Enhancing Māori Economy Through Accessible Funding
Our startup, Māori Bank, is founded with the concept of bolstering the Māori economy in New Zealand. By collaborating with local Māori tribes, we aim to secure the necessary funding to establish this banking platform. Our goal is to provide an accessible and culturally-connected banking system to empower the Māori community.
Our vision is to build a bank infused with Māori values, aiming to stimulate the Māori economy. The mission is to become the leading culturally-rooted financial tool within the Māori community.
the māori decendents of New Zealand & indigeneous cultures who have migrated to New Zealand
Existing banks often overlook Māori values such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), which underpin business decision-making. Many Māori enterprises struggle to secure financing due to rigid credit assessment models that fail to recognize communal ownership structures and intergenerational wealth practices.
Not having culturally-aligned banking solutions limits Māori enterprises' growth and perpetuates financial exclusion, thereby affecting New Zealand's GDP.
To create a bank that prioritises the unique needs, values, and aspirations of the Māori economy, fostering financial inclusion and empowerment.
confidential
As a digital bank
We provide a culturally-rooted banking platform, making finance accessible and aligned with Māori values and economic practices.
We estimate the market size for which our solution is designed in monetary terms as follows
Is our goal in the next 3 years
My key role is the Project Manager - CEO. I am responsible for strategizing, driving execution, building partnerships and fostering team growth.
Our team currently consists of myself and my business partner. We plan on expanding our team with the allocation of seed funding.
Our direct competition in New Zealand includes mainstream banks ASB, BNZ, ANZ and Westpac. However, in the niche we are aiming to fill – a Māori-centric bank - there are currently no competitors.
Our product offers distinctive value to the Māori population and other indigenous immigrants in New Zealand by harmonizing their cultural nuances with profound operational benefits. This approach targets a niche market uniquely catered to their needs.
we make money using the banking business model
The Banking Technology platform has been beta tested and operational. We know what it takes to stand up a bank and operationalise it.
growing the client deposit fund by $100,000,000 to lend out to customers at banking interest rates
Although we're in the pre-seed funding stage and not currently tracking metrics, our focus will be on quantifiable indicators such as counting the number of Māori businesses financed, observing an increase in their GDP contribution and evaluating customer satisfaction levels.
Our company incorporated in
New Zealand
Main risks could include challenges in securing initial funding, changes in regulatory environment, potential reluctance from Māori community to switch banks, competitive pressure from existing financial institutions and operational complexities related to customized banking services.
$
30,000,000
We raised investments
myself with a 9% stake and Robert Bell with a 9% stake
$
40,000,000
Currently, we are raising investments
$
$30,000,000
Estimated pre-investment valuation of the company
As the CEO of Māori Bank, our core goal is to foster the Māori economy by providing an accessible, culturally-centric banking system in New Zealand. We're looking for a dynamic co-founder who resonates with our vision of revitalizing the indigenous economy. This individual would play a versatile role with responsibilities ranging from operational management to strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate should empathize with the unique needs of the Māori community and understand the complexities surrounding their economic practices. By creating a platform that promotes financial inclusivity and empowerment, Māori Bank aspires to eliminate the financial obstacles that limit the indigenous economy's growth, affecting New Zealand's GDP. Let's come together to fuse technology with tradition and revolutionize the banking industry.
Our startup aims to establish a Māori Bank, bridging the gap between New Zealand's mainstream banking institutions and Māori businesses' unique needs, promoting alignment with their cultural heritage.