Best New Start-Up Business Announced

Best New Start-Up Business Announced

The Telecommunications Industry Group (TIG) announced today the winner of the inaugural Launch Pad competition, designed to help ‘launch’ New Zealand’s best new start-up business idea.

Dazzle Tickets, a new ticketing solution that will make it possible to manage event ticketing from start to finish, was awarded first place, receiving a range of products and services valued at up to $70,000 to be used to support the business over the next twelve months.

The decision by the judging panel – comprised of Hudson Gavin Martin Senior Associate Jason Rudkin-Binks, MYOB managing director Julian Smith, Republik director Craig Abbott, TIG chief executive Rob Spray and WorldxChange chief technology officer Paul Clarkin – was unanimous. “We were very impressed with the overall high quality of all those who entered, but Dazzle Tickets really stood out with a high level of energy, great product and a strong focus on service as a differentiator,” says Mr Spray.

“With their scalable solution and proven model, Dazzle Tickets has the potential to be a big fish in New Zealand, and then grow internationally.”

As first prize winner, Dazzle Tickets received WorldxChange telecommunications, MYOB software and support, three HP Mini 5102 netbooks from Hewlett Packard, marketing and branding assistance from Republik, and legal services from Hudson Gavin Martin. The sponsors will also provide account management support over the twelve-month period to ensure best possible value from the products and services they provide.

Life Time Health Diary, which provides a single and complete lifetime health and medical record, was awarded second place, receiving a $10,000 sponsorship from the Ministry of Economic Development and a 5102 Hewlett Packard Netbook. Subscription-based internet television channel, Speech School TV, was awarded third prize, receiving a $5,000 sponsorship from the Telecommunications Industry Group and a 5102 Hewlett Packard Netbook.

Commenting on the second and third place winners, Mr Spray says the Launch Pad judging panel were highly impressed with the solutions-based focus of both Life Time Health Diary and Speech School TV. “Life Time Health Diary is a big idea that has the potential to develop into a huge global business, while also answering a critical social need,” says Mr Spray. “With such a credible, committed owner and with substantial time and money already invested in the business, we have no doubt that Life Time Health Diary will succeed.”

“Speech School TV is also a great solution to a significant issue – the large numbers of people globally needing to interact well in the English language, when it is not their first language. Already launched and making progress in the market, Speech School TV is a clearly differentiated product, with a very knowledgeable business owner who has a clear understanding of how to stay in front of the competition.”

Launch Pad was part of Planet 2010 – a new communications and technology conference showcasing the future and value of communications technology, held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, in early March. The conference was organised by Telecommunications Industry Group.

“Launch Pad has been designed to offer entrepreneurial Kiwis the opportunity to win resources and services to ‘launch’ their new business idea and grow that idea into a sustainable business,” says Mr Spray.

“Interested parties were invited to enter online, providing their three-year business plan and from there we were able to invite ten finalists to pitch their idea to a panel of experienced business people at the conference.”

“We understand how challenging that first year can be, that’s why all of the sponsors will continue to invest their time, knowledge and expertise into the winning businesses for that twelve-month period.”

“Launch Pad has clearly demonstrated the very high level of entrepreneurial talent in our country, with a wide range of unique, innovative new business ideas. We wish all Launch Pad winners and applicants the best of luck in bringing those ideas to fruition.”

ENDS

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