Why StartUp+ was right for Ankita
She wanted to scale, without losing trust
When Ankita, owner of Capture The Bug, chose StartUp+ the business was gaining traction and validating the operating model, but they needed support to scale without compromising on security quality, pricing clarity, or go‑to‑market strategy.
StartUp+ offered the combination of capital, capability and community the business needed to grow with confidence.
Ankita found something she hadn’t experienced with other banks: practical access to capital tailored to her business, which was an early‑stage business, plus a supportive team that understood the startup journey.
For founders like me, speed matters. The support from Kiwibank through StartUp+ gave us the confidence to move faster and expand our reach — including opportunities with major clients outside New Zealand.Ankita Dhakar, Founder, Capture The Bug
Ankita Dhakar (centre), Founder of Capture The Bug, with members of the Kiwibank team at the International Business Awards
How StartUp+ is supporting Capture The Bug
Lending that unlocks growth
StartUp+ is helping Ankita and her team:
- Think bigger and explore global opportunities.
- Build strong relationships through warm networking introductions.
- Access to flexible funding to grow faster, expand reach, and support larger customers.
StartUp+ is about backing early‑stage businesses to challenge the market and status quo. Capture The Bug is a great example — an early‑stage company with a smart solution and real growth potential.Elliot Smith, Chief Customer Officer — Business, Kiwibank
What Capture The Bug does
Capture The Bug is transforming traditional security testing, replacing slow, opaque processes with a platform-driven experience that blends expert testers, automation, and clear reporting. The result: faster, more transparent, continuous security testing designed for modern businesses.
What ambition means to Ankita
Ankita wants to remove friction and turn complex, costly testing into a seamless platform experience that feels obvious once you use it.
Ankita's advice for early‑stage founders
- Start before you feel ready — begin small and talk to customers early.
- Find one paying customer who deeply cares about the problem.
- Take care of yourself — burnout is real in the early days.
It's great to see a bank backing ambitious startups with practical support.Ankita Dhakar, Founder, Capture The Bug
Enquire about StartUp+
Submit an expression of interest
If you meet the eligibility criteria, email your business plan and funding proposal to startup@kiwibank.co.nz
Don't meet the eligibility criteria?
We may still be able to help. Email startup@kiwibank.co.nz