Discover how New Zealand entrepreneur Ryan Johnson launched ProFellow.com from Silicon Valley, helping people worldwide find fully funded fellowships in 2025.
In a world full of fast exits and flashy unicorns, one Kiwi entrepreneur quietly built something different—something that’s changing lives across the globe.
From NZ to Silicon Valley: Ryan Johnson’s Journey
Ryan Johnson, a Wellington-born founder, moved to Silicon Valley with a vision to help people find academic and professional opportunities. That vision became ProFellow.com, now one of the world’s top platforms for discovering fully funded fellowships and research programs.
And yes, it all started with a New Zealand startup dream—and a “rent for code” deal.
The Kiwi Hustle Behind ProFellow.com
Ryan and his wife Vicki Johnson, both passionate about fellowships, moved to San Francisco in 2012 through support from Kiwi Landing Pad. With limited funding, they got creative.
Their startup hustle?
“We’ll give you a free room in our apartment—if you help us code.”
That moment of resourcefulness—a true New Zealand founder mindset—was the beginning of ProFellow’s global growth.
What Is ProFellow.com?
Built by two New Zealanders living in the U.S., ProFellow.com helps users:
- Discover fully funded fellowships across 100+ countries
- Access insider tips and application strategies
- Join a growing community of changemakers, academics, and emerging leaders
In 2025, ProFellow serves:
- Thousands of monthly users
- A database of over 2,000 active fellowship opportunities
- A community of 70,000+ global subscribers
It’s the go-to tool for anyone searching for funding, career breaks, study programs, or professional awards.
Kiwi Founder (Ryan Johnson), Global Impact
As a New Zealand startup founder in the USA, Ryan Johnson represents a growing group of Kiwi entrepreneurs turning local ideas into global platforms.
What sets his journey apart:
- No big VC round
- No accelerator hype
- Just real-world hustle, purpose, and consistency
With help from Kiwi Landing Pad, Ryan built lasting relationships in Silicon Valley, learned from U.S. mentors, and grew ProFellow into a respected name in international education and professional development.
Why This New Zealand Startup Still Inspires in 2025
Ryan Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder that:
- Kiwi founders can scale from Aotearoa to America
- Creativity often beats capital
- Purpose-led startups have long-term staying power
Today, as NZ’s tech ecosystem continues to rise, ProFellow stands as a symbol of what happens when a Kiwi person believes global impact can start at home.
Final Word: A Silicon Valley Story With a New Zealand Soul
Whether you’re a young student looking for funding or a first-time founder chasing your vision, ProFellow’s story is an inspiration.
It proves that you don’t need a million dollars to build something meaningful—just an idea, a plan, and the willingness to exchange a little rent for code.
