Affiliate Members

Escalator

escalatorEscalator helps qualifying NZ businesses get investment-ready

Principally, and depending on the level of support applicable to each qualifying business, the Escalator service offers:

  • Assessment and advice on investment readiness for a business or entrepreneurial opportunity
  • Deal preparation and deal broking
  • Investment specific workshops
  • Helpdesk and online information (Freephone 0800 822 748 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Assessment and advice

The Escalator service is supported by NZTE and delivered by a consortium of leading private sector advisors. Any New Zealand business seeking to raise up to a maximum of $5 million is eligible to apply. Every application for Escalator support is initially reviewed for its suitability, and if successful at that stage, is sent to an advisor for a needs assessment (a review analysing business needs and the deal options available), potentially leading to deal broking services being offered.

These evaluation and support services are underwritten by NZTE and provided to clients at no cost. A success fee applies of 6% for capital raised or non-equity deal concluded, payable to the broker only after capital has been raised or a non-equity deal completed.

In a typical year Escalator receives around 350 applications, provides specialist advice to 200 businesses, prepares 62 firms for potential deals and aims to raise $20 million from the private sector.

 

The New Zealand Venture Investment Fund Limited (NZVIF)

nzvifThe New Zealand Venture Investment Fund Limited (NZVIF) is a Crown Owned Company established under the Companies Act 1993 and incorporated in June 2002. Based in Auckland, the Company is governed by a private sector Board of Directors and managed by a dedicated Management team.

VIF is contracted by the New Zealand Government to administer the Venture Capital and Seed Co-investment Programmes. Key services provided across both programmes include:

  • Establishment of new Venture Capital Funds under the Venture Capital Programme and formation of new Co-investment partnerships under the Seed Co-investment Programme;
  • Implementation of best practice investment arrangements and documentation;
  • Programme administration including monitoring programme and fund activity and performance;
  • Fostering development and growth of the New Zealand venture capital and early stage investment markets;
  • Attracting early stage and venture capital investment into the New Zealand market through facilitating education initiatives and effective stakeholder management;
  • Preparation of reports and advice on the New Zealand venture capital and early stage markets;
  • Reporting to Government on Programme performance.