The ICEHOUSE - business growth centre
ICE Bridge (Education for Owner Managers) and Alumni News
ICE Accelerator (Incubation for start-up businesses) and graduate news
ICE Angels
ICE Network Events and news
From our partners:
The ICEHOUSE on the world stage - Andy Hamilton
I'm still buzzing about The ICEHOUSE being named in Forbes.com's Top 10 Technology Incubators of the World earlier this month including being the only one out of the US. This recognises the quality of our Accelerator residents and the international profiles of the graduates such as Orbis Ring Flash, Nexus 6, M-Com and Mobile Mentor.
Our international connections are very powerful and deliver great results to active businesses in the ICE Network. Our International "Entrepreneurs in Residence" include David Russell (Google) in Silicon Valley; Shane McElroy in Europe, Joe Rouse in Singapore; Meishi Sonobe in Japan and Jaco Pretorius in Boston. Chris Boys, EiR in Auckland, is also working on some very exciting internationalisation offerings for ICEHOUSE companies to help them target, validate and enter international markets - keep a look out in the future and if you wish to talk to Chris he can be contacted at cfboys@me.com. Earlier this month, we held an intimate dinner at The ICEHOUSE to talk about innovation and branding with partners and graduates, hosted by expat Geoff Vuleta from Fahrenheit 212, New York. Fahrenheit works generally with the biggest brands in the world like Addidas and Procter & Gamble helping these firms ‘think, create and leverage’ into new markets. They are an outsourced innovation model with an innovative approach to the ‘up-side’ – it is at risk! It was a great night of good conversation focused around how these huge multinationals compete and win and then relating that back to New Zealand and our owner manager firms – thanks so much to Geoff Vuleta and to our great mate Bridget Liddell who organised this. The ICEHOUSE is delighted to have a strong relationship with Fahrenheit 212 – it just adds to the connections, networks and content that we are looking to bring to you. Photos of the intimate dinner.
In addition, we are just over half way through Bill Payne's visit to New Zealand as the BNZ University of Auckland Business School Entrepreneur in Residence. The energy he is putting into giving a global perspective to New Zealand entrepreneurs is outstanding. If you aren't already read his blog, you should be. You can also see him in action on our website. Don't miss your last chance to meet him face to face at The ICEHOUSE, Breakfast with Bill on Wednesday 9th June.
Finally, I would like to give ICEHOUSE League Foundation Member Bernie Crosby of Prolife Foods (OMP 5) a big gong from us - Recently Bernie was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Business Studies from Wintec, the Waikato Institute of Technology. For all of the owner managers, most of your academic prowess is learnt on ‘the street’ and not in the classroom. This award is recognition of a great man, a great family and a great company. There are some people in this life who are just giants because of how they act and how they just inspire others. Bernie is this person – and the fantastic company that he and the team have built at Prolife is brilliant. Take a bow Bernie – and congratulations from The ICEHOUSE Team.
"Andy's Picks" - things you must check out this month
Keep growing, keep learning, keep investing and keep in touch.
Cheers
Andy
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Owner Manager Programme
The ICEHOUSE’ award winning Owner Manager Programme begins its 21st programme this July. The programme will take experienced business owners of small to medium sized businesses on a journey to help unlock the true potential of their businesses. The dates for our next programme are as follows:
Owner Manager Programme 21 2010
- Block 1 (Auckland) July 22 – 24
- Block 2 (Wellington) August 26 – 28
- Block 3 (Christchurch) September 23 – 25
- Block 4 (Christchurch) October 28 – 30
- Block 5 (Auckland) November 25 – 28
For more information on the Owner Manager Programme>
Leading & Managing for Growth programme
Many of you will know that we have shortened our Leading and Managing for Growth Programme. Following a successful programme with the new format we will continue with the shortened time period. Without compromising the objectives and outcomes of this proven programme, we have responded to the challenge of having key staff out of the business by condensing our Leading and Managing for Growth programme to 6 days over two residential blocks of three days.
This programme has been designed to support our owner-managers by empowering your senior business managers to drive your business forward.
The next programme dates are as follows:
- Block 1 September 1 - 3, 2010
- Block 2 October 13 - 15, 2010
This is a great programme for developing your managers for the busy times ahead.
