Kiwi start-ups invited to pitch to Chinese Angel Investors

1 August 2016

Kiwi start-ups invited to pitch to Chinese Angel Investors

It can often be a struggle for New Zealand start-ups to find the right partners and raise finance that can turn a business idea into a reality. However, a unique gateway has now opened for Kiwi businesses to access angel investment, manufacturing and distribution opportunities in China.

New Zealand based company FunderTech.com has forged a relationship with a Chinese investor club with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Chengdu. The relationship provides the opportunity for 5-8 businesses a month from around the world to pitch in front of a selected group of 500-800 Chinese Angel Investors. Kiwi start-ups also get the opportunity to meet visiting venture capitalists who present at the summit each month.

FunderTech.com Company Founder Rob Thomas says that "New Zealand is a hot-bed for testing great ideas but often lacks access to global capital and consumer markets. China is currently a wash with cash and is looking abroad for venture capital investment opportunities.”

According to Fortune Magazine, in 2016 China had raised US$338billion to invest in start-up businesses. These are 780 funds making China the biggest pool of start-up investment in the world. According to Bain and China Merchants Bank China’s population of high net worth individuals of more than US$1.6 million has more than doubled since 2010. Of those surveyed 36 percent said they expected to increase their investments in "innovative" sectors.

Mr Thomas believes that many Chinese Angel Investors are looking for emerging market products in agricultural technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, education technology, SaaS and Health technology.

Mr Thomas said "Anyone can have a good idea but a true innovation is one that is adopted and becomes the benchmark for that industry."

With just a few start-up businesses selected each month to present at the China Global Investment Summit there is a pre-application process to match with prospective partners. The ideal startup businesses has developed a working prototype and/or have early stage sales, validated market research and an exit strategy.

In the past many western companies have had concerns about China’s enforcement of international intellectual property rights and Mr Thomas believes that this is not far from the truth. Mr Thomas knows of many companies who have had long-term success in China where their product could not be duplicated. He believes that many technologies have long development lead-times and entering China is also about first mover advantage and growing rapid global market share.

Mr Thomas said “Our doors are open to anyone wanting to have a chat. China is an amazing place full of opportunities and we want to provide kiwi businesses with an easy, reliable and affordable way to access the market.”

If selected to present, FunderTech charges a nominal fee to attend the investor summit which includes flights, visa, accommodation, visitor experience, conference registration, translating materials and the opportunity to pitch your idea. Start-ups can contact www.fundertech.comto findout more.

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