Why StartUp+ was right for Madeleine
Backing bold ambition & global potential
Madeleine opted for StartUp+ to take Speak from strong early momentum to a more scalable, sustainable growth phase, with the right guidance, support, and access to capital that early‑stage companies often struggle to secure.
StartUp+ equipped the team with what they needed to scale: smart funding, informed advice, and access to a network that opened doors.
Founder‑focused support
The Kiwibank team recognised Madeleine’s ambition, customer insight, and focus on solving a meaningful problem - making Speak a strong fit for StartUp+. Kiwibank’s approach provided practical support designed specifically for start‑ups navigating early growth.
Madeleine is part of the Electrify Accelerator, a programme supporting bold women founders across Aotearoa
How StartUp+ is supporting Speak
StartUp+ is helping Madeleine and Speak to:
- Strengthen the business model and prepare for scale.
- Build momentum through supportive partnerships and strategic guidance.
- Access early funding to enable faster learning and capability development.
This support is helping Speak strengthen its foundations and move confidently toward scale.
It’s been a really positive experience — the Kiwibank Business Team have been open to the nuances of start‑ups, curious to learn and genuinely supportive of our journey.Madeleine Patel, Founder, Speak
What Speak does
Speak empowers people to communicate with confidence through tailored coaching, accessible tools, and community‑driven learning experiences. Their platform combines behavioural insight, practical exercises, and modern delivery methods to help individuals grow personally and professionally.
What ambition means to Madeleine
For Madeleine, ambition means creating experiences that genuinely transform how people show up in their work and lives. Speak combines research‑led insight with simple, engaging tools that make confidence‑building accessible to everyone.
Madeleine's advice for startups
- Lean into curiosity and continuous learning.
- Surround yourselves with partners who accelerate insight and capability.
- Build with customers early to ensure what you create truly resonates.
Madeleine is a perfect example of the bold ambition and global potential we’re backing through StartUp+. Her energy, insight, and customer focus set a high bar for what Kiwi innovation can achieve.Joanna Greaves, General Manager Business Products & Performance – Kiwibank
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