More information>
Farewell Whakatane Glass and hello Thorden Glass
Vanessa MacLeod attended OMP 17 when her company was Whakatane Glass – it has now been renamed to “Thorden Glass".
On the 1st of April 2010, they officially changed their name to Thorden Glass Ltd. The introduction of their new brand and name reflects the more streamlined coordination of our custom glass services to a much larger market. It also represents our growth into a more mature and professional business which has been operating for 50 years now - yes, another reason to celebrate!
Thorden Glass Limited>
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What has been happening in the ICEHOUSE incubator?
We’ll introduce this month’s update with an exciting and rewarding endorsement provided by Forbes Magazine (readership of 5 million). Not bad, eh?
We welcome our new residents - Landmarker, Anna Hood, Charge Communications and Morocat. Following their April inductions, the recent ICE Accelerator entrants have generated considerable momentum within each of their start-ups. Thanks to the keen eye and savvy advice of the lead executive in residence, one of our start-ups has effectively doubled its margins for a sale contract that will become the largest to date. In other success, NOVA Eco-Tech is nearing its first sale of its fuel conversion system to an organization in Bangladesh. Positive results in this initial sale will generate considerable momentum for NOVA’s push into South East Asia.
The ICE Accelerator team would also like to welcome Josh Rea, who is the new ICE Accelerator Intern. Josh is a University of Auckland Business graduate and was also member of SPARK. In his role as intern he will be supporting ICE Accelerator residents as a project manager and will be managing valuable information on the ICE Accelerator’s start-ups, Executives in Residence, and Partners. This new role is represents an exciting step in the ICE Accelerator’s efforts further enhance support for start-ups.
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ICE Angels overview
ICE Angels club has had a very busy last few months with a number of significant highlights which including recent investments into Kayasand, Vesper Marine and Intergrid in the past three months. This recent activity brings totals for the Club’s financial year to a total of over $7.5 Million investing into 7 companies across 9 companies which in addition to those above include Biomatters, INRO, Mobile Mentor and Unimarket.
Since 2003 ICE Angels have now invested just over $25 Million into 17 companies across 43 rounds of investment, with these investments being spread equally in thirds between full club members, affiliate club members and co-investors.
Finally as you will all know Amanda Monks left the ICE Angels / ICEHOUSE at the end of March and in closing of the financial year it is appropriate to wish her well for the future and thank her on behalf of all those she has helped in her career at The ICEHOUSE/ ICE Angels.
Why NZ needs to be on the side of the angels
By Bill Payne and Andrew Hamilton
United States experience shows gearing up New Zealand’s angel investment capability is key to creating jobs and economic growth.
In the 1970s David Birch from MIT startled the business world by reporting most new jobs in the US were created by startup companies. Mainstream economists scoffed since “everybody” knows big companies create new jobs. More recently, Dr. Carl Schramm, CEO of Kansas-based E. M. Kauffman Foundation has produced new data validating the earlier conclusions. Dr. Schramm presented the chart below to President Obama’s Jobs Summit, demonstrating the importance of companies less than five years old to job creation in the US.
Why NZ needs to be on the side of the angels>
Bill Payne - BNZ University of Auckland Business School Entrepreneur in Residence 2010
Bill’s started this busy month in Dunedin with Upstart Incubator and Central Otago University and is wrapping it up in Christchurch in the hands of Powerhouse Ventures and the Canterbury Innovation Incubator. Combining the “stats” for the two visits, he mentored over 10 start-ups and presented to nearly 400 entrepreneurs. He also spent time training and mentoring the Upstart Angels and Powerhouse Ventures.
On his “break” between the two visits, Bill casually accomplished another incredible list of contributions to the New Zealand entrepreneurial ecosystem. Notably, he spoke to a record crowd at the University of Auckland Business School’s Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series and hosted the first ever Angel Networking day for New Zealand Angel Managers.
Finally, we would like to wish Bill a very happy birthday. We feel very fortunate that he chose to spend it with us here in New Zealand.
Breakfast with Bill - Wednesday 9th June
Throughout his time at the ICEHOUSE, Bill will be hosting a “Breakfast with Bill” series where he will share his knowledge of entrepreneurship and angel investing with small groups of entrepreneurs. The initial Breakfast with Bill was a sold out hit with 18 entrepreneurs in attendance. The next “Breakfast with Bill” is 7:30-9:00am, on Wednesday, June 9th at the ICEHOUSE. For more information>
Bill Payne and Andy Hamilton’s address to Parliament
Bill Payne, BNZ University of Auckland Entrepreneur in Residence and Andy Hamilton were invited by Parliament to discuss how New Zealand can turn great ideas into world class scaled businesses using angel investment.
