From Coffee Shop to Kiwi Startups: Airwallex Launches ‘Airwallex for Startups’ to Fuel New Zealand’s Next Success Stories
How a fintech born in a Melbourne café is empowering Kiwi startups to grow, connect, and thrive on the global stage.
Four friends running a small coffee shop in Melbourne had a big idea. They struggled with high fees and endless friction in moving money across borders to keep their café stocked with beans. That everyday challenge led to the creation of Airwallex, a financial platform now supporting over 100,000 businesses worldwide. Now, Airwallex is bringing that same entrepreneurial spirit to New Zealand with Airwallex for Startups, a free programme tailored to help Kiwi founders grow and thrive.
Airwallex for Startups is open from this week to New Zealand businesses with 2-100 employees and offers a wealth of resources, connections, and perks – all aimed at building a community that empowers startups to compete on the world stage. “It’s all about helping Kiwi founders manage financial hurdles seamlessly and get the support they need,” says Taylor Fox-Smith, Head of Airwallex for Startups at Airwallex ANZ, who brings a refreshing blend of passion and respect for the Kiwi market.
Taylor’s connection with New Zealand has grown deeply personal since she joined Airwallex and began working with Kiwi founders across the country. “Every time I’m here, I’m struck by the openness and hospitality. The way people connect and collaborate here feels different – it’s like there’s a genuine pride and a willingness to share,” she reflects. “People will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome and understand their journey. I’ve worked in some of the biggest startup hubs, and New Zealand stands out for how strongly people come together to support each other.”
Supporting Kiwi Startups with Practical Tools and Global Connections
While New Zealand’s startup ecosystem is comparatively small, it’s punching well above its weight. Recently ranked in the global top 20, Kiwi startups are competing with the big players. Fox-Smith explains, “New Zealand is bursting with potential. With Airwallex for Startups, we’re committed to providing tools and connections that help them scale faster and more efficiently. We’re in this together, and by supporting each other, we can go out there and compete internationally.”
In fact, New Zealand’s startup growth rate has recently surpassed that of both Melbourne and Perth, further emphasising the energy and momentum of the Kiwi ecosystem. As Taylor notes, “New Zealand is moving faster. When you think about emerging companies like Tracksuit, Auror, and others coming from such a small population base, it’s clear there’s something truly special happening here.”
The programme offers practical perks founders can use immediately, including $50,000 in fee-free foreign exchange and 1% cashback on international card transactions. Through partnerships with companies like Upcover and Cake Equity, startups can access discounted services in insurance, equity management, and more. “The programme isn’t just about financial products; it’s about creating a collaborative ecosystem that connects founders to the right mentors, investors, and tools they need to accelerate growth,” Fox-Smith adds.
Australia and New Zealand have a unique opportunity to support each other’s growth across the ditch. Companies like Sharesies and Hnry, both Kiwi success stories, have used Airwallex to scale in Australia, navigating complex financial landscapes with seamless cross-border solutions. The collaboration between businesses in both countries reinforces a powerful sense of community, and Taylor emphasises that “we’re stronger together, whether connecting Kiwis to Australian resources or helping Australian startups succeed in New Zealand.” With Airwallex for Startups, the goal is to enable more companies on both sides of the Tasman to leverage each other’s networks, tools, and support to compete globally.
Community-Driven, Kiwi-Focused
Launched as a pilot in Hong Kong in 2023, Airwallex for Startups has since expanded across the Asia-Pacific region and now supports over 2,000 startups. Taylor emphasises that the programme is adapted to New Zealand’s unique ecosystem, with recruitment underway to enlist local team members on the ground to support Kiwi founders. “New Zealand’s startup hubs, from Christchurch to Auckland, each have their own energy and needs,” she says. “We’re committed to honouring that diversity and creating a genuine Kiwi identity within the programme.”
On her first trip to New Zealand for Airwallex, Taylor found herself on a road trip through some of the country’s key innovation hubs – from Wellington to Christchurch to Auckland. The warmth of the Kiwi welcome stayed with her. “It’s incredible – New Zealand’s startup ecosystem feels so helpful. When I first arrived, people were eager to connect me with everyone they knew, to make sure I understood what mattered here,” she says. “It’s refreshing and unique – this openness and willingness to help.”
Beyond financial support, Airwallex places a heavy emphasis on community building and real connections. Taylor highlights how Airwallex for Startups goes beyond transactions, creating spaces where founders can connect with experienced industry leaders and each other. "Sometimes the most impactful support isn’t financial; it’s about building relationships with those who’ve walked the same path," she notes.
Empowering Kiwi Startups to Compete Globally
With Airwallex for Startups, Kiwi Founders and Startups have gained a partner that understands both the challenges of international expansion and the value of community-driven support. As New Zealand’s startup ecosystem continues to flourish, Airwallex aims to be a steady catalyst for growth, enabling founders to take on the world – without losing touch with their Kiwi roots.
It all started with a coffee shop, but today, Airwallex is brewing something bigger for New Zealand’s startups. Whether it’s through grants, tailored financial tools, or connections made over a cup of coffee, Airwallex for Startups is here to help fuel Kiwi founders’ journeys to global success.