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Rowan Simpson

Guest writer

Rowan is a software developer and investor. He has been involved as an investor and employee in a number of iconic high-growth technology businesses in New Zealand, including Trade Me and Xero. He was one of the original investors in Vend and Timely, and continues to work closely with the founders of these businesses.

The Trade Me front page, shortly after launch

In the beginning, we had no idea: on the birth and growth of Trade Me

NZ's pioneering online auction site and marketplace has just marked 20 years with a staff reunion. Rowan Simpson went along, and it sparked some fascinating memories and reflections.

By Rowan Simpson | 8th May, 2019

The problem with the way government backs business in 2017

The problem with the way government backs business in 2017

Incubators, accelerators, grants, tax credits – there are a dizzying array of subsidies available for business. But we could make it all simpler and more effective both for government and industry, says technology investor Rowan Simpson.

By Rowan Simpson | 10th November, 2017

ZOLDER, BELGIUM – JULY 25: Sarah Walker #96 of New Zealand competes in the Women Elite qualifying motos during day 5 of the UCI BMX World Championships at on July 25, 2015 in Zolder, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Why start-ups should abandon the roller coaster and jump on a bike instead

Thick skin comes from scar tissue, and Sarah Walker, BMX pro, has more to teach us about early-stage businesses than an analogy that straps you into a fairground ride, writes Rowan Simpson

By Rowan Simpson | 30th May, 2016

The Flag: Rowan Simpson – “I Started the Red Peak Surge Because I Love the Silver Fern”

The Flag: Rowan Simpson – “I Started the Red Peak Surge Because I Love the Silver Fern”

Rowan Simpson, whose blog post sparked the Red Peak surge, pens a follow-up letter to John Key.

By Rowan Simpson | 13th September, 2015