Start-ups

Many start-ups are attracted to Marlborough by the opportunity to provide solutions for workforce and environmental challenges or simply make the region’s established industries more adaptable to change and future focused.

Startups in Marlborough

Affordable, accessible, and inspiring, Marlborough is the ideal place to start something new. Centrally located with great connections to major centres, it’s easy to build a business here and enjoy an incredible lifestyle at the same time.

You’re only:

7 minutes from the airport
15 minutes from beaches, rivers, or bush walks
Moments away from wilderness, right from the heart of town

Te Au Pūngao - Tech & Innovation Hub

Te Au Pūngao supports start-ups working at the intersection of agri-tech, sustainability, and innovation. It’s a purpose-built hub designed to accelerate ideas that drive regional growth and global impact.

Find out more about Te Au Pūngao

Startup Marlborough

Startup Marlborough is an online platform that supports local founders and entrepreneurs access events, and guidance to turn their ideas into real businesses.

Techweek 2025

Techweek Marlborough is an annual event, showcasing Marlborough's growing innovation scene. In the third week of May, Te Au Pūngao, the region’s Technology and Innovation Hub, will host a week-long celebration of practical tech, entrepreneurship, and business community-led design.

The programme highlights Marlborough’s strengths in Agritech, learning, and grassroots innovation, with events designed to inspire, upskill, and connect.

A presenter in a green T-shirt presents to an audience

Angel Investors Marlborough

Angel Investors Marlborough is a membership-based network of investors and allied business professionals who invest in early-stage start-up entrepreneurs and innovators.

Angel Investors Marlborough is a member of the Angel Association of New Zealand (AANZ), a network of more than 20 angel groups and funds throughout the country.

Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM) organises monthly pitch nights for national and international start-ups seeking investment. AIM promotes and facilitate investor education by providing education events, active learning opportunities on actual deals, and best practice procedures.

Find out more about Angel Investors Marlborough.

Business mentoring

Business Trust Marlborough supports local businesses, including start-ups, with mentoring and networking.

Learn more about Business Trust Marlborough.

Research organisations

Start-ups have access to Marlborough’s research institutes and innovation centres including the New Zealand Wine Centre at Bragato Research Institute, Sanford Bioactives, Cawthron Institute, and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

Stay connected!

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