The Advantage Head Start
Backing what's next
From one Kiwi startup to another.
One year of expert IT and cybersecurity support to help an emerging business grow with confidence.
Applications close 16 October 2026. Terms & Conditions apply.
The Prize
What the winner receives
Strong, secure and well-managed technology gives a growing business the confidence to move forward.
Advantage is awarding one eligible startup 12 months of IT and cybersecurity support valued at NZ$10,000.
The support will be tailored to the winner’s needs and may include core remote IT support and any included cybersecurity services.
The Details
Who can apply
To be eligible, the business must:
- Be 100% New Zealand owned
- Be headquartered in New Zealand
- Have a registered New Zealand Business Number, or NZBN
- Have been operating for less than 24 months as at 16 October 2026
- Have a team of no more than six people, including working founders and employees
- Not be a franchise of an existing business
The Process
How the judging works
Applications close on 16 October 2026. Our judging panel will review all eligible entries against the published judging criteria and select the business that demonstrates the strongest overall potential, capability, differentiation, impact and likely benefit from the Head Start.
The successful entrant will be contacted by email or phone by 9 November 2026.
ENTRY FORM
Advantage Head Start Entry Form
The judges
Our judging panel
We’re grateful to our judges for giving their time and expertise to review this year’s applications.
The inaugural Advantage Head Start judging panel brings together two Advantage leaders and two independent business leaders, each offering valuable experience and insight into what it takes to build and grow a business.
Simone Labady
CEO & Director, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance
With more than 30 years’ experience in insurance, finance and technology across Australia and New Zealand, Simone brings deep expertise in business growth, operational excellence and large-scale transformation.
She has led major cultural and digital change programmes,
delivering measurable improvements in performance, staff engagement and customer value. Passionate about technology, particularly AI, Simone is focussed on building and shaping cultures that engage and motivate people to drive results.
Abinesh Krishan
COO, eccuity
Board Chair, Potentia, Maddition, Rea.Coach
Co-Founder, Maddition, eccuity, Humi Group
Abinesh is a strategic technology and venture leader with more than 25 years’ experience delivering complex digital transformation across public and private sectors in New Zealand and globally.
He brings a strong understanding of governance, fintech, emerging technologies and venture growth, helping founders and high-growth organisations scale with clarity, resilience and purpose.
Brad Pearpoint
Executive Director, Advantage
Brad has spent more than 20 years in IT, working across a wide range of roles, sectors and customer challenges. As Executive Director of Advantage, he is focused on helping organisations build the protection, stability and support they need to achieve their goals.
He brings a practical, outcomes-led perspective shaped by years of leading innovation in a fast-moving technology environment.
Lu Driescher
COO, Advantage
Lu is a commercially minded operations leader with a strong focus on strategy, growth and continuous improvement. As COO of Advantage, she brings expertise in aligning people, processes and performance to deliver impactful results.
Her leadership is grounded in data-driven decision-making, operational agility and a belief that strong customer outcomes are built through clear strategy and well-supported teams.