Auckland Bootstrapper's Breakfast / February 2026

Join Us for the Next GridAKL Bootstrappers’ Breakfast with Josh (BNZ)

What’s Bootstrappers’ Breakfast?

Bootstrappers’ Breakfast is a relaxed, founder-focused morning series where entrepreneurs come together to share experiences, swap ideas, and learn from each other over good coffee and fresh croissants ☕🥐

Each session features a guest founder or expert who sparks an honest, practical conversation with insights you can apply straight away in your startup journey.

This Month’s Guest: Josh (BNZ)

Technology Industries Development Manager – BNZ

Josh provides oversight and support for the development of BNZ’s Technology Industries. His role focuses on building capability across BNZ’s tech bankers, as well as driving key initiatives and propositions that position BNZ as the leading bank for New Zealand tech businesses.

Throughout his banking career, Josh has held senior roles across commercial banking, investments, and strategy. He holds a Master’s in Finance and an MBA from Oxford University.

At this Bootstrappers’ Breakfast, Josh will unpack how banks really think about funding tech businesses and answer the questions founders often wish they could ask earlier.

Topics we’ll cover:

• Debt vs equity – how to think about the trade-offs

• How BNZ approaches financing for tech companies

• What information banks typically require and how long the process usually takes

• Open Q&A – bring your real questions

Why You Should Come

Funding decisions can shape the future of your startup. Understanding how debt works, when it makes sense, and how banks assess tech businesses can save you time, stress, and costly missteps.

This session is ideal for founders who want to:

• Make more informed funding decisions

• Understand how banks view risk and growth in tech

• Ask practical questions in a founder-friendly, no-pressure setting

Event Details

📅 Tuesday, 24 February 2026
⏰ 7:30 – 8:30 AM
📍 GridAKL / Lysaght
101 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter (opposite Woolworths Metro)

Format: Coffee, light morning tea and conversation. A short intro from Josh, followed by Q&A and group discussion.

Come hungry, for breakfast and for clarity.