Derek Elley

Derek Elley has extensive work experience in digital product and marketing. Derek began their career in 1995 as Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Long White Cloud, introducing the Internet to New Zealand by launching a website-builder SaaS product. In 2000, they Co-Founded and served as Chief Executive of First Rate, New Zealand's largest and fastest growing digital marketing agency. Derek also served as a Marketing Consultant for Advantage Group's EFTPOS and Viatx divisions, creating product marketing strategies and launching beta customer programs. In 2002, they Co-Founded and served as Chief Executive of Calcium Software, New Zealand's first email branding SaaS. Derek also Co-Founded and served as Chief Executive of Sparkbox Ventures, New Zealand's first angel investment company. In 2004, they served as a Digital Product and Marketing Consultant for iSERVE, New Zealand's most popular web hosting service, raising co-marketing funds with Microsoft and launching NZ's first e-commerce configurator for website server hosting. In 2006, they Co-Founded and served as Investor and Director of Celsias, an online business guide for environmental sustainability. Finally, in 2007, they Co-Founded and served as Chief Executive, Investor, and Director of Ponoko, the world's first digital hardware CAD-to-manufacture-to-market platform. In this role, they raised first capital, recruited a team and marketing manager, and grew the platform from 0 to 160,000+ unique visitors per month.

Derek Elley attended Nelson College and Wellington College from 1985-1989. Derek then attended Victoria University of Wellington from 1990-1994, where they obtained a BCA in Marketing and Finance. In 1995, they obtained a NZOIA Guiding Certification from the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association. Derek also attended Victoria University of Wellington from 1990-1997, where they obtained an LLB in Law.