Entries Tagged 'io' ↓

Gridspy provides an online realtime power monitoring system for homes and businesses.  They are looking for both trading partners and investors, especially with marketing or sales background.

The Pitch:
Gridspy provides you with an interactive view of power, water, gas and other resource usage in your building. Gridspy allows you to access and monitor your consumption patterns in real-time using a standard web browser on your PC, laptop or mobile phone. The data is accurate and updated each second as you watch.

The power data is split into multiple channels so you can see which parts of your building are using the most power. Unlike a smart-meter, the Gridspy system can isolate the power usage within your building to individual systems such as AC, hot water, lighting or computers. This allows you to focus your power efforts where they really count. Learn how much you actually use on standby devices, or how changing to compact florescent lights will actually save you money.

Gridspy has passed the development phase and is a working product. We need your help to get to market. The team behind Gridspy bring years of experience creating smart hardware devices and off the shelf solutions and have supported a variety of customers that have succeeded both in New Zealand and internationally.

What sets us apart from our competition is our live data collection and display, our web based approach, and our low cost. We also offer high accuracy and can sample many different loads at once. We can also provide automation and control to any degree of complexity. The aim is to give people back control of their power usage, helping our customers measure and save power.

Accomplishments to date:

• Development of a power monitoring prototype, with all the key technical hurdles overcome.
• Manufacturing plan that will take us from prototype to fully automated production over three months grounded on previous experience.
• Comprehensive manufacturing contacts.
• Several sales leads with potential for large sales volumes over the next quarter.

Development plans:

• Begin the electrical approvals process, including CE Mark, so our solution can be sold both domestically and internationally
• Create staged runs of 25, 100, and 400 units to build our manufacturing pipeline
• Design and test several related devices to round out our offering
• Offer Gridspy to New Zealand industrial clients
• Improve the look and feel of our website and general branding
• Create a stock of rental and trial units to enable sales
• Build a community of home and business owners who are proud to openly discuss their power usage and demonstrate their environmental credibility.

Key Challenges:

• Cash to finance due diligence and further prototype runs so we are ready to handle future high demand.
• Our current small production runs force us to adopt higher prices than we would like
• Competition is entering the “Smart Grid” arena all the time. Our niche is unique and we need to continue to differentiate ourselves.

Principals & Previous Experience:
Stephen Leys as 30 years experience as the managing director of Technman designing custom electronics solutions for a wide range of clients. He is an experienced electrical engineer and has seen many products through concept to large scale production.

Tom Leys is a software developer who has been working with firmware with Stephen for 9 years. Tom has a background in designing user interfaces for a number of applications. Since 2008 he has been spending all his free time making Gridspy a reality.

What they want from an investor:

• $250,000 – Enough to build a reasonable stock level, work through any product issues and reach the marketplace.
• Contacts – especially large clients, distributors or technology partners
• Experience building a sales channel, marketing a new product or launching products internationally.

Dave’s Commentary:

Tom and Stephen are very passionate about bringing their technology and experience to market in this increasingly relevant industry sector.  They appear to be very capable technically, and have put together a great looking prototype web site.  They will need cash, connections, and excellent governance advice to successfully commercialise their work, and the right “smart money” could really help them take off.

Contact details:
Tom Leys
tom@gridspy.co.nz
Mob: 021-1654-764
www.gridspy.co.nz

Note: If you plan to act on any information on this site, please be sure to read the disclaimer.

Eziform are looking for “smart money” to help them expand their customised roofing products lines in New Zealand.

The Pitch:

Back in 2006 we were a roof installation company specializing in large commercial contracts. The problem was our suppliers couldn’t meet our demand for quality products delivered on time. It became obvious to us that if we were to stay leaders within our industry and satisfy the constant demands from the market for improvement we would have to start manufacturing our own products.

We began purchasing the equipment we needed and we leased a large commercial premise just 20 minutes north of the centre of Auckland and within an area predicted for considerable growth over the next few years.

As we had a customer base which included the largest construction companies in Auckland it wasn’t long before it became clear we had the opportunity to add more value to our existing sales by manufacturing air-conditioning systems and other metal work required by our customers.

Today we have added a number of large air-conditioning contracts to our roofing contracts and we are looking forward to growing this part of our business. We are constantly looking for new product opportunities and are excited at what we see.

Accomplishments to date:

• Large and established client base created. Steady client growth since 2006. Web sites created and being improved constantly. Full time stand on Home Ideas facility in central Auckland contracted.
• Retention of major customers due to good reputation for quality workmanship.
• Excellent and committed staff employed.
• Good structures in place allowing us to operate an efficient business.

