This week on The Business of Tech podcast, we unpack the sixth annual 2degrees Shaping Business Study, a barometer for the mood and ambitions of Kiwi business leaders as we hit the midpoint of 2025. 

The headline? Optimism is back, at its highest level since the research began, with more New Zealand companies describing themselves as thriving rather than just surviving.

Optimism on the rise

After years of economic turbulence, the study finds that over half of businesses anticipate revenue growth in the coming year. As Mark Callander, CEO of 2degrees, told me on the podcast, given the “survive to 2025” mantra that coloured our thinking last year, it’s little surprise that 45% of them are feeling more optimistic this year.

“What’s more encouraging is that a lot of those businesses deem themselves to be more productive,” he said. 

“Many of them have launched a new product or service in the last 12 months. And again, off the back of that, the intention around investing in business development, sales and marketing is also increasing. 

“So, some really positive indicators in terms of the way businesses are feeling. And I think it’s a great outlook to move from surviving to thriving towards the second half of this year.”

Register to download the 2025 2degrees Shaping Business Study.

This week on The Business of Tech podcast, we unpack the sixth annual <a href="https://www.2degrees.nz/business/shaping-business-study?srsltid=AfmBOorixu600BNgn0cWD2SOPpIfbSQi9bxi7BSkoyjj7yshE0xddKKW">2degrees Shaping Business Study</a>, a barometer for the mood and ambitions of Kiwi business leaders as we hit the midpoint of 2025.&nbsp;
The headline? Optimism is back, at its highest level since the research began, with more New Zealand companies describing themselves as thriving rather than just surviving.
Optimism on the rise
After years of economic turbulence, the study finds that over half of businesses anticipate revenue growth in the coming year. As Mark Callander, CEO of 2degrees, told me on the podcast, given the &ldquo;survive to 2025&rdquo; mantra that coloured our thinking last year, it&rsquo;s little surprise that 45% of them are feeling more optimistic this year.
&ldquo;What&rsquo;s more encouraging is that a lot of those businesses deem themselves to be more productive,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Many of them have launched a new product or service in the last 12 months. And again, off the back of that, the intention around investing in business development, sales and marketing is also increasing.&nbsp;
&ldquo;So, some really positive indicators in terms of the way businesses are feeling. And I think it&rsquo;s a great outlook to move from surviving to thriving towards the second half of this year.&rdquo;
Register to download the <a href="https://www.2degrees.nz/business/shaping-business-study?srsltid=AfmBOorixu600BNgn0cWD2SOPpIfbSQi9bxi7BSkoyjj7yshE0xddKKW">2025 2degrees Shaping Business Study</a>.

The Business of Tech, hosted by leading tech journalist Peter Griffin. Every week they take a deep dive into emerging technology and news from the sector to help guide the important decisions all Business leaders make.

Issues such as cybersecurity, retaining trust after a cyberattack, business IT needs, purchasing SaaS tools and more.

New Episodes out every Thursday. Follow or subscribe to get it delivered straight to your favourite podcatcher.

@petergnz

@businessdesk_nz

Proudly sponsored by 2degrees Business!

 

The Business of Tech, hosted by leading tech journalist Peter Griffin. Every week they take a deep dive into emerging technology and news from the sector to help guide the important decisions all Business leaders make.
Issues such as cybersecurity, retaining trust after a cyberattack, business IT needs, purchasing SaaS tools and more.
New Episodes out every Thursday. Follow or subscribe to get it delivered straight to your favourite podcatcher.
@petergnz
@businessdesk_nz
Proudly sponsored by 2degrees Business!
&nbsp;

The Business of Tech

Kiwi businesses shift gears: Optimism, innovation, and ambitions for growth

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5598ff8a-172b-4ee0-81d0-b30600a6d305/transcript

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