Founders Brains On Tap: A workshop that tackles startup challenges

At this event, Naomi & Kris will work through three real founder challenges live on stage. Selected founders will step into the 'clinic', present their toughest problem, and have these masterminds unpack it in real time.
When you register, you’ll have the option to submit your own challenge. We’ll select three founders to feature on the night.
Everything is strictly run under Chatham House Rules.
About the speakers:
Naomi Ballantyne is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished insurance entrepreneurs. After helping to found Sovereign and later leading ING Life, she saw a gap in the market for a modern, customer-focused insurer. In 2010, she built Partners Life from the ground up, starting with just a handful of people and a bold vision to disrupt the industry.

Alongside her, Kris Ballantyne has played a pivotal role in shaping Partners Life’s brand and customer experience, helping the company connect authentically with advisers and clients. Together, they scaled Partners Life into one of New Zealand’s leading life and health insurers, known for its innovation, culture, and commitment to doing right by customers. Music to everyone’s ears, right!

Their journey came full circle in 2022, when Partners Life was acquired by Dai-ichi Life Holdings, one of the world’s largest insurers, a major milestone that marked global recognition of what they’d built in New Zealand. Naomi continues to serve as Managing Director, ensuring the company’s founding values remain at the core.

From startup grit to international success, Naomi and Kris’s story is a rare look at what it takes to build and scale a category-defining business from scratch. We are lucky enough to be running a founders clinic with both Naomi and Kris, where they will show you the type of service they are now offering to New Zealand companies through KNK Consulting.

By signing up, you’re also joining the Caffeine Community (welcome aboard!) and we’ll share your details with our partners. Heads up: we’ll be taking photos and video on the night for socials. If that’s not your thing, just let the crew know when you arrive.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Precinct Flex Britomart Place (Formerly Generator), 11 Britomart Place, Auckland, New Zealand