NZVIF Launches A Guide To Angel Investing In NZ

Media Release

NZVIF launches a guide to Angel Investing in New Zealand

The New Zealand Venture Investment Fund (NZVIF) today announced the launch of 'The Business of Angel Investing', a guide for people interested in becoming "angel investors" in early stage and high potential kiwi businesses.

"There are many New Zealanders who could potentially become angel investors, but who are not aware of the opportunities or how to go about it", said NZVIF Chief Executive Franceska Banga, "now those potential 'Angels' with money to invest have a comprehensive guide to help them."

An angel investor is an individual who provides capital and often expertise to early stage businesses. Angels typically invest their own capital, however a small but increasing number of angel investors are forming angel networks to share research and pool their investment capital.

The guide, developed by NZVIF with the assistance of experienced angels already active in the New Zealand market, is designed to help potential angels find their way into the market. Banga said the guide was developed as part of the NZVIF Seed Co-Investment Programme, a $40 million Government funded investment programme aimed at small to medium sized businesses with strong potential for high growth.

"The Programme provides Crown capital to support the further development of an earlystage investment market by matching private capital invested in the early seed and start-up stages of a business."

The key objectives of the Seed Co-Investment Fund are to encourage and enhance the development of angel investor networks, stimulate investment into innovative start-up companies, and increase capacity in the market for matching experienced angel investors with new, innovative start-up companies.

For more details on angel investing in New Zealand, or to request a copy of the Business of Angel Investing guide, go to www.nzvif.co.nz.
ENDS

Background on Seed Co-Investment Fund

In 2005, the Government added the $40 million Seed Co-Investment Fund to VIF's existing venture capital responsibilities. Combined with the matching seed funding of the new partners, this represents an enormous investment into the early stage sector.

The key objectives of the Seed Co-Investment Fund are to enhance the development of angel investor networks, stimulate investment into innovative start-up companies, and to increase capacity in the market for matching experienced angel investors with new, innovative start-up companies.

Any individuals or syndicates with investment experience and available capital, who have a record of business accomplishment in New Zealand, and who have a passion for fostering early stage business, should contact NZVIF to discuss the criteria for becoming a coinvestment partner.