At Grow Wellington we know investment is absolutely vital for world changing businesses. So we have made it our business to know where capital for growth can be sourced.  Our database of investors spans foreign investment, private equity, venture capital, angel and ‘proof of concept’ funders.

The Wellington region’s angel investment network, Angel HQ, has now been operating for nearly two years. Angel HQ connects mainly Wellington based, high net worth, investors with the most exciting and dynamic of our early stage companies.

Angel investors are high net-worth individuals who provide seed capital for start-up businesses, usually in exchange for equity. They also bring business skills, connections and other forms of assistance.

The club has over 25 active members and has held six investment evenings since its inception. Enquiries have been fielded from almost 140 opportunities across the region, from which 20 companies have been selected to present to the club. Four deals have been done and others are currently under negotiation.

We have been delighted with the support we are receiving from the region’s wider community too. This is reflected in the membership of Angel HQ’s Establishment Board which is chaired by Phillip Meyer and includes Sam Knowles, Kiwibank CEO, Dion Mortensen of Movac, Simon Holdsworth from Datacom and Bruno Bordignon, a partner at Duncan Cotterill Law Firm. Sponsorship and wider professional advice and support from Deloitte, PWC, Gibson Sheat law firm and the BNZ has contributed to a strong club foundation.

Seed Co-investment accreditation which will see Angel HQ deals receive New Zealand Venture Investment funding is nearing completion.  Grow Wellington is also represented on the NZ Angel Capital Association Council, which provides benefits to our deals through access to the wider New Zealand angel network and deal syndication.

Beyond angel funds, we have developed good working relationships with the Wellington based venture capital providers. Venture capital usually funds deals of between $2m and $10. We recognise however that at this level other New Zealand based VC funds will also want to know about good deals so our reach and relationship building has reaches nationally and internationally.

Underpinning all this is the requirement for businesses to be "investment ready" rather than simply "investment needy" so we are always available to help with advice, contacts and other resources to help businesses understand the difference between selling their product or service and selling a business opportunity to a potential investor.
 

For more information about becoming an AngelHQ club member click here to download an application form. Further information on the process and expectations of becoming a member are available here.