What is the Moodi Female Founder Fund?
As the founder of Moodi, Kate Gatfield-Jeffries knows how hard it is to get an idea off the ground - and how much the right support at the right time can change everything.
The Moodi Female Founder Fund is a $15,000 cash grant for early-stage female founders across New Zealand and Australia. We don't take equity. We don't ask for anything in return. We just want to back women who are building something they believe in.
How is the $15,000 distributed?
There are four recipients:
Selected by a judging panel based on business vision, traction to date, and potential for growth.
Two runners-up selected by the same judging panel who stood out from the applicant pool.
After the top three are chosen, up to five finalists are put to a public vote. The applicant with the most votes wins.
Are you eligible?
The Moodi Female Founder Fund is for founders who:
How to apply
-
Check the criteria
Make sure you're eligible and understand what we're looking for. -
Submit your application
Tell us about you, your business, and what you'd do with the grant. It should take less than an hour. -
We review applications
All submissions are reviewed, and shortlisted applicants may be asked to share further information. -
We notify the recipient(s)
The Fund recipient(s) are notified via private email. -
We announce the recipient(s)
The Fund recipient(s) are announced via LinkedIn, potential media channels, and celebrated with the Moodi community.
Meet our past recipients
The Fund launched in 2025 and has supported founders across consumer goods, fintech and healthcare.
1st place
Hannah Killgour
What the business is: Māori-designed clothing and essentials that bring Te Ao Māori into everyday life for pēpi, tamariki, and whānau.
What the fund was used for: Scaling inventory and switching to sea freight to improve margins as the business grew.
“Winning the grant didn't just allow us to grow our business into sea shipping - it gave me the confidence to believe that our business could truly succeed, and that I could too. Having someone like Kate believe in me has been one of the biggest blessings for myself and my whānau.”
2nd= place
Lucy Kough
What the business is: A fintech platform that turns everyday spending into superannuation contributions, helping women close the 28% retirement savings gap.
What the fund was used for: Covering legal costs to navigate the highly regulated fintech space.
“The Moodi grant 2025 gave me the belief that anything was possible. At a time I was running low on energy and resources, Kate’s kindness, faith and incredible network not only opened doors, but allowed me to dream bigger and back myself 100%.”
2nd= place
Grace Toombs
What the business is: Australia's first at-home cervical cancer and STI screening service, making women's health testing stigma-free and accessible.
What the fund was used for: Funding bold marketing campaigns to reach more women.
“Kate was the first person to truly believe in the June mission, and that early conviction meant everything. The Moodi Grant gave me the confidence and resources to move from cautious experimentation into intentional, data-driven marketing, allowing me to test and scale campaigns I would have previously avoided. It shifted my mindset around risk and make bolder decisions that are accelerating June’s growth.”
Got questions?
We've got your most common questions covered. View the full Terms & Conditions for more information or contact us at hey@moodiblends.com.
Applications open 10am NZT 9th April 2026 and close 11.59pm NZT 24th May 2026. We announce winners via emails and socials – sign up and follow us to stay in the loop.
The Fund for 2026 is $15,000 NZD across four recipients:
- 1st place - $8,000
- 2nd place (x2 winners) - $2,500
- People’s choice winner - $2,000
Note: all amounts are in NZD.
Yes! All applicants who have not been recipients previously can apply.
Any type business in any industry that meets the applicant requirements and is solving an interesting problem or has a purposeful mission.
We are looking for founders or co-founders who are building a business in the early stages, and have launched with an idea they're serious about bringing to life.
You'll receive a confirmation that we've received your application.
Shortlisted applicants will hear from us by mid-June 2026. This will consist of Moodi’s three selected winners, as well as anyone shortlisted for the People’s Choice voting.
Once Moodi has selected our top three, we will select a top 5 to put to a People’s Choice vote. Voting will take place over the course of one week, and the People’s Choice winner will be announced along with the Moodi winners before 30th June 2026.
Ready to back yourself?
Applications take less than an hour. If you’re building something you believe in, leave the imposter syndrome at the door — we’d love to hear from you!
