ICYMI: Startup news and resources from the week that was
What you might have missed last week on Caffeine.
Welcome to Monday!
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
If you are not at least a little obsessed; you’re not in a startup
Serge van Dam is an early stage startup investor, focused on going-global productivity software (SaaS) companies. He spends much of his time with a bayonet in hand yelling “now” in the startup trenches.
Techweek25 Launch: Collective Imagining -A brighter, tech-enabled future for Aotearoa: Back when I worked in TV news, tech week was always one of my favorite events in the calendar as it gave me an immediate news peg to all about the coolest, most transformational trends in the country and an excuse to not talk about whatever depressing bit of politics was happening that day.
This week is the launch of Techweek25, as NZTech and Deloitte bring together visionary leaders and changemakers to explore how we can unlock New Zealand's potential through technology. The launch event in Auckland is sold out but there are events all across the country and touching on all different sectors and you should absolutely head on over to check out the full programme here. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation that will shape the future of technology in New Zealand.
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.
Podpick: The Startup Theatre Pod in collaboration with Caffeine - We love shouting out podcasts from the wider ecosystem here at Caffeine but you’ll just have to indulge me tooting my own horn here on this occasion. We’re back with another episode of Startup Theatre and you can check out my new/old news and general ramblings in this clip Host Troy Hammond kindly plucked out and posted. You should go watch it here, he’s pointing right at you. Listen to the full pod here.
Partner of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes reportedly raising millions for another blood testing startup: It’s what I can only describe as an exceptionally bold move and a true test of whether there is a such a thing as bad publicity, the current partner of Theranos founder and convicted felon Elizabeth Holmes is reportedly raising millions for a new blood testing startup called Haemanthus, Greek for “blood flower”.
NPR broke the story which has quite a few saucy details (she’s reportedly advising him from behind bars?) but there is a non paywalled version here in the New York Post for those curious. Haemanthus has since denied the disgraced founder has had any involvement in the company but the similarities are…striking, lets say.
Want to get in touch with a news tip, a slice of feedback or just to chat? Email hello@caffeinedaily.co