The Story Behind MyMate

MyMate was born from a simple truth: families navigating disability support shouldn’t have to do it alone, in the dark, or starting from scratch.

As a parent of two children with special needs, our founder experienced firsthand the isolation, fragmentation, and overwhelming complexity of coordinating care, finding resources, and connecting with others who truly understand. Despite years working within New Zealand’s social support systems, the gap between what families need and what’s available remained vast.

MyMate exists to close that gap by creating a digital platform that empowers individuals with disabilities, supports their families and caregivers, and builds genuine community connection.

Ajit Kumar Nair, Founder & CEO
brings a unique combination of lived experience and deep professional expertise to MyMate:

Government & Social Services Experience:

  • 11+ years at New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development, providing direct financial and practical assistance to vulnerable and disabled people across New Zealand
  • 5+ years at New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, specializing in accessibility and user experience within public service systems, including special visa categories
  • Deep understanding of government accessibility standards, social impact frameworks, and the systemic challenges families face when navigating support systems

Design & Technology Expertise:

  • 30+ years in Graphic Design, Web Development & UI/UX Design
  • Human-centered design principles embedded throughout career
  • Expertise in creating accessible, inclusive digital experiences that work for diverse users
  • Technical capability to oversee platform development and ensure WCAG compliance from day one

This combination of lived experience as a parent, frontline government service delivery, and technical design expertise positions MyMate to build solutions that truly work for the disability community, not just well-intentioned tools that miss the mark

Our Approach

Purpose-Led Development

MyMate is being built with the disability community, not for them. Every feature, every design decision, and every partnership is guided by the lived experiences of families, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility First

Accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s foundational. MyMate is being designed to WCAG 2.1 AA standards from day one, ensuring the platform works for users with diverse abilities, assistive technologies, and access needs.

Lean & Strategic

MyMate takes a capital-efficient approach to development. Rather than building a large in-house team prematurely, we partner with specialized development agencies with proven expertise in accessible technology. This allows us to:

  • Reduce technical execution risk
  • Maintain high standards through proven expertise
  • Focus founder energy on product strategy, community engagement, and partnerships
  • Scale efficiently as we grow

 

Our Vision

We envision a future where:

  • Individuals with disabilities have the tools and connections they need to live more independently
  • Families and caregivers feel supported, informed, and connected to others who understand their journey
  • Communities are more inclusive, accessible, and equipped to support all members
  • Support systems work together seamlessly rather than in frustrating silos

MyMate is the platform we wish had existed when we needed it most. Now we’re building it for everyone who comes after.

Impact Beyond Technology

MyMate isn’t just an app, it’s a movement toward digital inclusion, caregiver wellbeing, and community equity. Every subscription contributes to measurable social impact:

  • Reduced isolation and improved mental health outcomes for families
  • Increased independence and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities
  • Better coordination between formal and informal support networks
  • Greater community participation and inclusion

By 2027, we aim to support 12,000 active users and 350 institutional partnerships across New Zealand, with a clear roadmap for international expansion.

Our Support Network

MyMate is proud to be currently in conversation alongside frontline disability service providers who share our vision for better-connected, more empowered communities:

NZCL (New Zealand Community Living)
Disability Support Services Provider

Spectrum Care
Disability Support Services provider

These partnerships provide sector insight, user validation, and pathways to pilot programs that will help us refine MyMate for real-world impact.