Start-up Fireside Chats
Connect, grow and learn with founders
About the Programme:
Spark your start-up journey! Join a community of aspiring founders and early-stage entrepreneurs at our Start-up Fireside Chats for relaxed, insightful conversations with experienced innovators. This is your chance to connect, learn, and get the advice and inspiration you need to take your ideas further.
Open to all University of Auckland students and staff, no matter your faculty or background – if you’ve got a start-up idea (or even just the glimmer of one), this is for you.
Your Opportunity:
- Find like-minded people: Meet other students and staff who are exploring entrepreneurship.
- Build your professional network: Develop connections with practising innovators and entrepreneurs.
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset: Lean into developing a growth mindset and resilience, essential to prepare you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Learning Outcomes:
- Fresh Perspectives: Gain diverse insights that can help you shape and refine your ideas.
- Practical Support: Take away tips and inspiration to bring your venture to life.
Timing and Commitment:
Start-up Fireside Chats will have a range of guest speakers throughout the semester. Register for each session that you’re interested in.
Applications close on the day of each individual fireside chat at 10 am.
All Start-up Fireside Chat sessions will take place at Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street.
Semester 1:
- Thursday 6 March 12-1.30 pm – Guest speaker:
Cathy Fan – founder of Asian-fusion bakery Fankery
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Cathy Fan
Cathy is the founder and owner of Fankery, an Asian-fusion bakery established in 2022. The bakery specialises in creating unique treats inspired by cherished memories and cultural experiences, aiming to craft a universal language of connection that brings people together. In addition to running her business, Cathy works part-time at an engineering project management firm.
- Thursday 27 March 6-7.30 pm – Guest speaker:
Melitta Adam – founder of Melitta Skin
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Melitta Adam
Melitta Adam is the founder of Melitta Skin, a Kiwi startup on a mission to transform everyday sun protection. Her journey took shape at the University of Auckland, where acceptance into the 100K Velocity Launch Pad Accelerator, Creative HQ, and Venture Lab provided crucial mentorship and funding. Through GLOWGUARD, Melitta hopes to reshape how Kiwis perceive sunscreen—making it a must-have for every season, every age, and every skin type.
- Thursday 10 April 6-7.30 pm
- Thursday 1 May 12-1.30 pm
- Thursday 15 May 12-1.30 pm
- Thursday 29 May 6-7.30 pm
Semester 2:
- Tuesday 16 September 12-1.30 pm
- Tuesday 30 September 12-1.30 pm
- Tuesday 7 October 12-1.30 pm
- Tuesday 21 October 12-1.30 pm
If you have questions about the programme, please contact
cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz.
About the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.
CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 12 international awards since 2020.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
