GridAKL has today announced coworking provider Generator will be the operator of two new buildings opening at Auckland's Innovation Precinct later this year.
From September 2017, GridAKL will expand to occupy three buildings in the precinct, bringing together a growing community of innovators, entrepreneurs, advisors and businesses ranging from startups through to large, global companies.
The refurbished historic building, Mason Brothers, and the newly-built 12 Madden Street – both owned by developer Precinct Properties – will join the John Lysaght building to enhance the GridAKL ecosystem and stimulate further growth in Auckland's thriving technology sector.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the expansion of GridAKL plays an important role in driving growth of the region's technology sector, with 9000 jobs added in the last five years and nearly 26% growth in the tech sector's gross domestic product (GDP).
"Auckland's goal is to be recognised as an innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Our work to encourage high-tech industries into Auckland and grow world-class research, talent and technology-based ventures in our city is reaping financial and employment benefits for our local and national economy," Goff says.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), which facilitates the strategic development of GridAKL on behalf of Auckland Council, is delighted to announce the appointment of Generator to support the next phase of growth.
ATEED chief executive Brett O'Riley says, "Generator is an established business with a strong track record, which will help us to achieve our ambitious growth objectives for GridAKL.
"Generator will work alongside existing operator, BizDojo, the founding partner of GridAKL, which tenants and supports almost 100 predominately high-tech startups at the John Lysaght building, having started out with just four resident businesses.
The two new buildings will house small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporates – the innovators, creators, coders, developers and designers – with Generator creating an environment to assist with scalability including pods, shared desks, private studios and large corporate floors.
O' Riley says: "We're confident that this expanded GridAKL innovation environment will help hatch the next wave of Auckland tech companies to succeed on the world stage, such as 90 Seconds, PowerbyProxi, and Rocket Lab, which have become global leaders in their respective fields.
Generator managing director Ryan Wilson says he's a strong advocate of ATEED's vision for GridAKL.
"In addition to our coworking offering, at Generator our members will be able to access professional advisory services, and the investment advice they need to grow their business," he says.
"Generator aims to be a growth partner for innovative New Zealand businesses. Its objective is to create value by ensuring the right growth conditions exist. "
"As well as providing a coworking environment which fosters innovation, our members will be able to access advice on raising capital, direct investment, debt or advice to help strengthen their commercial model, financial modelling, governance, or whatever else is necessary to drive genuine value," says Wilson.
The GridAKL footprint will expand to 12,000 square metres when the two new buildings come online in September, forming part of a thriving community of innovation attracting a full range of businesses working together to grow faster and harness their full potential.
