Tech founder, board chair and investor

Overview

Mike Jenkins is one of New Zealand's most respected technology founders and a leading board chair. The founder and former CEO of The Instillery, the Auckland cloud and security firm he grew from start-up to $44m of annual revenue in seven years, Mike now chairs and invests in some of the country's most ambitious technology and AI businesses from his home in Waikato.

Who is Mike Jenkins? Mike grew up in the early Computerland era of NZ tech in the Waikato. He founded The Instillery in 2013 as a client-centred cloud and security partner, leading it to become a leading provider for NZ Rugby, NZTA, TSB Bank and several DHBs. Today he chairs Aware Group and Be Intelligent, mentors tech companies through Native Data and supports kaupapa including Kōkiri, the Māori startup accelerator.

Career Highlights • Founder and former CEO of The Instillery, growing it to $44m revenue in 7 years • Chair of Aware Group, Aotearoa's leader in enterprise AI adoption • Trustee board member of Tū Ātea (formerly the Māori Spectrum Commission) • 2020 CEO of the Year, Westpac Waikato Business Awards • 2016 Emerging ICT Leader of the Year, NZ CIO Awards • Mentor and investor through Native Data's venture lab

Key Speaking Themes • Building and scaling a New Zealand technology business • Enterprise AI adoption and the future of work • Cloud, security and digital resilience • Founders, governance and the move into the boardroom • Supporting Māori tech, regional economies and emerging talent

What Your Audience Will Gain Mike combines deep operator experience with a generous, collaborative leadership style. Audiences leave with sharper insight on AI, cloud, governance and what it really takes to build a tech business that lasts.

Ideal For • Technology and AI conferences • Founder, start-up and scale-up events • Board and governance forums • Regional economic and Māori business events • Leadership summits and strategy days

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Mike Jenkins speak about? Building tech businesses, enterprise AI, cloud and security, governance and supporting Māori and regional tech ecosystems.

What is The Instillery? The Auckland-based cloud and security technology firm Mike founded in 2013 and led to $44 million in annual revenue within seven years.

What governance roles does Mike Jenkins hold? He chairs Aware Group and Be Intelligent, sits on the Tū Ātea board and is a trustee of Elevating Aotearoa's Future.

What awards has Mike Jenkins won? 2020 Westpac Waikato Business Awards CEO of the Year and 2016 NZ CIO Awards Emerging ICT Leader of the Year.

Where is Mike Jenkins based? Mike is based in Tamahere in the Waikato and works with technology businesses across New Zealand and internationally.
Is Mike Jenkins available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Mike is regularly booked as a keynote speaker, panellist and MC at tech, AI, leadership and Māori business events.