Aotearoa’s Brightest Innovators Prepare to Take on SXSW Sydney 2024

As SXSW Sydney 2024 commences, Kiwi entrepreneurs and innovators are preparing to take the stage at one of the world’s most influential events. Described

as a ‘premiere destination for discovery’ SXSW brings together the latest in music, film, entrepreneurship, and technology. And this year in Sydney, New Zealand’s

change-makers are set to showcase the innovative spirit that uniquely positions Aotearoa for global impact. With our long history of breaking new ground, New Zealand startups and entrepreneurs are not just attending—they’re stepping onto the global stage with a point to prove, aiming to be among the highlights of this year’s event.

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Empowering Pacific Youth in Tech: Lessons from The Cause Collective

One of the most important sessions coming out of New Zealand and the first of the Kiwi cohort to present at SXSW is the South Auckland Creative and Tech Hub (SACTH). This Pacific-focused hub offers culturally relevant tech education teaching indigenous youth how they can thrive in a digital world. Their SXSW session “Powering up Pacific Tech – Responding to a Broken System” features community lead of the Cause Collective Jerome Mika, and co-founder of prominent Dawn Raid

record label, Brother D - Muliagatele Danny Leaoasava’ll who are offering up a unique education model that can be transplanted around the world.

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The Secret Side of New Zealand Tech: Innovators Ready to Disrupt

Highly anticipated from Aotearoa at SXSW Sydney 2024 is ‘The Secret Side of New Zealand: Tech Companies Shaping the Future.’ Hosted by Marissa Brindley, Head of

Technology & Innovation at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, this session offers an insight into Kiwi deep tech. Two standout companies will present their cutting-edge

technologies - Nandoun Abeysekera of Avasa and Max Arshavsky of Zenno - showing how with perseverance and a supportive ecosystem, it’s entirely possible for Kiwi innovations to influence industries worldwide.

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Purpose-Aligned Profit: Brooke Roberts’ Vision for Success

At SXSW, founders know that balancing purpose with profit is a challenge many face. Few people embody this mission more clearly than Brooke Roberts, co-founder of Sharesies. In her talk session, ‘Purpose-Aligned Profit: Leading the Charge vs. Leading the Change,’ Roberts challenges conventional notions of business success, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to truly thrive as a founder. Roberts’ vision is a reminder that financial success doesn’t have to come at the cost of values. Building a company that prioritises purpose is not only possible but crucial in today’s startup landscape.

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Brands as Cultural Superforces: Kiwi Startups Shaping Societal Change

Later in the week in the session ‘Are Brands the New Cultural Superforce?’ Elly Strang of Tracksuit—a rapidly growing Kiwi founded brand tracking platform—joins

industry leaders to explore how brands are no longer just market players but cultural influencers. Tracksuit, which operates across international markets, is changing how

modern consumer brands track and shape their public perception. For founders at SXSW, this discussion is a powerful reminder of the role storytelling plays in building

a meaningful, resonant brand.

‍Kiwi Innovators in Media: Thriving Amidst Digital Chaos

As the digital media landscape faces unprecedented upheaval, some entrepreneurs have found ways to not just survive but thrive in the storm. A key session at SXSW

Sydney 2024, ‘For News Media, Digital Transformation Isn’t a Process – It’s a State,’ brings together media innovators to discuss how they’ve defied the odds in a challenging industry. The session brings together media innovators to discuss how they’ve defied the odds in a challenging industry and is hosted by Lee Lowndes, CEO of the creative and digital agency Daylight, and features Duncan Greive, founder of acclaimed New Zealand digital news and culture brand, The Spinoff.

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Music, Entertainment, and the Kiwi Spirit

Beyond tech and entrepreneurship, the Kiwi spirit is alive in music and entertainment at SXSW Sydney. Legendary Kiwi actor Lucy Lawless is set to appear, while New

Zealand musicians are bringing their distinctive sounds to the stage. This blend of cultural and creative expression highlights New Zealand’s versatility, proving that

Kiwis are not only innovators but also influential creators across industries.

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A Narrative of Kiwi Innovation on the Global Stage

As SXSW Sydney unfolds, the excitement is palpable. For Kiwi founders, SXSW Sydney 2024 is a reminder of the power of creativity, resilience, and community. The

lessons shared this week—from embracing failure to redefining success—will inspire and equip New Zealand’s startup ecosystem to continue pushing boundaries and

thriving on the global stage.