IT Leaders Confirmed For New Zealand Forum

News that three of the world’s technology giants will take part in an IT Investment Forum in Auckland on 14 February has buoyed the New Zealand IT industry.

The forum, being held at the AMEX Cup Village, is expected to be the most significant gathering of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Supported by Trade New Zealand and IT Investment Network Limited, the forum will bring together IT entrepreneurs and investors, with the aim of helping New Zealand’s IT sector raise its profile and gain capital for growth.

Trade New Zealand Millennium Projects Manager Paul Voigt says that IT leaders Jim Clark, Tom Perkins and John Sculley have been confirmed as key speakers for the event dinner.

“We’re thrilled that they have said yes to being involved – all three are regarded as visionaries in their fields, with their opinions widely sought and valued. Their interest in the event could be of immense long-term benefit to the New Zealand IT sector,” he says.

Jim Clark is the founder and chairman of the board of myCFO. Previously, he founded Silicon Graphics, Netscape Communications Corp and the Healtheon Corporation.

Tom Perkins is the founder of San Francisco-based firm Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield & Byers, the most significant technology venture capital company in Silicon Valley and the US.

John Sculley is the founder of venture capitalist Sculley Brothers and former Chief Executive and Chairman of Apple. Prior to joining Apple, he was President and CEO of PepsiCo.

Paul Voigt says the event will offer New Zealand IT entrepreneurs an unparalleled opportunity to network with key influencers and decision-makers.

“Beyond the opportunity of building relationships with other New Zealand technology organisations, participants will have the opportunity to listen and meet some of the world’s leading IT entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.”

Trade New Zealand and IT Investment Network Limited worked closely with a group of New Zealand technology experts to develop an event that will help raise the profile of the industry and create opportunities for growth.

“A number of key IT figures will be in New Zealand for the America’s Cup and Millennium Cup super yacht race, and we saw this an ideal time to introduce them to the investment opportunities that New Zealand’s dynamic high tech sector has to offer,” says Paul Voigt.

Trade New Zealand is supporting the event as part of its overarching strategy to attract investment that will help grow New Zealand’s wealth.

While the technology sector’s export advantage lies in its ability to innovate, the industry needs capital, R&D funding and key connections to retain an innovative edge and grow.

The IT Forum on 14 February will begin at noon with a series of presentations and demonstrations in the Cup Village chalets, with the aim of showcasing New Zealand’s IT sector and creating an environment where valuable contacts can be established and renewed.

The evening session will begin at 6.30pm, and will involve panel discussions as well as addresses from the three keynote speakers.

Paul Voigt says that Trade New Zealand applauds the collaborative approach that the technology sector has taken to boost its profile and growth, and hopes that it can work with the industry on similar initiatives in the future.

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