Innovation Heroes: Toni Moyes, 8i

You’ve been an advisor, analyst and solicitor. How did you end up COO of 8i?

Well, it was through my work in micro-economic policy. I became really fascinated with what kind firm could be really transformative to the New Zealand economy and raise productivity and, in that capacity, what could I do in my current job to help make more of that happen. And through that process I came to meet an entrepreneur named Linc Gasking and talked to him about all sorts of ideas that he had for companies. I became quite fascinated with his experience in start-up eco-systems. It was through getting to know Linc that, when he started 8i together with Eugene d’Eon, he invited me to come and spend time with him and really be a part of it. So I just had the opportunity when the company was first founded to kind of hang out and help. In fact Linc called me one night and said ‘Hey Toni, we’ve started this amazing VR company. Come over!’ At 10 pm on a Tuesday. And I said ‘Now?’ and he said ‘Yes, now!’ and I went.