FundAKiwi predicts that equity crowdfunding is going to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape in New Zealand and they want the site leading the way. Everyday Kiwi investors are not able to invest in local businesses and access investments which were previously only available to venture capital firms and high net-worth individuals. Founded by Clive Fernandes, Dan Gotlieb and Tamir Kremener the three bring diverse experience to the company. Gotlieb and Kremener are experienced angel investors with their last successful exit being SweetIM that was acquired by Perion Network for approximately $41 million.
As part of their introduction of equity crowdfunding to New Zealand entrepreneurs and investors, Fundakiwi is hosting a nationwide competition, in which entrepreneurs can win more than $10,000 worth of services from a variety of prize partners. These services will help budding entrepreneurs build and promote a real equity crowdfunding campaign once new legislation allows it and to potentially raise up to $2 million for their dream startup.
The grand prize includes free office space from ColabNZ and a professional campaign video by Auckland videographer Joey De Guzman. Among other essential services being sponsored by Fundakiwi’s partners are the setup of a crowdfunding campaign by Multitude and prototyping services by Dunedin-based 3D printing company, Transcendent. Fundakiwi will also provide the winning entrepreneurs a complete set of financial forecasts for their business – courtesy of EdgeFF, the only financial forecasting automatically pre-approved by Crowdcube.com – the UK’s largest equity crowdfunding platform.
“This competition offers entrepreneurs the chance to both get their idea validated by potential customers and to get visibility for their startup in front of potential investors,” said Clive Fernandes, Managing Director of Crowdfunding NZ.
“More valuable than the $10,000 worth of prizes offered for the winning campaign, is the first-mover exposure to potential investors and the opportunity to be one of the first companies in New Zealand to be crowdfunded.”
The competition is open for entries from now until 25 March.