Kiwi Tech Day in San Francisco

 

Post by Annaleisha Rae.

In conjunction with NZICT, we hosted our first ever “Kiwi Tech Entrepreneur Day” at KLP this week. California State Senator Leland Yee along with former California Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma and NZ Consulate General Leon Grice opened the event. The agenda for the day was jam packed with both inspirational stories and helpful advice on some of the practical issues that businesses face when coming to the US. The NZICT mission brought up-and-coming kiwi entrepreneurs here to San Francisco to listen to experiences of cultivating success in the San Francisco area and the benefits that have come about through being involved in a tech hub like the Kiwi Landing Pad.

We began with hearing from some KLP companies who spoke about the challenges they have encountered and how they are really starting to get traction in market. They included Vend, Xero, Mako Networks, Biomatters, Eventfinda and Booktrack.

Edith Yeung from Venture Capitalist firm Right Ventures gave us an insight into her role, Kirstin Schlenger gave kiwi-specific immigration advice, Jeff Ryan from CBS Interactive talked about the current recruitment conditions here in the US. Jamie Sutherland spoke about Xero‘s ever-expanding business that began it’s US office right here in the Kiwi Landing Pad. Henri Eliot from Board Dynamics gave some really good advice on setting up an effective board and establishing good governance.

With so many entrepreneurs and successful start-ups sharing their ideas, learning from top executives really emphasized the Bay Area’s thriving kiwi tech community and verified the importance of the Kiwi Landing Pad and it’s position here in the global innovation center of SoMa, San Francisco. The speakers shared some great tips and advice for the budding entrepreneurs with discussions about immigration, establishing a presence in the US market and considerations and differences about operating here in San Francisco.

Ian Taylor’s company (Animation Research Limited) showcased their America’s Cup racing simulator and Chris Smith from the America’s Cup STQRY app spoke about his growing success. “The Kiwi Landing Pad has played an important part in STQRY’s success in the U.S. It provides an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and networking. I look forward to seeing what other cool kiwi companies join the Landing Pad in the future!”

We ended the day with some cold MOA beer and the chance to network.

Check out the TV One News coverage Team NZ Flies on water and on land at Kiwi Landing Pad and California based Kiwi journalist, James Robinson’s post about the day NZ ingenuity hits large in San Francisco.