Development plans:

• Create a website where products can be designed and ordered on line for easy manufacture and dispatch nationwide.
• Focus on marketing to ensure new product opportunities are sourced and current customers accounts increased.
• Increase machinery assets to ensure efficiency with what we currently do and ensuring new product opportunities are created.
• Increase margins through efficiency and sound practices.
• Look at the possibility of separating manufacture and contracting creating two separate companies

Key Challenges:

• Cash – to fund growth
• Marketing – broaden our exposure with new marketing and promotion tools
• Service – improve customer experience by constantly improving attitudes and efficiency
• Development – source new opportunities and purchase more machinery to improve efficiency
• Management – source a competent and committed manager to take the company to new levels of achievement

Principles and previous experience:

Paul Harper – Managing Director and founder

40 + years in the industry, successfully managed three other large manufacturing and contracting companies in New Zealand and overseas

John Lewis – Director – Estimator

Extensive knowledge of the roofing industry. John is one of the best estimators within the industry. He has an excellent knowledge of the market and its products

What they want from an investor:

• $700,000
• The current directors are open to discuss all options and possibilities in regard to purchase of shares, financial investment and possible roles within the company.
• Looking for investors with an interest in working within the company. Industry experience is not essential however experience in the management or accounting fields would be preferred.
• Could suit someone looking to emigrate to New Zealand and become actively involved in a growing exciting company

Contact Details:

Paul Harper
paul@eziform.co.nz
Ph: 09-427 6102
Mob: 021-712 945
www.eziform.co.nz

Note: If you plan to act on any information on this site, please be sure to read the disclaimer.

I was contacted recently by an entrepreneur who has started up a profitable services business several years ago, and is ready to expand. He recognises the need for external expertise and ultimately cash, but needs help formulating a strategy to maximise his opportunity. Ideally he’d like someone with experience in expanding retail services businesses to help him out, in exchange for shares in his company.

Drop me a line if you’re interested in being put in touch with him.

The Halo fund is open now through 31 August 2009 … with a minumum investment of NZD 25,000, it offers qualified investors passive exposure to a broad range of angel investments.  Think of it as the “New Zealand Angel Investment Index Fund”.

• The Halo Fund No 1 provides a passive ‘fund’ approach to Angel investing.
• It gives investors a unique opportunity to gain qualified access in a cost effective manner to a portfolio of over 30 New Zealand early-stage, high growth investments.
• It does so by partnering with New Zealand’s most experienced Angel investors to invest in new technology, high growth companies in high-value sectors like software, bio-technology, niche manufacturing and medical diagnostics.
• The Fund will be a passive investor which invests on a one-to-two basis in deals vetted and approved by the co-investing partners and the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund Limited’s (NZVIF) Seed Co-Investment Fund (SCIF).

You can download the pitch book, or view the Powerpoint slideshare show below.

Please also be sure to read our legal disclaimer, and note in particular that nothing you read on this site constitutes an offer of securities.

Can you scrape up $100K to help take an innovative young company led by an energetic entrepreneur producing high-value products from NZ-sourced raw materials to the world?  Read on…

The Pitch:

In July 2007 REVEL Design Ltd launched its New Zealand merino clothing label REVEL at the self-named online store.  REVEL entered into the on-line market on the smell-of-an-oily rag; not the best strategy and a raw one in the eyes of fashion industry.  Its e-commerce store is rough and ready but innovative in that it immediately launched the label to the world – you see REVEL was always intended to be a brand New Zealand would recognise but also one the off-shore market would stand up and take notice of.  Building the trust of an “unknown” brand proved difficult through the online store concept and common market reaction was purchasing through a retailer was preferred; the physical presence of REVEL in store enabled touching, seeing and emotional connection thus obtaining “first-base” trust with the consumer.

REVEL is ready to stamp its mark on the world and yell from the top of the Southern Alps that “the REVEL has arrived”.  Dedicated to building and exposing the REVEL brand to national and international markets and enhancing the online e-commerce site to support retailers and build ongoing relationships with customers from anywhere in the world.

