CHQ graduation next week
On Tuesday DeNada, Star Now and Karactaz are graduating from CHQ. (We missed the cut off this year, but we’ll be good for next year.)
It great to see such great companies flourishing. They will join companies including Optimal Usability, Virtual Katy, Spikefin, Calcium Communications, Innaworks and SilverStripe as Creative HQ alumni.
Here are some information about the companies.
Star Now
With over 500,000 members worldwide and clients including the BBC, MTV and high-profile reality TV stars, chief executive Cameron Mehlhopt says StarNow.com has no intention of slowing down.
“StarNow.com gives talented entertainers like actors and models the chance to manage their own careers, be their own agent and sell their talent to casting agents and directors around the world,” he says.
“The UK is our main market, however we are expanding our local profile and planning to officially launch StarNow.com into the USA and Australia in the coming year.”
Karataz
Karactaz was founded by Dylan Coburn in 2002 to sell creative services, especially animation products and technology.
The company has received multiple international awards for television commercials and advertising campaigns, and has a strong and growing export market.
“We’re fast becoming a major player in global animation – original property development, production services and proprietary technology,” says Mr Coburn.
“Now we’re developing our own in-house software product ‘Karactaz Eclipse’ to transfer the techniques created for short-form work into long-form forms like television.”
De Nada
DeNada is the first fashion company to graduate from a New Zealand incubator.
Co-run by Nada Matthews and Stewart Island-based Jo Learmonth, deNada launched a new concept in fashion and retail with the opening of their Featherston Street store.
The collection of street-styled and urban garments in sizes 8-16 is extended to include off-the-shelf garments in curvy and tall, catering for different body shapes.
Jewellery, accessories, good coffee and a boutique selection of low-fi and café style music are available to listen to and buy.
It’s going to be a great party. Last year seeds of Summer of Code were planted… Who know’s what will happen this year ?!?!