Sacha Judd, Co-founder and COO of Lume Music, joins Startup Theatre to discuss the future of music, creator monetisation, and building a startup in one of the world’s toughest industries. We explore why the traditional music industry model is failing independent artists, how streaming platforms changed the economics of music, and why creator-owned communities could become the future. Sacha shares the story behind Lume Music and the company’s mission to help artists grow audiences, connect directly with fans, and build sustainable careers. Topics include: Music-tech startups Creator monetisation AI and the future of music Independent artists and streaming platforms Startup growth and entrepreneurship Fan communities and creator ownership Building disruptive technology businesses Hosted by Troy Hammond and Adrienne Muir on Startup Theatre.
Why New Zealand is Falling Behind
06/05/2026 | 1h 23 mins.
Jamie Beaton, founder of Crimson Education, joins Startup Theatre for a wide-ranging conversation on ambition, AI, education, startups, and the future of New Zealand. Jamie shares his journey from New Zealand student to Harvard and Yale, building Crimson Education into a global company, and why elite universities still matter in an AI-driven world. We discuss: Why top universities are becoming more competitive AI’s impact on careers and education Whether SaaS is dead Why New Zealand struggles with ambition Charter schools and fixing education Debate, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking The future of startups and talent in NZ Free speech and modern universities What parents should focus on right now One of the most intellectually honest and thought-provoking Startup Theatre episodes yet. Hosted by Troy Hammond and Serge Van Dam.
$2.8B in Insurance claims were denied last year: My AI is fixing it.
16/04/2026 | 1h 21 mins.
In this episode of Startup Theatre, Troy Hammond and Serge Van Dam sit down with Simon Archer, founder of PolicyCheck, to unpack one of the biggest untapped problems in global fintech: understanding insurance. Simon shares the story behind leaving a successful corporate career to build in the AI era, driven by a simple but powerful realisation. He had already missed one major wave and wasn’t going to miss the next. The conversation moves beyond the typical startup narrative into something more grounded. What actually happens when you leave corporate? Why most founders aren’t prepared, no matter how much theory they consume, and how building with AI is fundamentally changing how companies are created. At the core of the episode is a problem most people have experienced but rarely question. Insurance is a promise, yet billions in claims are denied each year because people don’t fully understand what they’ve signed up for . PolicyCheck is taking a data-first approach to fix that. They also get into: Why workflow products are becoming obsolete and data is the real opportunity The shift to lean teams and shared product ownership Building in New Zealand versus Australia The reality of incubators in an AI-first world What it actually takes to build a globally relevant company from NZ This is a conversation about timing, conviction, and solving problems that genuinely matter. Links: PolicyCheck: https://policycheck.com Simon Archer: https://linkedin.com/in/simonarcher
Software Engineering is DEAD: This is what replaces you.
01/04/2026 | 1h 29 mins.
Is software engineering already dead? In this episode of Startup Theatre, Troy & Serge sit down with Nik Wakelin the co-founder of Sterling. They unpack what AI is actually doing to engineering, startups, and how work gets done. This isn’t the usual “AI will replace everyone” narrative. Nik breaks down why we’re not seeing job collapse — we’re seeing something far more important: task collapse. We get into: • why software engineering is already changing • what “task collapse” actually means • why highly capable people are still doing low-value work • how AI creates massive leverage for builders • why the best operators will get exponentially better • what founders and engineers should be doing right now If you’re in tech, building a startup, or thinking about how AI impacts your role, this episode will change how you think about the future of work. Startup Theatre explores the real shifts happening in startups, technology, and how companies are being built today. Checkout Sterling 👉🏻 https://histerling.com/
I Almost Lost Everything Building This Startup
25/03/2026 | 1h 1 mins.
Building a startup isn’t what most people think. In this episode of Startup Theatre, Adrienne & Serge sit down with Martyn Bain to talk about the reality of building a global company from New Zealand — and the moments that nearly break you. From leaving corporate after a defining moment at home, to chasing international deals, to being days away from signing something that could have changed everything… only for it to fall apart. We get into: • the moment that pushed Martyn to leave corporate • why early customers say yes… but don’t commit • the brutal reality of enterprise sales • why “signed contracts” don’t mean what you think • how deals fall over at the last minute • what it actually takes to build and scale globally from NZ This is a raw look at the pressure, setbacks, and persistence behind building a real company. If you’re a founder, operator, or thinking about starting something, this episode will give you a far more honest picture of the journey. Startup Theatre explores the real stories behind startups — not just the wins, but everything in between.
Exploring the wins, challenges, & lessons from startups. Honest conversations, real insights, and everything in between.
Troy Hammond & Serge van Dam, with deep roots in the startup ecosystem in New Zealand and beyond, explore the world of startups, tech, markets, and media. They break down industry trends, uncover the realities of scaling companies, and share expert insights through candid conversations. Each episode features top founders, operators, investors, and innovators, offering lessons, perspectives, and stories from the frontlines of business and technology.
New Zealand