We stand up proud and ask for what we want – join us now on a stunning journey as we take flight.

cool wool + hot designs – REVEL blends fashion design with quality, purpose and integrity which is demanded for by our conscious consumer

Accomplishments to date:

• Launched online e-commerce site July 2007
• Pitched to two significant European companies who were almost secured until Icebreaker showed up for the party and installed a distribution warehouse at their backdoor
• Designed and developed a range of 20 styles
• Developed a strong foundation range which enables easy modification to maintain seasonal/new-range  offerings to customer (e.g. colour, screen print design)
• Attended the Outdoor Retail Trade Show in Utah, USA to gain an understanding of industry developments, changes and opportunities
• Have a captive audience of 84 subscribers to REVEL newsletters
• Opened REVEL to the European market only to be quickly closed-down by Icebreaker (proved that we were clearly seen as a competitor)
• Media exposure locally and in NZ Business
• Page Loads on website increased from 1,094 in 07/08 to 7,754 in 08/09 – total of 69,473 hits to site since launch

Development plans:

• Brand – develop the REVEL brand to reflect the quality and niche market placing.  This includes innovation around the website to include a retailer/distributor only secure area where information, pricing structures, marketing & sales strategies and personal information can be stored and communicated directly. Packaging has been developed and further investment is required to produce a sustainable/recycled option for stacking/storing and presenting.  A 2 x year catalogue to be developed and used as a resource for retailers and customers.
• Revenue – secure NZ retailers and at least 1 international.  The Swiss market has shown interest and we are currently pursuing this opportunity.
• Export – following the successful placement in the New Zealand market REVEL’s focus will be on securing off-shore distributors. To date the opportunities appear significant although further research needs to be carried out.  Merino wool is still relatively unknown in the off-shore market which provides opportunities to showcase the benefits of using such a fabric, particularly in today’s environment where there is a strong focus on environmentally friendly, sustainable products and traceability.
• Traceability – work with NZ merino supplying to implement this into REVEL’s brand/culture
• Clothing system concept – develop a clothing system that offers solutions.  REVEL offers foundation pieces and is developing designs that fit with the existing range offering a stand-alone piece or pieces that could be worn together.  Targeting markets such as travel, career women, gift for the un-giftable etc

Key Challenges:

• Supply contracts – areas of unknown particularly around Levana Textiles and the limited quantity of NZ merino available.  Word on the street is that some companies are using blends of NZ merino and merino from other countries and REVEL needs to ensure that its merino supply is not compromised.
• Key advisors & support for Director – particularly around sales and marketing, branding and mentoring
• Securing Retailers without the package sorted (i.e. branding, web, packaging etc)
• REVEL brand has had limited exposure in the market
• Has survived on a DIY approach, Director’s skills are in design, project management and relationships, other resources are required

Principals & Previous Experience:

Leanne Mulcahy
You would think that the award-winning “Vegetable Creation” in Waipukurau in 1976 along with the Dominion Exhibition – Illustration award around 1980 would have convinced this chick that she had some creative talent to cash in on! However a career in Administration Management prevailed spanning a good 20 years providing the arty-farty chick with solid skills in areas of staff management, contractor management, employment relations, financial management, process development and event management.  This led to a business opportunity whereby process development, event management, financial auditing and management services were pimped out predominantly to small businesses who found themselves in a pickle.  The creative bug was diagnosed in 2006 and research into the clothing industry commenced with the single-handed launch of the new NZ merino clothing label REVEL in July 2007.  Running the two businesses in tandem enabled time to reflect on what needed to happen to take REVEL to a higher level.  This has prompted Leanne to depart full-time employment to dedicate her time fully to REVEL.

John Snook
A bloody-minded individual who pushes the boundaries and doesn’t take no for an answer. Specialist areas include Business Development, Innovation, Education, Sports Jock, Champion Kayaker and conversationalist – he has a tonne of experience and contacts.

What they want from an investor:

REVEL needs an investment injection – $100k to be precise.  In return you get to share in the ecstasy of owning a piece of this company, a piece of New Zealand.  You’ll need to have some guts – REVEL is exciting, it has big potential and big opportunity and a strong stomach to handle the peaks and troughs is important when you take the leap with us.  Marketing/Sales/Branding experience goes a long way with us too – we just may hug you if you bring this knowledge and experience to the mix.  Connections in the fashion industry here and off-shore would be awesome.  A melting pot, eclectic mix, street savvy, and a “whatever it takes attitude” is what we’re looking for – the perfect challenge!

Dave’s commentary:

These guys clearly want to be the next IceBreaker, and have a core product line with potential and an online shop.  Like many young companies they could benefit from input from someone who has taken an NZ-based product business overseas.  With the right assistance and cash, this business could turn into a major exporter, and help NZ achieve our aspirations of selling products with a high local value-add, rather than unfinished raw materials.

