TipJar
A digital payments platform for non-profits, events and market stalls.
The challenge
Cash is disappearing, but taking card payments still assumes you run a shop. For non-profits, event stalls and market-day sellers, transactions are too occasional to justify a card terminal with its contracts and monthly fees; yet every "sorry, cash only" moment is a lost donation or sale. After the idea won StartUp Weekend 2025, the challenge became turning a weekend-winning pitch into a real, working product; quickly, and without wasting the momentum.
Our approach
TipJar.nz was built with our MVP process: quick iterations focused on what matters, so the product gets tested and delivered quickly; without losing time or wasting resources on what doesn't.
The solution
Anyone can create a digital Jar and start collecting payments straight away — Apple Pay, Google Pay, and debit or credit cards. Every Jar comes with practical sharing tools: QR codes, shareable links, and printable posters for the stall table or event door. TipJar also includes its own self-service point of sale: set up a custom menu of the items or services you offer, get a real-time confirmation the moment someone pays, and tick each one off as it's provided.
The outcome
TipJar is live at tipjar.nz. Born from a winning idea at StartUp Weekend 2025, it went on to be selected by Venture Taranaki for the Power Up Accelerator Programme.
"It was helpful!! Most of our parents know to come prepared but there were a few that didn't so it was cool as the ATM in Okaura doesnt work anymore. I can only see this growing!!! It was easy, people loved it!! "
— Jane James - Chairperson for Friends of Oakura School