared candid stories of their journeys, from early-stage struggles to successful exits. These narratives provided valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the diverse pathways to startup success. 

4. Diversity Drives Economic Growth

A core message of Electrify Aotearoa was that supporting women founders is essential for New Zealand’s economic future. The event called on the entire ecosystem—including male allies—to show up for a more inclusive startup landscape.

Being at Electrify Aotearoa was also a confirmation that the SQL team is on the right path. We are putting our founders first, we are amplifying a thriving ecosystem, we are sharing startup stories with our audience - the good and ugly -, plus we are inviting experts along who walk the walk. Most importantly we are a showcase of how diversity in a team can create a source of power.

Written by Marco Dingemans