Startup Theatre Podcast Fireside Chats from Queenstown – Founders, Operators, and the Ecosystem Behind Episode 100
Before the 100th episode of Startup Theatre with Rod Drury, we brought the community together in Queenstown for a live fireside series with founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem builders from across New Zealand.
In front of a live audience, we explored what really happens behind the scenes of building companies – from validating an idea and surviving early mistakes, to scaling teams, raising capital, hiring well, and knowing when to step aside as a founder.
You’ll hear from founders at different stages, SaaS and non-SaaS alike, alongside the people who quietly support the ecosystem every day – investors, advisors, operators, and community leaders.
This episode captures the honesty, humour, and reality of startup life, complete with live reactions, tough lessons, and practical insights for anyone building, backing, or thinking about starting a company.
Moderated by our own Adrienne Muir & Troy Hammond
Fireside chat panel (Founders):
Ecosystem supporters panel:
Proudly supported by PwC, long-standing champions of New Zealand’s tech and startup ecosystem.
Want a free discovery session with PwC?
Head to 👉🏻 https://www.pwc.co.nz/services/private-business/startup-theatre.html
Special thanks to our supporter sponsor in Startup Queenstown Lakes