The chance to #UberPITCH your idea is arriving now!

From 14th – 22nd May, the inaugural techweek is running throughout the Auckland CBD, featuring 50+ events with a focus on promoting and fuelling NZ small business. We have teamed up with techweek to bring Auckland entrepreneurs the chance to get their big break in the back of an Uber!

Whether you have an ‘uber’ idea for an app or you’ve spent your weekends conjuring up the next big thing — request a ride from 12pm – 2pm on Wednesday 18th May and your dream could become a reality. You will have 10 minutes to pitch your business concept to top NZ business leaders and investors who are on the look-out for their next opportunity.

Enter the promocode ‘UBERPITCHNZ’ to unlock your chance.

How to UberPITCH your idea

Note – rides will be limited and demand will be high – you may need to request more than once.

Meet the UberPITCH panel 

Derek Handley

Derek Handley is a social entrepreneur and investor who lives in New York and has helped found multiple companies in digital media and technology. He also founded Aera Foundation to support causes and companies addressing social challenges in innovative ways and also co-founded non-profit The B Team with Sir Richard Branson. Last year he was listed as one of the top 10 most influential social entrepreneurs on Twitter and has been previously named in the ‘Silicon Alley 100’ most influential technology people in New York. He is also an aspiring astronaut with Virgin Galactic, hoping to rocket off to space sometime in 2018.

Ian McCrae

Ian founded Orion Health in 1993 with a four-person staff in Auckland. Under his stewardship the company has seen unprecedented growth and success, listing on the NZX in 2014. Today Orion Health employs over 1200 staff in 24 international offices, and its software manages 102 million patient health records globally.

Roanne Parker

Ro is a digital growth expert and recognised leading entrepreneur and investor, having grown and sold a number of companies including digital communications company Jericho & property maintenance company Hire A Hubby. Now Ro is MD of mar-tech company ‘Calibrate’ and has been an active investor and mentor to early stage and high growth companies since 2012.

Ken Erskine

Startup investor and member of NZ’s largest angel investment group Ice Angels, who connect active investors with high-potential NZ start-ups. Ken was one of the key players in getting the Auckland entrepreneurial hub, The Icehouse, along with other local initiatives such as GD1 seed Fund and Lighting Lab Auckland started.

Sandy Burgham

Sandy is brand strategist and a specialist in leadership development.  She is a leader across sectors including the communication, retail and research. She has been a director of Max Fashions and Barkers, and has a wealth of experience growing people, and business, including her own, Sandy Burgham & Associates Ltd where she helps emerging female leaders reach their full potential.

Rudi Bublitz

Rudi co-founded a UK-based SAP consulting business, growing it in 9 years from 2 to 400+ staff when exiting in 1999. Now in NZ; he has been investing in numerous startups since 2010, is a co-founder of Flying Kiwi Angels and runs weekly advice sessions at www.ADI.Clinic.

Andrew Simmonds

Andrew is a leading technology lawyer, founding boutique technology law firm Simmonds Stewart, and is widely considered to be the “go to” advisor for NZ tech companies raising capital here and offshore. Andrew works closely with start-up & established tech companies along with angel, VC and private equity investors.

Robett Hollis

Robett started Aranui Ventures, which owns several interests including Frontside, a content and production agency; Airtime, NZ’s largest action sports community and ColabNZ, NZ’s largest network of creative shared workspaces, that empowers startups and small businesses to connect and grow.

Wendy Kerr

Wendy is currently the Director for the Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Auckland University, as well as being a best selling author & speaker, specialising in coaching women starting their own business. Wendy has a strong management background at businesses such as Quicken and Financial Times.

UberPITCH tips

The goal of any pitch is to open the door to a future conversations or opportunities. In order to ensure that you get your message across concisely, accurately and in a timely fashion, you should follow these Four Steps of a winning pitch.

To read these steps in detail check out UberPITCH Tips for Success

This is the big time, so don’t forget to share your #UberPITCH experience on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.