At Big Buddy, we believe in the power of connection—whether it’s a mentor guiding a boy without a dad or a community rallying behind bold ideas. That’s why we were proud to be selected to be the charity partner at the recent Icehouse Ventures 15th Annual Showcase, New Zealand’s biggest night for start-ups and investors. This event wasn’t just about innovation; it was about generosity and shared purpose.
It was fantastic to see Big Buddy so well represented on the night. Our new Chair Shaun Quincey, who also serves on the Icehouse Ventures Board, spoke at the event, sharing his passion for innovation and mentorship. Shaun highlighted how backing bold ideas and backing boys without dads share a common thread: belief in potential.
We were also proud to have former Chair Travis Field and Trustees Rachel Calcinai, Clare Wilson, and Mark Talbot in attendance, alongside the Big Buddy Auckland Team — Co-CEO Christie Stuart and Comms Coordinator Jenni Harrison.
What is the Icehouse Ventures Showcase?
The Icehouse Ventures Showcase is an annual event that brings together Kiwi entrepreneurs and investors in a dynamic, high-energy setting. Think of it as New Zealand’s venture capital ball—a stage where founders pitch their visions to hundreds of potential backers, aiming to create the next Rocket Lab or Crimson. It’s a celebration of ambition, creativity, and the Kiwi spirit of thinking big.
Over 1,500 investors gathered at Auckland’s Spark Arena, treated to cuisine crafted by Kiwi chef Ben Bayly, with the evening then streamed around the world and to another nine events held at locations throughout Aotearoa.
A Record-Breaking Night of Giving
This year’s Showcase wasn’t just about start-ups—it was about making a difference. Together, attendees and generous donors raised $98,753.10, a staggering total! And we were blown away by the generosity of Generate and Simplicity, who each donated $5,000 at the fundraising event. Support like this keeps the Big Buddy Kaupapa moving forward — helping us reach more boys who need a positive male role model in their lives.
Acknowledging All the Generous Supporters
We extend a massive thanks firstly to Icehouse Ventures for choosing Big Buddy as your charity partner for this year’s event and also to the following businesses, most of whom are Kiwi start-ups, who have received their own backing by Icehouse Ventures in the past and are returning to support the community that has seen their potential:
- Silent Auction Item & Donation Contributors:
- Halter
- Rocket Lab
- Vessev
- Crimson Education
- Dawn Aerospace
- Basis
- Tracksuit
- Generate KiwiSaver Scheme
- Simplicity
- Pie Funds
- Lexus
- Sculpt Gardens
- Cibo Parnell
Your generosity ensures that boys without dads have someone to look up to – a Big Buddy who can make a life-changing difference.
Checkout our Chairman speaking about Big Buddy and the highlights reel from Showcase 2025 below…..
