Members New Zealand  

New Zealand Investment Network

Member's Area
Entrepreneur Investor
Forgot your password?
Remember me

Home
Entrepreneurs


Register Today
How it works
Entrepreneur FAQ
Our Rates
Premium Services
Our Refund Policy
Our Privacy Policy

Business Resources

Get Investor Ready
Useful Literature
Business Plan Tips


Investors
About Us
Testimonials
Twitter (New)
Linkedin
Facebook
Testimonials

"Your website is just fantastic. I have secured the funding I have been seeking for a long time."
Aryan Kayan, Spice N India


Business Plan Tips

What Investors Are Looking For In A Plan

Investors - whether angels or VCs - are looking for the same things when reading a business plan. They want to know how big the opportunity is, whether this is the right team to exploit the opportunity, who the competition is, what the risks are, and why they can expect this team to implement successfully. Your job in writing the business plan is to address these questions convincingly and clearly.

Emphasize Your Real Strengths

Highlight what your team brings to the table. If your business hinges on a particular competency (for example, understanding the procurement process), your plan will be more persuasive if you explain in your plan that of your team members knows has expertise in this area. Rather than including generic resumes of team members, tailor the resumes to draw out the experience each member has that will make him or her a valuable contributor.

Get To The Point And Make It Clear And Comprehensive

Investors read a lot of business plans. A 20-page plan which clearly lays out your business is far more likely to be read than a 100-page plan. Today, some entrepreneurs use a 15 slide Power Point presentation. If your text is short and punchy, you won't need to repeat yourself, because the reader won't be bogged down keeping ten chapters in their head. Reading the same thing over and over, even if it's worded differently, can get really tiring. If you try and be as precise and to the point as possible, people are more likely to want to read it.

Write In Plain English

If you can't explain your idea in clear and simple English, either you don't understand what you're talking about (”What is a transaction enabled atomic journaling database server, anyway?”) or you haven't simplified the idea enough. Think, revise, and try again.

Get Rid Of The Hype

Yes, we know you will be the “premier insert product category here of the Internet, achieving 99% market penetration with 60% customer retention in 3 months.” Your product will reach “new heights in customer experience through the use of personalization and one-to-one profiling and customization.” It will be “user friendly” because you will be creating a truly “ecstatic customer experience.” It is a “quantum leap forward” in the marketplace for product category here. Um, yeah. Believe me, we've read it before. About a dozen times today, in fact. (And by the way, the phrase “quantum leap” really doesn't mean anything). Stick to a tight, simple explanation of your idea. Convince your reader you'll be the best because your idea is the best, not because you can string a dozen buzzwords together.

Use Quantifiable Information

In each section, try and back up your assertions with solid facts. Even if you are a new venture and cannot give specific figures on the performance of your business, quote figures for the industry or your competitors. These real figures carry more weight than your assumed projections and give more reality to your plan.

Choose A Huge Market

Especially in the internet world, investors are looking more at the market than at the detailed specifics of your financials. Choose a market that is big enough to be an obvious good opportunity. A business which targets teenage girls who listen to music and has a reasonable chance of capturing 90% of the girls that are online is a huge opportunity. A business which targets net-savvy SAAB mechanics who need prosthetic limbs is not.

Don't give more away than you want to

Be aware of who is reading your information, and never give away more information than you feel comfortable with. Do due diligence on anyone who you are dealing with. If you do need to reveal sensitive information, ask for a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to be signed.


Latest Investors

New Zealand > Auckland

$25,000 to $250,000

July 23, 2010

I represent a group of investors, we have been in operation for 7 years and own and invest in several successful business, including IT, e-commerce (fund****online.com), we also own and operate one of the largest participant sporting events in the country (Auckland Marathon) and provide consulting advice to councils and other event organisers. We have grown 2 businesses from start-up to successful small businesses and we are seeking to reinvest profits. We operate on the basis of investing unleveraged capital and being able to add value from within our group. Currently we have capital available to invest and are seeking opportunities. We have 4 people in our group and between us we have a strong mix of business skills. 3 of us are based in Auckland and 1 is in Wellington. We are not afraid to muck in when required to make a difference to the bottom-line. We are open to the level of involvement that we would seek, this would depend on the value that we could add by getting involved.

