Establishing a National Framework
When it comes to fostering grassroots entrepreneurship in New Zealand, few initiatives have made as big an impact as Startup Weekend. By the mid-2010s, Startup Weekend in New Zealand had more events and facilitators per capita than any other country. Behind this success was a vision to create a national framework for Startup Weekend New Zealand. Alan Froggatt saw an opportunity to build a network that nurtured entrepreneurial talent across the country and created Startup New Zealand. This initiative provided much-needed funding, support, and development for community leaders. With this foundation and support, Startup Weekend blossomed, with over 50 events and more than 5,000 participants during that time.
Key Contributions
Creating and Facilitating Events
Alan Froggatt personally facilitated dozens of Startup Weekend events. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape ensured that each event and the development of community leaders were both productive and inspiring. This leadership guided and developed regional organisers and onboarded new facilitators. These organisers and facilitators are the engine behind the intense 54-hour startup building experience, significantly impacting many participants’ entrepreneurial journeys.
Developing Systems and Structures
A key contribution was developing robust systems and structures for facilitators, organisers, and mentors. By standardising processes and providing training, Alan ensured a consistent, high-quality experience for all participants. This framework empowered local leaders to run successful events on their own, spreading the entrepreneurial spirit even further.
Global Influence
The impact of these efforts extended beyond New Zealand. As a member of the Global Board of Facilitators for Startup Weekend, Alan played a crucial role in developing processes and training for global events. His contributions were recognised internationally, including an invitation to speak to 500 entrepreneurs in Las Vegas. Sharing the systems and processes that drove Startup Weekend’s success in New Zealand was a key highlight of his international engagements.
Legacy of Sponsorship
The national framework and community of leaders created continued till 2024 to support and develop entrepreneurs. The relationships and skills cultivated during this period have left a lasting legacy, significantly strengthening New Zealand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many successful startups trace their origins back to these events, showcasing the enduring impact of the initial vision and development.
Addressing Gaps in Early-Stage Development
Back in 2011, entrepreneurship in New Zealand was often seen as an isolated endeavour. The cultural mindset at the time focused on creating abundance through technology (Integral Theory levels 3.0 and 3.5). Skills to validate entrepreneurial ideas through lean business and startup methodologies were nearly non-existent. Existing incubators and investment groups lacked effective ways to nurture early-stage entrepreneurs. Recognising this gap, Alan Froggatt developed frameworks and support systems to foster early-stage entrepreneurship.
The transition from Integral Theory level 3.0 to 4.0 in the context of Startup Weekend New Zealand marked a significant shift in approach and mindset. Level 3.0 focused on creating abundance through technology, with entrepreneurship seen as an isolated endeavour driven by individual efforts. However, recognising the limitations of this approach, the national framework introduced by Alan Froggatt emphasised community building, collaboration, and the standardisation of processes. This move to level 4.0 involved fostering a cohesive network of support systems, robust training for facilitators, and the development of regional leaders. It highlighted the importance of collective effort and structured mentorship in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. By embedding these practices, Startup Weekend New Zealand evolved into a thriving ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship flourished through shared knowledge, resources, and a supportive community.
Community and Support
The success of Startup Weekend in New Zealand was also due to the dedication of regional community leaders, travelling facilitators, organising teams, sponsors, and participants. Startup Weekend itself deserves acknowledgment for providing a platform that brought innovative minds together. Special thanks go to Jason Armishaw, who organised the first Startup Weekend in 2011, laying the foundation for a nationwide movement. Recognition also goes to Rowan Yeoman, Mike Zeff, Nick Churchouse, and Dave Moskovitz for their leadership as the Startup New Zealand team. Their dedication was crucial to the programme’s success.
Addressing Complexity in a Changing World
Since 2020, cultural, financial, market, and technological forces have become increasingly complex. It is crucial for the leadership of any community to map and design responses to this complexity. Organisations lacking this capability face irrelevance. The foundational work done by Genratec equips leaders with the skills needed to navigate these complexities, ensuring their organisations remain relevant and resilient in the face of change.
Conclusion
Alan’s involvement in Startup Weekend from 2011 to 2019 showcases the power of strategic support and visionary leadership. These contributions were pivotal in creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, engaging thousands and inspiring countless innovations. This legacy continues to influence and shape the future of entrepreneurship in New Zealand, demonstrating the profound impact of integral philanthropy. The next step for this network is to progress to Integral Theory level 4.5, requiring strategic leaders capable of navigating and perceiving the complexity and future of the organisation.