Auckland Bootstrapper's Breakfast / November 2026

GridAKL Bootstrappers’ Breakfast | The Legal & Commercial Essentials Every Founder Should Know

Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 7:30am – 8:30am

Building a business comes with plenty of moving parts. But are you giving enough attention to the legal and commercial foundations that support it?

Join us for our November Bootstrappers’ Breakfast with Bethany Sweeney and Jude Dragh from Smith & Partners Lawyers for a practical session exploring some of the legal and commercial considerations founders should have on their radar as their businesses grow.

Drawing on common questions raised through our Founders Clinics, we'll explore:

• Ownership and decision-making: Founder arrangements, shareholder relationships and business decisions.

• Customers and suppliers: Terms and conditions, agreements and getting the basics right.

• Protecting your business: The people, intellectual property and assets your business relies on.

• Business meets personal: Where your personal circumstances and business interests overlap.

The aim isn't to tackle everything at once, but to help founders understand what matters, why it matters and when to seek further advice.

There will also be time for questions and discussion, so bring along anything you're currently navigating.

Meet the presenters

Jude Dragh | Solicitor, Commercial & Intellectual Property

Jude is a solicitor in the Commercial and Intellectual Property team at Smith & Partners Lawyers in Auckland.

Bethany Sweeney | Solicitor, Commercial & Property

Bethany works in the Commercial and Property team at Smith & Partners. With a background in business and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland, she combines legal expertise with commercial insight to help clients navigate complex challenges.

About Bootstrappers’ Breakfast

Bootstrappers’ Breakfast is a monthly gathering for founders, entrepreneurs and anyone building something new. It's an opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas and connect with Auckland's startup community.

Come along, grab a coffee and breakfast, and start your morning with good conversations and fellow builders.

Event details

Tuesday 24 November 2026

7:30am – 8:30am

GridAKL / John Lysaght
101 Pakenham Street West, Auckland CBD

Free event | Registration essential

Light breakfast provided.

Brought to you by GridAKL, Auckland's home for startups and innovators.