Contact details:

Leanne Mulcahy
REVEL Design Ltd
P O Box 1252, Palmerston North 4440
Tel. 027 433 1270
leanne@revel.co.nz

Dunedin-based TracPlus has developed some really sexy technology that lets you track nearly anything, anywhere. Recent high-profile examples include those poor Aussie kayakers who nearly didn’t make it to New Plymouth earlier this year and a team climbing Mt Everest. But the same technology is being used by the military, rescue services, and commercial aviation all over the world, including Antarctica.

They’re ready to expand rapidly now, and are looking for investment to make this happen.

The Pitch:

TracPlus is a global tracking service that allows you to keep track of your aircraft, vessels and vehicles, no matter where they are in the world.

TracPlus is a proven, secure and mission critical tracking solution that seamlessly integrates global tracking data from diverse land, sea and air assets in real time, and delivers that information to wherever it is required. TracPlus delivers a single, comprehensive and real time “big picture” view of all relevant mobile assets and external data sources, to enhance safety and dramatically improve overall mission effectiveness.

TracPlus is hardware, network and software independent, allowing customers’ complete freedom of choice in how they use TracPlus and how they share their data with the world. TracPlus is now a proven technology in the aviation and emergency management and coordination markets.

Accomplishments to date:

• Initial Product Launch in August 2007
• Secured excellent set of customers including US Department of Defence, Resource Coordination Centre NZ, St John Ambulance, Australia Search and Rescue, Coast Guard NZ, Dallas Aviation
• Currently operating in 12 countries including Antarctica
• Mission Critical infrastructure, only NZ provider to guarantee 99.999% server uptime
• One of only 14 NZTE sponsored companies for CEBIT Hannover 2008
• $100,000 NZTE grant approved for US market development
• NZ country winner of the Technium Challenge, the Business Planning Competition for High Growth Technology Businesses

Development plans:

• Formally establish US office and support resource Develop high quality North American and Australasian map sets
• Develop strategic relationships arising from trade presence at CeBit Hannover 2008
• Launch officially in North America at National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2008 trade show in Orlando, Florida in October
• Scope revenue and operations model for other potential channel partners
• Develop TracPlus™ 2.0 to secure a market leading position
• Create significant new sales growth in the North American and Australian markets
• Finalise strategic relationships currently in negotiation
• Pay for IP purchased from Daestra

Target markets are:

• Commercial aviation tracking and flight following;
• Commercial and recreational maritime tracking;
• Commercial terrestrial tracking;
• Rescue operators and coordination services;
• Military support (Naval and Air & Surface elements)

Key Challenges:

• Achieving traction in overseas market, especially USA
• Absorb hardware centric competition by supporting their hardware and “complete their package” with software and service
• Absorb solution-centric competition by replacing their Iridium/Satamatics providers so they can retain margin and improve their offering
• Develop recurring revenue stream from software and services

Principals & Previous Experience:

Chris Hinch: CEO/CTO and Founder – BSc (ComSci) Held key technology positions with Dunedin City Council and Animation Research Ltd, securing national and international Innovation awards for those companies and their customers. Qualified pilot and published aviation photographer.

Mike Hanning: VP Sales and Marketing – spent the last 15 years in Australasia, holding senior positions with Bridgestone (Japan HQ), Sportstec Ltd, and his own company MPN Kaimanawa Ltd.

Harlan Hamlin: President, TracPlus USA – private instrument, multi engine rated pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight experience. Held senior positions with Satellink Technologies, AT&T Wireless, and Verizon Wireless.

Patrick McLauchlan: Regional Manager – twenty years experience in business development, sales and marketing in offshore markets including USA, Asia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, UAE, and Iran. Experience and expertise in dealing with Fortune 500 customers and Governmental agencies.

What they want from investors:

NZD 2,000,000 in this round. Chris Hinch says they’re particularly interested in “shareholders who bring passion and experience to the table” who will become engaged.

Dave’s Commentary:

These guys seem to have a lot going for them: world beating technology, the right kind of awards, a seasoned management team with extensive international experience, established international market demand, and a reliable first-generation product. $2M might seem a lot for the Angel market, but they’re under no illusions about how much it’s going to cost to make this product fly globally, and they claim to be able to achieve a revenue stream of $30M without further capital. So it might be time to pick up the phone my friends, and start aggregating …

Contact details:

Chris Hinch
 read the disclaimer.