Wellington's leading nonprofit startup accelerator building a thriving innovation ecosystem for New Zealand founders.
Creative HQ is a Wellington-based nonprofit startup accelerator and innovation ecosystem builder founded in 2003. It operates Lightning Lab, New Zealand's flagship accelerator brand, alongside Fintech Activate and GovTech Activate pre-accelerator programs. Creative HQ backs early-stage founders with coaching, connections to capital, and access to the Wellington tech community. Programs are free and equity-free, supported by partners including Mastercard, WellingtonNZ, and MBIE. Program duration: 10 weeks (pre-accelerator programs).