An overview of the Escalator Service
Who we are
Escalator is funded through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) , and supported by the Economic Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) and Deloitte. It has a national network of accredited service providers whose help and assistance is, in many cases, free. The only time Escalator charges a fee is when we help you to successfully raise capital.
Since it was set up in 2003, Escalator has:
• Helped more than 90 New Zealand businesses raise more than $90 million
• Helped 12 firms sign significant new licensing or strategic partnerships
• Provided expert advice on deal preparation to more than 200 companies.
What we do
Escalator helps grow good companies into great ones. Our specialist investment advisors work closely with companies considering early-stage investment - anything from $100,000 to $5 million. Our programmes offer independent support to companies seeking, preparing and negotiating early-stage investment opportunities with Angel Investors, VCs and others. The Escalator service may also be used for joint venture and licensing deals.
Helping companies to grow and expand is good for business - and good for New Zealand's economic development.
Here are some of the services we offer:
1. Escalator high-impact training programme
Our high-impact training programmes target business entrepreneurs looking to gain practical understanding and skills in raising capital. Escalator workshops are fully funded through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Workshops are run at locations across the country. Topics include:
• Essential guide to capital-raising
• Power pitching
• Strategic partnerships and contracts.
Who should attend?
Anybody who is thinking about or considering raising capital within the next two years should register for our training seminars. Find out more Refer to our training calendar [link] for more information 2. Assessment and advice Those companies that have been assessed as having high-growth potential can receive a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise fully-funded investment-ready assessment. This is carried out by approved Escalator Brokers/Advisors who will work with you to identify gaps or issues that will need to be resolved before or during the investment process. 3. Deal preparation and brokering We provide a range of valuation and support services, including: • pre-due diligence review All of these services are underwritten by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on a 100% at-risk basis. A fee applies only when a deal is successfully secured. No deal, no fee.
4. Opportunity screening
Escalator can help businesses seeking an early-stage capital investment of between $100,000 and $5 million. We can also negotiate strategic partnerships, licensing and joint ventures.
• alliance/partner identification
• deal structuring
• intellectual property review
• director appointment
• legal review
• investor identification and negotiation
• financial review and valuation
• document preparation
• term-sheet structure and negotiation
• due diligence management.
Escalator works with a number of Angel groups and private investors, If you are an Angel Investor, Escalator provides an introduction service to those companies screened, groomed and ready for investment.