Rowan Simpson

Rowan Simpson

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Rowan Simpson is a prominent New Zealand entrepreneur best known for his role as a co-founder of Trade Me, the country's largest online marketplace. With a background in technology and business, he has become an influential figure in the startup community, often sharing his insights on entrepreneurship and investment. Simpson advocates for a customer-centric approach in business, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problems faced by users rather than focusing solely on technology. His experiences, including memorable missteps during Trade Me's rapid growth, have made him a sought-after speaker and mentor for emerging founders.

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Recent news mentions

Rowan Simpson is a serial entrepreneur who spoke about the need for more contributors to grow New Zealand companies.

Dynamic Business: NZ tech sector at turning point as start-ups drive fragile recovery
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-12-09
7.0

Rowan Simpson is an early investor in Xero who also supported Atomic financially.

Atomic set to blast into Australia, UK as Rod Drury fuels it with more funds
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-04-24
6.0

Rowan Simpson suggests we are too hung up on fostering innovation and picking winners.

Are we too focused on fostering innovation in science?
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-02-27
7.0
Also mentioned
Sir Paul Callaghan
Sir Paul Callaghan

Rowan Simpson is a local startup founder who commented critically on the NZVIF-Valar deal.

US billionaire Peter Thiel winds down NZ business interests, deregisters Valar Ventures
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-02-24
5.0

Rowan Simpson shares advice for founders on how to approach investors and the importance of understanding customer needs.

Watch: Rowan Simpson’s Three ways to be wrong
The New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New ZealandNew Zealand· 2025-02-22
8.0
Also mentioned
Corin Dann
Corin Dann
Chris Keall
Chris Keall