Meet the 2025 Velocity CEO

Cullen Tran

Bachelor of Commerce/Science student, Cullen Tran is this year’s CEO of the Velocity entrepreneurship development programme. Cullen is responsible for leading a committee of student volunteers who organise a year-long programme of competitions, inspirational seminars and workshops for the benefit of hundreds of University of Auckland students and staff.

Tell us about your background and what led to your interest in innovation and entrepreneurship?

My interest in innovation and entrepreneurship started early. From the age of 7, I spent evenings and weekends helping my parents at their Four Square – stocking shelves, serving customers, and finding ways to improve operations.

As non-English speaking immigrants, my parents built their lives from the ground up, and being part of that journey taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating opportunities. Beyond work and study, a pivotal role for me was serving as the National Finance Officer for UN Youth, the largest youth-for-youth organization in the country. In this role, I managed over $500,000 in revenue and worked with teams nationwide to deliver a series of civics education opportunities for thousands of high school students.

My experiences have shaped how I approach challenges, fuelled my passion for problem-solving, and reinforced the belief that innovation and entrepreneurship are powerful forces for creating lasting impact.

How did you first get involved with Velocity?

I joined the Challenges team in 2022 after seeing a promotional video where I distinctly remember our ex-CEO, Charlotte, sharing how transformative her experience on the committee was. I immediately knew I wanted to be involved, so I applied and have never looked back.

What are you most looking forward to for Velocity 2025?

For 2025, I’m most excited about expanding Velocity’s reach and impact, both within the university and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re focused on enhancing our offerings while continuing to build on what makes Velocity successful by strengthening partnerships and creating more opportunities for students to engage with innovation and entrepreneurship in meaningful ways.

I’m also looking forward to working alongside a driven and talented committee. Velocity thrives because of the people behind it, and I’m excited to get out on campus, connect with students and staff, and foster an environment where opportunities are accessible, and people feel supported to launch their ideas. Seeing our participants grow in confidence, take risks, and realise their potential as innovators is one of the most rewarding parts of Velocity. Stepping into the CEO role, I’m both incredibly grateful and excited to help others experience the same sense of growth and community I found in Velocity and CIE.

What is your elevator pitch for reasons to get involved in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship?

Innovation and entrepreneurship give you the chance to shape the future and tackle real-world problems. It’s about taking concepts and ideas and transforming these into something tangible that could very well change someone’s life. Whether it’s through technology, business, the arts, or science – innovation knows no bounds.
These fields also provide invaluable skills that can benefit you in any career. Entrepreneurs are shaping the future every day, whether by developing new products, improving communities, or solving global challenges. It’s not just about business; it’s about making a real difference. The best part is, you’re not doing it alone. You’ll be part of a community that’s committed to learning, sharing, and supporting each other’s growth.

What is an interesting fact that readers might not know about you?

Something you might not know about me is that I’m an internationally qualified barista! During high school, I had the awesome opportunity to spend a week away at a training course, where I learned everything from perfecting espresso shots to crafting latte art (though I’ll admit, I’m a bit rusty on the art these days!).

What is your dream job?

My dream career lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and problem-solving. With my analytical skillset, I would love to work as a venture capitalist, investing in and scaling startups that generate value for our communities. I’m excited by the opportunity to tackle complex challenges, craft strategic solutions, and identify growth opportunities that will shape the future. We’ll see where the journey takes me!