Women Entrepreneurs Fund Winner – Michelle Chim
- May 7
- 2 min read
Back to Basics: Michelle Chim’s "Papercup" Phone
In 2022, Joy Shivas turned her vision for a more diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem into reality. Her Women Entrepreneurs Fund, supported by Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation, is an endowment fund that continues to grow, supporting female business founders year after year. Now, thanks to Joy’s generosity, three more extraordinary women have been given a lifeline.
Speaking of lines, Michelle Chim, one of our latest grant recipients, has co-developed a safe, home landline for kids. Papercup is a dedicated phone with parental controls that allows children to call family and friends, without needing a smartphone.
With debates around online harm and social media regulation dominating headlines, parents are often stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to equipping their kids. Papercup fills the gap between “no phone at all” and “here’s a smartphone” for young children in New Zealand. It’s a simple solution for families who want their kids to be reachable and connected without handing over a device that promises internet access, apps, and unlimited screen time.
It’s a proper phone, with real buttons and a cord, designed for kids to safely and confidently talk to their friends and whānau (just like the good old days!). Parents and caregivers have full visibility and control over who their child can contact, and when, through a simple parent portal compatible with any device.
Michelle says she and her husband have been burning the midnight oil over the past year, building Papercup into a complete working phone service while raising their toddler. The $10,000 grant to support their day-to-day costs was “very unexpected.”
“I’m very grateful for it. It’s nice not to have that financial pressure of trying to do everything all at the same time [...] I can now spend my evenings creating content or preparing emails for Papercup’s launch into the world.”
She adds that the most meaningful validation yet has come from their co-founder’s two children, who have been testing the product at home. They call their dad on his way home from work, grandparents in different cities, and friends to arrange playdates. They’re having real conversations, connecting with loved ones, and developing language and social skills, without a screen getting in the way.
Papercup is setting an example for smart, future-focused design, with just the right amount of nostalgia. As always, we’re proud to stand behind it.
Congratulations, Michelle!
