The Lightning Lab started in windy Wellington and is now making its way to Auckland. So what is it?

This is a programme that focuses on start-ups and aims to give them the best beginning possible. Turning ideas into reality with seed capital, mentorship and absolute focus on an idea, the programme gives new businesses a helping hand.

Bridging the connection between startups and experts, the mentor-driven model is a key part of the programme. There are lead mentors, locally based people who work in depth with the teams, and fly-in mentors, who are local, national and international experts who will also engage with each of the teams. Among the mentors are Paul Spence, co-founder of iwantmyname and Rowan Yeoman, an early stage strategist.

The team behind The Lightning Lab understands that success happens when a business has a good market strategy, connections, funds, and are swift and efficient in their execution. They also understand that at the early stages of any business, these aspects are especially important.

Elite teams are thrown into an intense and encouraging environment and with the tools they need at their disposal, push to make their business idea a reality within three months.

With a track record to prove they know what they’re doing (more than half of the start-ups that are accepted into these programmes raise the capital they need in the first round), The Lightning Lab is a platform for investors, mentors and entrepreneurs to join forces.

Those interested in taking part in the Auckland lightning Lab can check out lightninglab.co.nz for more information. Applications open on October 22nd.