New Zealand > Auckland

$50,000 to $100,000

July 23, 2010

I am an optimistic person with a flair for logic and learning from new challenges in life. I have a friendly personality and hard working attitude I do not give up till I reach my goal. Keeping the available support, facilities and limitations in mind, I keep upgrading my goals. My objective is to give my best in what ever I do, utilizing my technical, functional and personal skills to contribute and promote the growth of myself as well as the organization and people I work with. My strength is my positive mental attitude and the will to finish successfully what ever comes my way. Interests I enjoy learning about computers and new technology; I enjoy watching movies and meeting people. I have a very strong passion for business and people that are motivated with new ideas. Most times I wish I had a job that involved traveling. Summary I am a team Player as well as being creative and innovative. My most valuable asset would be my passion for looking at ways of improving

New Zealand > Manawatu-Wanganui

$100,000 to $400,000

July 23, 2010

30 year old woman with no dependants who is looking to invest in any proposal which I consider a good investment. I have been highly successful chef and have been very well paid for my services which has allowed me to be in a position to now invest in people and businesses which I think will give me a good rate of return on my money. I prefer individual investments.

United States > New York

$2,000 to $100,000

July 20, 2010

Mid 30s New Zealander working in investment banking. Based in New York for last 3 years following 5 years in London. Interested in investing in New Zealand based businesses. Prefer relatively hands-off/advisory approach to investing but strong financial background would be asset to a business. Happy to be involved in preparing financial reports / reviewing business plans and modelling / forecasting. Can invest alone or with partners if required.

New Zealand > Auckland

$10,000 to $500,000

July 20, 2010

As an investor, I am looking for exciting opportunities that can demonstrate solid returns. I will want to meet the management, as people make or break a business. I have 15 years+ in business troubleshooting/sales. My latest venture, a retail business I started from scratch, is very successful. So what do I bring to the table? I am able to look at business, understand the drivers, and examine the model to see where (if any) there is opportunity for growth (or reduction in costs). I will be able to analyse your plan, and talk through the relevant points to highlight areas where I see opportunity. I am not looking for a hands on day-to-day role, but happy to have input at an advisory level, and work on the business model. I specialise in businesses that are in serious trouble (insufficient cashflow) but have sound business principles. I am also interested in startups that are built on a strong foundation, with a business plan in place, and protected IP (Intellectual Property).

New Zealand > Auckland

$20,000 to $150,000

July 17, 2010

I have be running various small business and have extensive background in marketing and finance in the IT industry and Electrical Industry. Currently retired and an individual investor.

New Zealand > Auckland

$1,000 to $10,000

July 15, 2010

I'm a 28 year old self made man who currently resides in Auckland NZ, I am a Financial Accountant by profession and have held a few high status positions abroad as well to match my qualifications. Academically I am a sound university graduate with a Degree in Accounting and Taxation. In my life I have helped two companies turn around into a profit making machine. My expertise are predominantly focused on company management and maintenance of profit margins through feasiblity and cost benefit analysis I currently hold several investments including portfolio investments locally and abroad and am looking to branch into the private sector I have a experience in several industries such as building materials, retail and soft furnishings and if needed can actively make a hands on contribution or play a role in an advisory capacity. My current status would be as an individual investor

New Zealand > Auckland

$100,000 to $65,000,000

July 13, 2010

I work as a finance broker for S*** & Co Merchant Banking for the arrangement of debt and equity for all purposes. I am a director of the company and have been in the industry for the past 20 years. We seek on behalf of our clients, debt and equity primarily from private lenders, nominees and investors, both in New Zealand and overseas.

New Zealand > Auckland

$500,000 to $20,000,000

July 12, 2010

Merchant banking operation with a Private Investor base of 250 Very experienced in the finance Industry with 15 years experience Much success in all spheres of the Financial & Capital areas of the market.

New Zealand > Marlborough

$200,000 to $600,000

July 12, 2010

I am 42 years old, married with three children residing in Blenheim. My wife is a practicing accountant (CA) and working for a Marlborough wine company where she has managed the finances,prepared budgets, managed bank relationship.Previous experiences were in the UK as Financial Controller for the Peacock Group (clothing chain) My background is in the primary industry, food processing and exporting businesses. Recent experiences have been in leading branding and NPD initiatives. During the last 5 years I have been CEO of a $30m business employing up to 250 staff and exporting 85% of finished goods. Prior to this I held the General Managers position within the same buisness. Previous experiences in both NZ and UK were in operations and sales. With our backgrounds, we are considering shareholding options where both of us can utilise our business skills in an active hands on manner as individual investors or as part of an invesment group.

