KiwiNet News 12 September 2012

Investors gain early visibility into technologies from public research organisations

Auckland, New Zealand, 12 September 2012

Investors have an opportunity to gain early visibility into technologies being developed in universities and Crown Research Institutes at a workshop today. The investor engagement event run by KiwiNet, the Angel Association of New Zealand, ICE Angels, and Return On Science is designed to give local investors an opportunity to preview future investment opportunities while giving commercialisation professionals from around the country an opportunity to also develop their presentation skills.

A diverse range of projects including artificial muscle technologies, a new way to disinfect and purify water supplies (PEFT Cell), New Zealand Shortfin Eel Aquaculture, and a novel medical device for the accelerated healing of chronic wounds will be presented to a group of 20 investors from the Auckland region.

Dr Bram Smith the General Manager of KiwiNet says, "The workshop is a fantastic opportunity for investors who want to know more about the technologies being developed in public research organisations. Investors can express interest in projects early in the commercialisation process, get to know a technology before investing, or just provide advice around commercialisation strategy."

At the workshop commercialisation professionals will gain a better understanding of investor expectations and what motivates them. Attendees will have the opportunity to develop their presentation skills prior to pitching to investors.

Angel investor Ray Thomson, the chairman of the Angel Association of New Zealand Council and a member of the ICE Angels says, "By gaining early visibility into future investment opportunities we can really get to know the technologies and the people behind them. We can also provide feedback and advice that could help progress a technology to an investment ready proposition. This approach works for both the investor and those involved in the commercialisation."

Graham Scown, National Programme Manager, Return On Science says, "New Zealand punches above its weight in so many areas of the sporting world, and we all know that wouldn't happen without our inherent disciplined team based approach. That same team based approach is critical to the development of new companies from our world class research efforts. This workshop series is providing trusted environments where new teams can begin to form around amazing new technologies from New Zealand researchers, with early guidance and close involvement from the investment community."

The commercialisation and angel investment groups behind the forum are:

KiwiNet: The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a consortium of universities and Crown Research Institutes who are dedicated to taking a collaborative approach to research commercialisation. Founding KiwiNet members include Plant & Food Research, Otago Innovation Ltd, Lincoln University, AUT Enterprises, AgResearch, University of Canterbury, Industrial Research Ltd, Landcare, Viclink and WaikatoLink. Support is also provided by the Science + Innovation Group within the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).

NZ Angel Association: an organisation that aims to increase the quantity, quality and success of angel investments in New Zealand and in doing so create a greater pool of capital for innovative start-up companies.

The ICE Angels: an Auckland-based angel investment network that was founded by the ICEHOUSE business incubator in 2003 to connect high-potential start-up ventures with willing investors in order to support the success of emerging New Zealand companies. The ICE Angels has 110 members who have collectively invested more than $30 million in 37 companies over 70 rounds.

Return On Science: a national commercialisation programme launched by UniServices and technology incubators around the country that connects science with a world class commercialisation process, strategic management, top-tier advice, and efficient access to capital.

The Auckland KiwiNet Investor Engagement Event follows successful events held in Wellington in May and Tauranga in August. For more information see http://www.kiwinet.org.nz

For further information please contact:

Sandra Lukey
Shine Group
Phone: (03) 374 6753; Cell: +64 21 2262 858
Email: sandra@shinegroup.co.nz