Creative HQ & Salamander Advisory partner for startup support

Salamander Advisory and Creative HQ have entered into an exclusive partnership to offer essential post-acceleration support for high-potential B2B technology startups.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between early-stage startup enthusiasm and the operational maturity required for sustainable growth. By combining Creative HQ's accelerator expertise with Salamander Advisory's hands-on, operational support, the two organisations will empower startups with the strategic guidance and resources needed to scale successfully in the global marketplace.

Creative HQ, a renowned startup accelerator in New Zealand, will refer selected graduates from its programs to Salamander Advisory for tailored, subscription-based assistance. Salamander's services focus on the practical and operational needs of scaling startups, including fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) support, investor readiness, go-to-market strategies, and operational scaling. These services are designed to guide startups from the initial phases of growth into more structured and disciplined execution, ultimately preparing them for expansion into international markets.

Colm Kearney, General Manager of Startups at Creative HQ, explained that the partnership will go beyond a traditional referral pipeline, focusing on co-developing content and building operational frameworks. The goal is to help founders transform their ideas into investor-ready, sustainable businesses. "The partnership with Salamander Advisory brings the right mix of structure and strategy to support our founders as they scale," Kearney said.

Bill Padfield, Co-founder of Salamander Advisory, highlighted the critical stage many startups face after their initial fundraising rounds. "While founders often emerge from accelerators with energy and investor-ready business plans, they still need structure and execution discipline to succeed at scale," Padfield said. Salamander Advisory's approach, which leverages the experience of over 50 professionals from diverse operational backgrounds, aims to provide this missing element by offering practical, real-world solutions.

The advisory firm's services are designed to address common challenges that startups face when transitioning from seed funding to Series B. These challenges often include managing cash burn, improving sales execution, and aligning the company's operations with long-term growth objectives. By focusing on the operational side of the business, Salamander helps startups build investor confidence through rigorous financial controls, repeatable sales models, and clear progress toward revenue milestones.

The partnership will also focus on international expansion, with Salamander's global team offering expertise to support startups in navigating new markets. The goal is to help startups scale internationally while maintaining operational discipline and avoiding common pitfalls associated with rapid growth. "Startups don't die from lack of growth; they die from poor control during growth," Padfield explained.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to startup success, providing a comprehensive support system that goes beyond traditional consulting services. By leveraging the strengths of both Creative HQ and Salamander Advisory, the collaboration ensures that startups are prepared for global expansion and positioned for long-term success in an increasingly competitive business environment.