New Zealand > Auckland

$100,000 to $500,000

July 12, 2010

I am married with two sons aged 7 and 10. I live in Auckland and am 48 years old. In recent roles I have held senior accounting and financal roles at a high tech electronics company. In previous roles I have also worked or contracted for companies in plastics film and packaging, manufacturing, food distribution, light engineering, network marketing, vehcile leasing and consumer products. I have a Diploma in Finance from Auckland University and am also a Qualified Accountant (NZICA). To date my investment experience has been as a passive investor mainly focused on companies listed on the ASX. I see my involvement as assisting in a advisory role and also providing hands on assistance as required.

New Zealand > Wellington

$250,000 to $500,000

July 8, 2010

Been in real estate since I was 18 years old and looking for an Entrepreneurial Real Estate idea that will surprise me and ultimately make me and the Entrepreneur money. Any great ideas are worth considering.

New Zealand > Auckland

$5,000 to $10,000

July 5, 2010

I am pretty new at this investment thing. I have a background in accounting and heavy engineering, plant and machinery, and shipping. I am looking for alternative markets to invest. I have a partner of 25 years, three children, the eldest is 24, the youngest being 19, and two lovely grandchildren. If you are able to offer a better investment return than my current fixed term with my bank, I would very much appreciate hearing from you.

New Zealand > Bay of Plenty

$20,000 to $200,000

July 4, 2010

An experienced executive in global markets for dairy and food products interested in investing in the manufacture and marketing of food products or processes in export markets, particularly Asia. I have extensive experience in strategy, marketing & sales, technical & innovation and am looking for opportunities where that knowledge and experience can be applied. My anticipated degree of involvement depends on the needs of the opportunity/business. I am an individual investor resident in the Bay of Plenty

New Zealand > Wellington

$10,000 to $20,000

July 4, 2010

Personal: I am living with my partner in NZ. Experience: I am trained as a professional Chef. Education: Completed Level 5 Diploma in NZ 2006-07.

New Zealand > Northland

$20,000 to $200,000

July 1, 2010

I am a 43 yr old semi retired landscape gardener with my own business. I have worked in the Roading, Concrete and construction industries for over 25 years. While working for a Landscaping company I branched out into Horticulture and Nursery production which led me to my current business of property maintenance. I am an Artist and Musician, I worked as a semi-professional Muso in a Rock Band for 3yrs and have just begun painting again in the last year. My partner is a Project Manager in the Communications industry and my eldest daughter has just graduated from AUT with a Diploma in Travel and Tourisum. My youngest daughter is at Highschool. I have had success in subdivision and property development and have interest in the Real estate market and now the potential for other business developments. I am looking to utilize my capital and my partners Management experience in either a hands-on, advisory or silent investor role depending on the structure of the business.

New Zealand > Otago

$50,000 to $350,000

June 30, 2010

Member of the Otago Angel network. Professional investor for over 20 yrs. BComm. Experience in banking and finance industry for over 15 yrs.

New Zealand > Auckland

$0 to $50,000

June 30, 2010

I am living in central Auckland, working in exhibition installation and design. I have a background in architecture (B.Arch, B.B.Sc) and investment interests include construction, real estate, greentech, eco projects, technologies, leisure and tourism and more as listed in industry section of my profile.

New Zealand > Canterbury

$1 to $1,000,000

June 29, 2010

I am a professional investor interested only in proposals which are export related. I would be seeking an equity stake in the company (not interested in lending money) I would require a seat on the Board of Directors and that strict corporate governance requirements are met. I am unlikely to be impressed by the "yeah, gidday mate" routine which so many NZ businessmen engage in, so please ensure you are professional and credible. I am more like to be impressed by someone saying "here is my product range, I want it in stores in the 200 largest cities in the World and seek investment to make that happen"...(if you know what I mean?)

New Zealand > Auckland

$0 to $10,000

June 27, 2010

I'm a 21 year old with the sense of business, I'm a very fast learner and looking to invest in something of the future.



Angel Investment Network

Home Home Home Contact

Entrepreneurs | Investors | About | Our Privacy Policy

© 2009, Angel Investment Network Ltd. All rights reserved.

Connecting New Zealand Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors.

Find out more about: