Developing tomorrow’s leaders today.

The Program

Every calendar year we enable top tech sector talent to begin their governance journey through quarterly training course modules on governance fundamentals, and a startup Board Observer role.

 
 

Quarterly Training Course Modules

Throughout the program, candidates receive structured governance training course modules, covering key fundamentals and some finer startup governance details.​

The half day workshops are delivered by leaders in their field. Our curriculum includes: 

  1. An Introduction to Startup Governance - The Angel Association

  2. Finance for Governance - The Institute of Directors 

  3. Capital Raising - New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and DLA Piper 

  4. Special topic: ESG in Governance - Sydney Straver, BLOOM

 

Hands-on Board Experience

Successful candidates are paired with a Host Board for one year of practical governance experience and mentorship. The position is legally an ‘Observer’ role, but this doesn’t mean you are on the sideline! 

OnBoard works closely with directors, founders, and investors to identify suitable Observer roles. Our Host Boards are:

  • Passionate about nurturing the next generation of independent board directors.

  • Keen to create value through thought diversity.

  • Welcoming of new expertise in a relevant vertical, sector or subject matter.

  • Blackbird Ventures Logo
  • Bridgewest Ventures Logo
  • Global From Day One VC - Logo
  • Matu Fund Logo
  • Motion Capital Logo
  • Movac VC Fund Logo
  • Nuance Capital Logo
  • Pacific Channel Fund
  • Punakaiki Fund Logo
  • WNT Ventures Logo

Applications

Are you ready to begin your governance journey? Applications for our 2025 cohort have now closed. If you are interested in applying for the 2026 cohort, please read the information on this page first, and keep an eye out for announcements on our LinkedIn page.

Here’s the process:

  1. Submit your application - currently closed.

  2. Applications close - Monday 23th September 2024

  3. Your application will be reviewed by the OnBoard team in October

  4. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the potential Host Board to organise an interview in November

  5. The 2025 program commences in April 2025

  6. Unsuccessful individuals will be notified by the end of February (at the latest)

Please note OnBoard is a community initiative where the cost for each individual is largely funded by our sponsors. However, if you do get accepted, there is a one-off fee of $499 + GST fee to help cover running costs. If you’d like to pay in instalments or have problems covering the cost, please let us know.

 

What We Look For

  • A passion for technology. You live and breathe it, and most likely have experience in the sector. 

  • Ambitious, high potential talent. You have the edge to learn and grow fast, and to lead others.

  • Technical, functional or subject matter expertise. 

  • Strong sector knowledge and/or relevant network.

  • Beginning your governance journey is a key personal goal.

  • Committed to dedicate around 8 hours per month, over 12 months. 

We’re not looking for your university credentials, CV, prior governance experience, or to hear who you know.

 

Traits We Rate

Do you have the potential to go further?

  • Selflessly Motivated - You spend time to create value for others, not only yourself. This program is not a notch in the belt for you.

  • Curious - You are keen to seek out new experiences and knowledge. You are adaptable - open to feedback, learning and change.

  • Insightful - You have the ability to gather insights and make sense of threats and opportunities.

  • Engaging - You have the knack at using emotion and logic to persuade and connect with people.

  • Determined - You have the wherewithal to fight for difficult goals, despite setbacks, and to bounce back from adversity.