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ECOSYSTEM 3.Zero Finance Founder and Soda resident Dave Meaney hangs out with the other startups at the ASB Technology Bar launch Soda Inc What exactly is Soda Inc? SODA Boost SODA is Waikato’s Entrepreneurship Hub. Each year we receive more than 100 enquiries from startups and ultimately support 60 of these. On average we enter up to eight highgrowth ventures into SODA’s incubation programme. In addition, more than 1,500 fledgling and established entrepreneurs participate annually in SODA events. We are leading the growth of early stage investment opportunities and we’ve established a unique ‘born global’ partnership programme. SODA Boost is our full incubation programme that’s a fast track to growth, tailored to the unique needs of each startup. Every week the start-up meets their mentor, every three months they meet with Team SODA to assess progress, and every six months they must double a major growth target to remain in the programme. What services do you provide to early stage businesses? During incubation SODA also connects the start-up with the right networks and investors needed to ensure high growth. SODA offers value to all start-ups we come into contact with, not just those who go through the SODA incubation process. Our incubation services include: All our entrepreneurs are required to demonstrate and develop a Global Focus From Day One. They need to bring export dollars to New Zealand, connect the region with the world, and add to or help increase New Zealand’s international competitiveness. We also require the companies we work with to have a positive impact on the economy of our region and New Ze