UCE Involvement
Summer Startup Programme 2017/18
Bootcamp 2017
Other
UCSA General Exec 2017
University of Canterbury Global Society (UCGS), Founder
What are you working on at UCE?
I am working on my company Kōrure, a health supplement made from specially extracted NZ Green lipped mussel oil to help with arthritis and joint pain.
Where did Kōrure start?
I was selling NZ health supplements, acting as a distributor when I came across the special extraction process. The patent ran out last year and not many people knew about the oil so I jumped at the opportunity.
Where is Kōrure now and how have you progressed by being in the UCE Summer Startup Programme?
Kōrure is operating and has a running website: www.korure.com. We are making pre-sales at the moment and will be doing our grand launch in March 2018.
What are your aspirations for Kōrure?
I want Kōrure to be a company that genuinely cares. There are so many companies that pump products out into the market to reduce cost and not care. We must remember that these products go inside our bodies. Hence, I want to make sure that it’s something of a high quality that has the same consistency that will give you good result every time.
How did you find the UCE Programme?
I think it’s the best thing I have done at university, and this means a lot as I have been part of many co-curricula activities. The UCE Programme is definitely a highlight for me. I am really interested in business and UCE is the best opportunity to network and make contacts. The support is great and really pushed me to reach to the next level. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to compete with big corporates, which is something I wouldn’t be able to do myself. I think UCE needs more support from the university because what they do is awesome!
How was the UCE Bootcamp?
The UCE Bootcamp was really challenging and rewarding at the same time. We were given one day to prepare a business pitch. It gave me a general idea of how to run a business, including pitching and gave me the connections I needed to get involved in the Summer Startup Programme, it all just worked out.
What is your most memorable moment this summer at UCE?
The people, and the staff, but to pick one event in particular would definitely be the final pitch; standing in front of 200 people and presenting my idea followed by the connections I made that evening.
What’s one you find interesting about being an entrepreneur?
Making the best out of an opportunity and choosing your own destiny. I also believe in, how much work you put in is what you get out.
What advice would you give to a student considering starting up their own venture?
1) Just do it. It’s so cliché but honestly, you just have to do it. 2) Actually go out there and get help, find someone to help and guide you. I always thought there was no help or support for someone like me but there always is, including UCE. 3) Be ready to grind and put in lots of time, be prepared to make your own destiny and work hard.
What are your plans for this year?
At the moment, I am working at an accounting firm, but would love to make my business into a full time job. I also want to generate a million-dollar revenue by the end of the year. I am also in the process of applying for Level 6, where I will take Kōrure to the next level.
And for the future?
I want to come back and inspire other entrepreneurs because the support I got at UCE was so valuable I would like to give back. Only if I’m successful of course!
Lastly, tell me a little bit about the UC club you founded and are now giving back to?
I founded the University of Canterbury Global Society (UCGS) with a vision to help international students to have a more diverse culture and feel welcome at UC and in NZ in general. ‘Bringing international and domestic students together’ is our motto. I am now giving back to UCGS with sponsorship through my company, Kōrure, to help them grow and hopefully make a difference in our community.
