How Emerge plans to revolutionise banking one customer at a time.
Jovan Pavlicevic on going through a $12 million raise and why he’s not in a rush to achieve his big goal.
Happy Friday Caffeinators.
Thank you to everyone who reached out after our news update yesterday with messages of support, endorsements, and new subscriptions. This isn’t an easy game to be in, and every one of you who has our back makes us feel like we’re truly in this together. The honest truth is that, like many of you, without a clear path to financial sustainability, Caffeine can’t survive. So thank you for lifting our tide, helping us stay afloat, and allowing us to keep doing what we love—connecting, sharing, and uplifting this incredible community.
Have a great weekend.
Lauren & the Caffeine Team
The fully digital business banking platform announced the Series A raise last month, with the help of investors such as Altered Capital and Icehouse Ventures.
Four years after the business started, it’s now poised to accelerate growth and go to the next level. Co-founder Jovan Pavlicevic says the ultimate goal is to become a registered bank, and they’re now “at base camp” to launch the next assault.
But he and co-founder Jamie Jermain aren’t in a rush…
Could KiwiSaver Fuel New Zealand’s Next Global Tech Giant? Robbie Paul, CEO of Icehouse Ventures, discusses the transformative potential of KiwiSaver investments in New Zealand's venture capital landscape. He highlights Pie Funds' recent $10 million commitment to Growth Fund II as a significant endorsement of local entrepreneurs. Paul envisions KiwiSaver funds, with their substantial and growing capital, playing a pivotal role in nurturing homegrown companies that could achieve global success akin to Apple. He emphasises the recycling of entrepreneurial talent, technological advancements enhancing New Zealand's global connectivity, and international interest in the country's innovation ecosystem as key factors contributing to this vision. Paul is optimistic about Icehouse Ventures' role in supporting the next wave of New Zealand success stories, bolstered by partnerships like that with Pie Funds. More here.
Auckland’s Newest Co-Working Hub Opens as Flexible Workspaces Boom: Spaces 50 Albert Street opens November 1 in Auckland’s CBD, offering startups and growing businesses flexible work options in a prime location. The six-star green-rated space is designed for adaptability, from private offices to open-plan co-working and meeting rooms, plus a rooftop terrace. With the demand for hybrid work on the rise, this latest hub is part of a broader push to provide more dynamic workspaces across NZ—an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs looking for a base that scales with them. Memberships start at $159/month, with access to IWG’s global network of spaces. Learn more here.
From Xero to Hero: Rod Drury Discusses Global Entrepreneurship with Callaghan Innovation: In a conversation with Callaghan Innovation’s ‘Humble Brag’, Xero founder Rod Drury shares his journey in building a global tech company from New Zealand and the unique opportunities available to Kiwi entrepreneurs. Drury discusses the importance of vision, resilience, and thinking internationally from day one. He highlights New Zealand’s strategic advantages, emphasising innovation and technology as key drivers for economic growth. Drury encourages local businesses to scale globally, leveraging NZ’s talent and resources to compete on the world stage. Read more here.
2025 Food & Drink Trends: Technology, Nutrition, and the New Consumer Mindset: The 2025 Food & Drink Trends from Mintel highlight a shift in how we think about food in a tech-influenced, climate-conscious world. With “Fundamentally Nutritious,” consumers seek maximum benefits per bite, as appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic redefine “food as medicine.” The “Rule Rebellion” trend celebrates the imperfect side of eating, catering to those embracing authenticity over perfection. “Chain Reaction” captures the growing awareness of global impacts on food supply, testing trust in brands. Finally, “Hybrid Harvests” shows that while tech is key to tackling food challenges, brands must humanise high-tech solutions to win over consumers. Access the full report here.
By now you’ve mostly all seen our message that it’s time to make the switch to a largely paid subscription model from next week. The biggest heartfelt thanks to the many of you who switched over immediately [we were a little taken aback and it means a great deal]. If you need to know more, click the story below. Even better, choose an option that best works for you and hit subscribe.
If CAFFEINE matters to you, here’s how you can back us:
Readers: Subscribe for $15 a month. Every bit helps. If you're not in a position to support please consider sharing the free feed with friends or family.
Founders: Become a CAFFEINE patron and help others achieve what you have. Make a donation of your choice on the button below or drop us a line.
Startup leaders: Buy a discounted subscription for your team to keep them informed and inspired. Click the ‘group’ plan on the subscribe page.
Corporates & Brands: Partner with us and show your commitment to our startup ecosystem. Buy a day, run an event, create some paid content, back our pods.
🚀 Together, let’s fuel the next wave of New Zealand startups.
Here’s what’s on our radar. Hit us with your own recommendations.
Cassie Roma on AI, Career Moves, and the Power of Kindness on “Business in Between”: This week’s Business in Between podcast features Cassie Roma, a media and brand strategy expert with a career spanning Air New Zealand, ANZ, and The Warehouse Group. Cassie shares her insights on the vital difference between “niceness” and “kindness,” her career strategy of switching roles every two years, and how AI is reshaping the landscape. Tune in here for Cassie’s take on storytelling, email hacks, and creating impactful meetings.
SYSCA’s Make It Make Sense: A Guide to Life, Culture, and Big Feelings: Make It Make Sense, the debut book from the NZ team behind Shit You Should Care About (SYSCA), brings together cultural insights, personal essays, and laugh-out-loud moments in a style that feels like a deep chat with friends. Born from a WordPress blog that blossomed into a global platform with 3.5 million Instagram followers, SYSCA has created an honest and witty bedside read for women seeking reflection and connection. It’s a fresh take on navigating life’s ups and downs, with humour, warmth, and a lot of relatable truths - regardless of your age! Get it here.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele Reconnect on a Cross-Country Journey in New Documentary, Will & Harper: Longtime friends and former SNL collaborators Will Ferrell and Harper Steele take viewers on a heartfelt journey in their new documentary, Will & Harper. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film captures Ferrell and Steele on a road trip across the U.S., exploring how Steele’s recent transition has impacted their friendship and allowing Steele to reconnect with the country she loves. Through shared experiences in diverse settings, from cowboy bars to roadside stops, the documentary highlights the pair’s enduring bond, resilience, and mutual support. Read more here.
Introducing the ‘Bootstrap Buck,’ a cocktail crafted to embody the spirit of our startup community's resilience and growth. This drink is a nod to the classic ‘Buck’ cocktail, known for its refreshing blend of spirit, citrus, and ginger beer.
Bootstrap Buck Recipe:
Ingredients:
60 ml Vodka (or Gin for a twist)
15 ml Fresh Lime Juice
120 ml Ginger Beer
2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Lime Wheel and Fresh Mint for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
Add vodka (or gin) and lime juice, and top with ginger beer.
Add bitters and gently stir.
Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.
Cheers to building and scaling up, one sip at a time!
That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Want to get in touch with a news tip, bit of feedback or just to chat? Email hello@caffeinedaily.co. Look after yourselves and each other this weekend and we’ll see you Monday.