Startup Weekend New Zealand rising to the challenge of creating successful international startups
Auckland, 20 December 2013 - Startup Weekend New Zealand ends the year on a high note proud to announce that Auckland Startup Weekend November winners Garden Genie have won first prize in the first ever e-commerce circle of the 4th annual Global Startup Battle.
Garden Genie is a great combination of a mobile app and unique e-commerce platform that walks gardeners through every
step of growing organic produce. Starting with information about location, climate, soil type and desired crops each
gardener gets tailored reminders, tips and guidance including what to purchase and delivery right to your door.
Garden Genie beat out stiff competition to win in field of over 1000 other worthy teams from over 40 countries.
“Congratulations to Garden Genie! ...this is an innovative system benefiting thousands of successful small organic
growers.” says Rowan Yeoman International Startup Weekend Facilitator “It is great to see Garden Genie leap into
international recognition directly from a Startup Weekend event.”
Alan Froggatt, National Director of Startup Weekend New Zealand said“Kiwis are well known for their ability to perform
at a world-class level once we get our teeth into something. Startup Weekend New Zealand is underwriting the start of
that journey for entrepreneurs and supporting them to succeed.”
“Startup Weekend New Zealand understands that the future wealth and lifestyle of our country depends on the capacity of
successful innovators and the many supporters that make up the ecosystem for these entrepreneurs and start-ups develop
and mature. The Garden Genie concept signals an emerging breed of start-up that successfully integrate social good into
the core of a thriving business.” says Froggatt.
Startup Weekend New Zealand is the fastest growing community of entrepreneurs in New Zealand. The 5th sold out Auckland
event was the 18th Startup Weekend held in New Zealand and the quality of start-ups and demand for events shows no sign
of slowing down.
New Zealand Startup Weekend ranks first globally in the number of Startup Weekend events held per capita matching the
number of events head-to-head with Germany who has 20 times New Zealand's population. Startup Weekend New Zealand
credits the outstanding support of local sponsors, partners and the drive of regional organisers throughout the country
to get things done.
Garden Genie wins a prize that include a month-long e-commerce acceleration experience hosted by Bigcommerce in Austin,
Texas in March. They also attend one of the most important international digital and startup gatherings, SXSW
Interactive to talk and network with leading minds of the industry.
ENDS