ICYMI: Startup news and resources from the week that was

What you might have missed last week on Caffeine.

Welcome to Monday!

Hope your weekend was full of whatever relaxes you and you read just enough news to feel informed and not enough to feel like the world is ending while you were trying to relax. I find that a tricky balance at the best of times.

As always, on Monday we recap a few of our favorite stories or resources from the week that was then tomorrow kick back into our full newsletter from Tuesday.

Anyone who hasn’t secured a spot at Caffeine’s first in person event, click here or scroll down to see more details. Remember, this one is FREE for our subscribers and tickets are going fast.

Have a great week,
Finn and the Caffeine team

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Phase One closes $2.1m early stage fund: We love to see a successful fund supporting startups in the early stage and the appropriately named Phase One has now announced the final close of their $2.1M NZD early stage venture capital fund.

Launched in April 2021, Phase One Ventures has deployed capital across a portfolio of 14 high-potential technology companies. The fund attracted GD1 as its anchor investor and investment from early team members at Canva and Kami. It’s built an impressive portfolio with 12 out of 14 companies (85%) securing institutional venture capital backing.

"We're extremely proud of what our portfolio companies have accomplished in such a challenging global environment," said Mahesh Muralidhar, Founder and CEO, Phase One. "These companies have collectively attracted between $80-100 million in follow-on investment and created 100-150+ new jobs, many of which are in New Zealand's tech sector."

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The Risk-Reward Equation: How to Innovate Without Derailing Your Startup

We heard loud and clear in your feedback that while you love connecting with the Caffeine community online, you’re eager for some face time. Together with our partners at BNZ we’re so excited to announce our first in-person event for founders and the wider startup community. It’s time to fuel your morning with founders, fireside conversations, and coffee. And best of all, the event will be:

FREE for you Caffeinators

When? - Wednesday May 28, 8:30–9:30AM (plus networking)

Where? - BNZ Auckland HQ – 80 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

Dress code? - Smart casual

Startups are risky - but how do you know which bets are worth making?

Join us for a fun and honest fireside chat with James Hurman (Previously Unavailable) and Tim Wixon (CFA, Head of Technology Industries at BNZ). Together, they’ll unpack what risk looks like from their unique perspectives - and how they determine which risks are worth taking. Expect honest reflections, practical lessons, and a deep dive into the art of balancing bold decisions with smart execution.

Tickets

• Free for the Caffeine community (and yes, you can bring a +1 on us – use code CAFFEINEFRIENDS. Just make sure you hit APPLY with promo code)

• Otherwise: $81.45

• Limited spots – first in, first served.

What’s included?

• Barista coffee & tea

• Breakfast

• Lessons and insights you’ll actually use from James + Tim

• Networking with the right people (aka other legends building great things)

Get your ticket and secure your spot HERE.

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Podpick: From Canvas to Clove, how Anna Guerrero is redesigning how we cook at home - Another cracker episode from our friends over at Blackbird in their Wild Hearts podcast series. In this episode, Wild Hearts guest host, Silk Kadala - investor at Blackbird - chats with Anna Guerrero, founder of Clove, a cooking app that’s reimagining how we cook at home.

You might know Anna from her nine years scaling the creator marketplace at Canva—but it was a stint as a pasta chef in the Dolomites that ultimately set her on the path to launching Clove.

🔍 In this conversation, they cover:

📲 Why Clove’s approach to AI is more whisper than shout—and why that matters for creativity

📚 Building for creators: how Clove is giving food bloggers, TikTok cooks and chefs a new way to publish and earn

🎯 From pitch decks to real traction: Anna’s high-stakes decision to pause Clove’s creator program and set a new quality bar

🚀 The leap from Canva exec to culinary school student—and what working in a Michelin-starred restaurant taught Anna about product

🧠 Low ego, high initiative: what Clove looks for in early team members and building a culture of adaptability

🧭 What it means to follow the dots—why you don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward

🍽️ The long-term ambition: turning Clove into the global go-to for “what’s for dinner?”—with a billion recipes cooked through the platform

Listen to the full pod here.

A legend announces retirement with some parting advice and a few warnings: Legendary investor Warren Buffett surprised everyone in announcing his retirement recently, as the 94 year old had previously said he had ‘no plans’ to retire.

He delivered his final address to an arena full of shareholders and spectators at t his final annual share holders meeting. There were a few great quips and advice (‘keep negotiating in the womb until your born in the US' was a funny one) and some warnings that ‘trade should not be used as a weapon’. The latter I expect will unfortunately fall on deaf ears at the White House.

Buffett has told Berkshire Hathaway’s board that Greg Abel should become CEO at the end of the year. Happy retirement Mr Buffett, if anyone has earned it, it’s you.

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Want to get in touch with a news tip, a slice of feedback or just to chat? Email hello@caffeinedaily.co