When you're building a startup, funding is essential – but raising capital doesn’t always mean giving up equity. This session explores non-dilutive funding: grants and tax incentives designed to fuel innovation without sacrificing ownership.

You'll get a clear, practical overview of New Zealand’s innovation funding landscape — including the R&D Tax Incentive and the New to R&D Grant. These often-overlooked options can unlock serious cashflow when you need it most.

Hear from Michael Barry, Head of Growth at Swell – a specialist advisory helping Kiwi businesses access innovation funding. Michael will share insights from his work at Swell, along with lessons from his own founder journey, where non-dilutive funding played a key role in scaling and successfully exiting his tech startup.

About Michael Barry:

Michael Barry has spent the last decade deep in Aotearoa’s innovation ecosystem – first as a founder, and now as Head of Growth at Swell. Before joining Swell, Michael founded and scaled a global EdTech company, ultimately leading it through a successful exit. Along the way, he learned first-hand how non-dilutive funding can fuel growth without giving up equity – a lesson he’s now passionate about sharing with other founders.

At Swell, Michael helps innovative Kiwi businesses access the funding they need to bring bold ideas to life – from R&D tax incentives to government grants. With a unique blend of founder empathy and funding expertise, he brings real-world insight into what it takes to grow, scale, and stay in control.

About Swell:

Swell is a specialist innovation funding advisory, helping Kiwi businesses go further, faster by helping them access government grants and R&D tax incentives.

They work with innovative companies across New Zealand – from manufacturers and cleantech startups to aerospace pioneers and agritech leaders.

Swell's mission is simple: to make funding accessible. They take the complexity out of the process so founders and teams can focus on what they do best – building, testing, and innovating.

With deep technical expertise and a proven track record, Swell brings clarity, confidence, and strategic insight to every funding opportunity.