Applications for the Distiller Incubator will re-open in January 2025.
In the meantime, you can discuss what you're working on and get support in our free 15-minute check-ins - click here to see how to book a meeting with us.
The Distiller Incubator is where Dunedin startups scale and grow.
Our incubator is designed for startups that are looking to level up, launch, or expand their business.
Get bespoke mentorship and customised support to overcome unique challenges and achieve your goals - whatever they may be.
It's what you need, when you need it.
Flexible
Choose how long to be in incubation and the goals you work on.
Fast
Get the mentorship, services and support you want when you want them.
Free
We don’t take equity or ask you to pay a dime.
Incubatees will gain access to:
1-on-1 Mentoring
From our pool of mentors.
Other Founders
Spend time with other ambitious founders.
1-on-1 Support
Receive 1-on-1 weekly support from the Startup Dunedin team.
Desk Space
Work from Startup Dunedin (optional).
How do I apply?
Step One: Meet with us.
Start the process by grabbing a free meeting with us (or checking in again if it's been a while!). We'll sit down with you one-on-one to go over what you need, and what you want to achieve.
Step Two: Decide when.
If now is the right time for you to apply, you'll receive an application form. If not, you'll still get actionable feedback, next steps, and a game plan for getting you to where you need to be.
Step Three: Apply!
All good to go? Now’s the time to fill out the application form. Afterwards, startups will be invited to pitch to our panel of industry experts for feedback. Nervous? Don't be. We don't want you to to hide all the flaws of your startup. - we want to find what you need, and to determine how we can support you.
If you're successful, you'll join us to co-design your very own incubation programme. From setting the duration of incubation, to your goals, to the programme structure; it's all tailored to you.
Did you know: Distiller incubatees can access a range of deals, offers and in-kind services from businesses like…
Current Startups
Alumni
““The Distiller Incubator is a great launch pad for kicking off a business. I’ll be honest, I was sceptical at first, but I’d do it again. I think the most important thing I got was joining the whanau, and not going on the founder journey alone.””
““It’s a brilliant balance of incredible support and low key maintenance. It’s incredibly helpful for startups and first time founders like myself. The team really couldn’t be more helpful or easier to work with.””
Frequently Asked Questions
How do applications work?
We have a three stage application process, starting with a free startup check-in. At each step you have the opportunity to receive feedback from the Startup Dunedin team or our panel.
Express interest through a check-in today to get started.
Who is on the panel?
The panel consists of other founders which have been through the process of starting up so understand what it takes. We also occasionally include professional services such as an IP lawyer or accountant.
What is the purpose of the panel session?
The primary purpose of the panel is to provide recommendations for your startup. The secondary purpose is to evaluate whether you are suitable for the Distiller Incubator.
Your objective during the panel session isn’t to hide all the flaws of your startup, but instead highlight them and ask the panel for support.
What makes a company suitable for the incubator?
First and foremost, the incubator is for companies working on an innovative solution that can scale and grow. We operate on a green light, red flag system. Green lights are things that we look for in good founders or startups. Red flags are things we might want an explanation around.
Green Lights
Founder(s) are doing their life’s work.
Founder(s) are “learn it all” not “know it all”, looking for what they don’t know and coachable.
Founder(s) are an unstoppable force and find quick ways to progress.
The startup can grow or scale globally. It is not a service business tied to individual’s time.
The startup has already met some milestones and has the capability to get something to market.
Founder(s) deeply understand their customer’s (or potential customer’s) pain and are working with real customers.
Red Flags
This is one of many projects that the founder(s) are running.
Founder(s) are closed to feedback and are more interested in being right than finding the best answer.
It’s a great deck and story, but nothing has shipped.
The startup has been going for 3+ years already without finding traction.
“We need a year before we can launch.” Is there a good reason or is the team chasing perfection?
Founder(s) have a solution, but do not understand who it’s for or the problem it solves.
Red flags aren’t deal breakers, but the panel will want an explanation if any of those flags pop up.
When are the panel sessions?
Our panel sessions are available to four startups every 2-3 months. Our next panel session is in February 2025.
How long is the incubator?
Founders choose how long they enter the incubator for and the goals they work on. Typically founders will enter incubation for 3-6 months. Founders can also re-enter if there are new goals or more work to be done.
Are there any cash grants for making it into the incubator?
There are currently no cash grants for making it into the incubator, however we do have connections to grant providers and funders we can provide.
Is the incubator free?
Yes! We don’t take any equity or ask you to pay a dime to enter the incubator.
Who isn’t the incubator for?
Typically if you are a consultant, coach or trainer then the incubator won’t be appropriate for you. Our incubator is designed for solutions that scale beyond the amount of time an individual can put in. Our panel is looking for scalability and innovation in the solutions presented by the startup whom apply.