Creative HQ, Kāpiti Coast District Council and the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Kotahitanga Board are calling for tech startups from across Aotearoa New Zealand to enter the Pegasus Startup World Cup and a chance to compete for a USD $1 million investment prize at the global Grand Finale in San Francisco.

Entries for the Startup World Cup New Zealand Final close at 11.59pm on Friday 5 September 2025, with the competition taking place in the Kāpiti Coast on Thursday 9 October.

Catherine Jones, CEO of Creative HQ says participating startup founders can expect a professionally run programme, high calibre judging and practical support to help them prepare for the global stage.

“We’ve known from founders that come through Creative HQ programmes that warm introductions to a room full of global investors is not so easy to come by. We’re thrilled that participating in the Startup World Cup will not only provide brand exposure for all teams competing in New Zealand but will ultimately provide that warm introduction for the New Zealand winner.”

The Pegasus Startup World Cup New Zealand Final winner will receive flights, accommodation, and support to pitch on the global stage in Silicon Valley on 17 October 2025, competing for US $1 million investment prize and exposure to a network of global investors and major ecosystem players that may be able to help propel the winning New Zealand venture forward.

Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Kotahitanga Board member and successful entrepreneur Scott Houston says the Board is proud to partner with Creative HQ and the Council to bring a national platform for high-growth, innovation-driven startups to the Kāpiti Coast.

“Kāpiti is home to a community of creators, entrepreneurs and innovators and is a good example of how the regions are creating pipelines for future businesses and New Zealand Inc solutions,” says Mr Houston.

“The Startup World Cup event is a great opportunity to come together and support and connect our local tech community with national and international networks.

“It’s about showcasing New Zealand’s best early-stage tech ventures and the strength of the country’s wider startup ecosystem.”

Kitea Health, represented in the competition by Natalia Lopez, was the winner of the inaugural Startup World Cup New Zealand Final in 2024, with the world’s first fully implantable brain pressure sensor.

Natalia went on to compete on the global stage in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and says the experience secured Kitea Health natural recognition for their tech and clinical trials, and made connections for their future capital raise, emerging as leading advocates for deep tech innovation in New Zealand.

“I strongly encourage any tech startup who is looking to test their ideas with their peers, and seeking support and investment, to enter the World Cup. It can be life changing, not just for you and your startup but the people’s lives we all seek to improve through technology.”

Information about the Pegasus Startup World Cup New Zealand, how to enter, and to buy tickets to the final in Kāpiti Coast can be found on the Creative HQ website: Startup World Cup 2025 - Creative HQ.

Notes:

Event and programme highlights
Entries close 11.59pm on Friday 5 September 2025
Finals event: Thursday 9 October 2025, Te Raukura ki Kāpiti
Startup founders’ development: The top 12 finalists receive pitch training and support from Creative HQ and Epic Execution in the lead-up to the event.
Prizes and pathways: The national winner advances to the San Francisco Grand Finale for a US $1 million investment prize opportunity (via Pegasus Tech Ventures).

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