eCommerceNews New Zealand - Technology news for digital commerce decision-makers
Story image
Rewired: Meet the teams in Xero's new coworking space
Tue, 20th Nov 2018
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Xero-owned coworking space Rewired has named the first three tenants in its Auckland office – and they're all companies looking to launch into the New Zealand market.

The tenants include business analysis firm Futrli, payment platform GoCardless and UK digital bank Revolut.

“Having these three international fintechs on board is a true testament to the opportunities in New Zealand, as well as the potential of the Kiwi market,” says Xero small business director Nicole Buisson.

“We are also excited to hear the enthusiasm each company has for supporting and encouraging other NZ fintechs in this space. There is a lot we can learn from the global stage.

Rewired is located in Xero's Parnell office in Auckland. It provides permanent, flexi and casual plans and can operate as an event or meeting space, with dedicated onsite community manager.

Revolut international expansion manager Will Manon-Heap says it chose Rewired as a coworking space because they could see it as becoming a flagship fintech space in New Zealand.

“It's important to us that when we enter new markets, we base ourselves right in the heart of that country's fintech ecosystem. We also work with Xero in multiple markets, so it's great to be associated with Xero in the place it all started - New Zealand,” Manon-Heap explains.

Futrli global VP of marketing Kate Freeman notes that Futrli has been working with Xero for a number of years and says the new move is the start of ‘something great'.

“The success of our latest funding round has enabled us to invest further into platform development and innovation, and commit to market expansion. We have just hired our first NZ employee who will be based in Rewired. It's hugely exciting to be expanding into the NZ market, and we look forward to doing it alongside Xero and the broader ecosystem community."

GoCardless head of global small business partnerships Rachel Astall says her team is also thrilled about joining Xero and app ecosystem partners Futrli and Revolut.

“Our global partnership with Xero has gone from strength to strength this year – sitting alongside each other here will help us to stay aligned in our mission to solve late payment problems for small businesses, in New Zealand and beyond.

Buisson adds that Xero started life as a Kiwi startup and has grown tremendously.

“Now we are entering our teenage years it's exciting to be in a position to give back to NZ Inc. by bringing companies who are offering new and exciting services to small businesses, to our shores.

“Rewired is a home for small businesses with global ambition, as well as international tech focused startups who want to expand in New Zealand. I'm thrilled we are able to support and bring together people who are creating the future.