Different Minds, Better Business: A Workshop for Startups and SMEs
Description
Launching and growing a business is exciting—but it comes with complex decisions around structure, governance, funding, talent, and IP.
Join us for a high-impact one-day workshop on Thursday 7 May 2026 in Christchurch, designed for startups and SMEs. Gain practical legal and strategic insights from industry leaders, explore how diverse perspectives drive innovation and better business outcomes, and connect with peers and founders from a range of backgrounds.
What you’ll get:
Expert insights – Learn from business and legal specialists with hands-on startup experience, including strategies for leveraging diversity across teams, leadership, and operations.
Interactive learning – Participate in practical, solution-focused sessions addressing real-world challenges faced by startups and SMEs.
Valuable connections – Network with fellow founders, potential partners, and mentors from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Proven strategies – Discover approaches to accelerate growth, foster innovation, and create inclusive, high-performing teams.
The attendance fee applies, donated back to the Christchurch startup community.
Places are limited, and registration is first-come, first-served. Feel free to forward this invite to anyone who may be interested.
This workshop is brought to you by Dentons & Ministry of Awesome
Agenda
- 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Arrival and registration
- 9:00 am - 9:10 am
Mihi | Welcome: University of Canterbury
A welcome by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury staff as hosts for this event.
- 9:10 am - 9:40 am
Setting the scene: Setting the scene – Dr Andrew Baker (Dentons) and Maury Leyland-Penno
Dr Andrew Baker and a leading startup founder will set the scene for the day by discussing what makes New Zealand a great but sometimes challenging place for startups.
- 9:40 am - 9:45 am
Welcome and objectives: Dr Andrew Baker, Dentons
Our morning sessions will continue with an overview of why diversity of thought and diversity of experience are so beneficial for startups and SMEs.
- 9:45 am - 10:30 am
The most expensive mistakes startups make – Glen Willoughby, Hannah Duder, and Sean Feast
Glen is an experienced executive and will lead a panel of local entrepreneurs from across the startup journey, highlighting common mistakes startups make and how these can impede growth and act as barriers to success.
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Morning Break
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Market insights – Alexandra Rankin (Dentons), Mark Bregman, Camille Hunt, and Crispin Dye
A panel of local and international startup investment experts will discuss what investors look for in New Zealand companies.
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Innovation: Dr. Jessica Nowinski from NASA’s Ames Research Center
A special guest keynote will discuss how diverse perspectives and experiences fuel creativity and innovation.
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Lunch
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Intellectual property strategy – Kavinna Dhepyasuwan (Dentons) and Jeremy Robertson (Dentons)
A hands-on session led by the Dentons Christchurch Intellectual Property team will guide attendees through strategic scenarios.
- 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Government support: NZTE and ChristchurchNZ
NZTE and ChristchurchNZ will discuss the types of government support available to startups and how to make the most of it.
- 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Afternoon Break
- 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Startup to growth – Dr Andrew Baker (Dentons), Zach Warder-Gabaldon (MoA), Kaila Colbin (Boma)
Dentons, alongside local startup experts will explore how good governance and diversity can help businesses sidestep common mistakes and accelerate growth – a complementary follow up to Glen’s morning session.
- 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Ministry of Awesome & Dentons – Dr Andrew Baker (Dentons) and Graham Scown (MoA)
A wrap up of the day’s events, reflections, and next steps.
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Drinks, canapés, and networking
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