The audience consisted of members of Parliament and key members of the angel community from Wellington. Bill’s presentation shared insights from the Kauffman Foundation and their research into net job creation by young companies over the last thirty years. Together, they shared their thoughts and insights regarding the role of angels in stimulating economic growth and how New Zealand is well placed to engage angels to help stimulate economic development.
The audience couldn’t believe that young companies created millions of jobs each year, even through recessions, while medium-large enterprise didn’t contribute at all. In fact, these established companies were slashing jobs, firing more people than they hired over the last thirty years. The figures say it all - young companies are the source of millions of jobs in the US each and every year, regardless of economic fluctuations.
New Zealand needs angels. With support from the government, angels can help stimulate the economy, regardless of economic turmoil and change. Through their address to Parliament, The ICEHOUSE is advocating the critical role both entrepreneurs and angels will play in stimulating the economy. By supporting the activities of entrepreneurs and angels, the government can create an environment where they can work with entrepreneurs and start-ups to enhance the economy and develop an economy committed to continuous innovation.
While some claim that things must be different in little New Zealand, the data suggest that New Zealand angel investing and young companies are following the same trends as comparable sectors around the world. Concerns angels and start-ups have here are similar to the concerns angels and entrepreneurs face around the globe. While we’re eager to find out what the latest trends are from the US, Bill Payne and his messages to entrepreneurs and angels around the country remind us that we are definitely holding our own.
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Power up for growth
A full day of motivation, learning and planning for business owners:
Re-invigorate your 2010 growth plans
Re-commit to business best practice
Re-connect with business owners with growth goals
Session 1: The disciplined entrepreneur - getting good advice! (Presented by Chris Woods & Deb Shepherd)
Session 2: Leading People and Building Capability (Presented by Jo Clayton)
Session 3: Finding Competitive Advantage and Profits through Innovation (Presented by Leith Oliver)
Session 4: Creating and Maintaining Customer Connectivity in Competitive Times (Presented by Dave Lewis)
Cost: $995 + GST
FREE for League Members
Time: 8am to 6pm
Christchurch - Thursday 6 May
Palmerston North - Friday 7 May
Auckland - Monday 17 May
Please contact Raewyn Goodwin if you are interested r.goodwin@theicehouse.co.nz
Governance for Owner Managed Businesses
Governance has become the buzz word of the decade and many companies in New Zealand are hearing that it is important that that have a good governance structure within their company. This is true not just for listed companies but also for the 80% of companies making up the NZ economy.
This programme serves to demystify governance as well as outlining for owner/managers the value that can be obtained by having a board, including reducing the risk in your business, improving credibility with suppliers and capital markets, and gaining value from the external input that you can receive. The important outtake is that well structured governance is a positive management tool. Whilst there are some principles and legal obligations around governance, in the end it is important that each business creates a governance environment that is most appropriate for their role.
Presented by Janine Smith
Tuesday 11th May - Auckland
Time: 8:00 to 6:00pm
Cost: $895.00
League Members: $650.00
For more information please contact Raewyn Goodwin r.goodwin@theicehouse.co.nz
Geoff Vuleta - Intimate Dinner
League member news
Andrew Robbie - Metal Image
We took the opportunity to take these during a photo shoot for our range of Botanic labels and signs. I guess this is kind of Icehouse driven; having identified this area as our best opportunity for growth we've separated this range of products from our usual industrial (ie fairly boring) range of rating and serial plates to become Bush, Bird and Bug. We've just added the larger signs and display stands shown in the photos to the range, with this first batch for DOC heading into the bush near Te Kuiti.
If nothing else, the brand has been fun to build, it's a new and quickly evolving model for us and there are already very positive results with customers placing orders using the model names we have applied to the Display Stands. It would be safe to say the team was a little nervous as we went into this, we've never made a conscious attempt to inject some humour into our advertising. So giving the TuphMount Display stands of descending dimensions names like 'Marion' – (You gotta be big and tough with a name like that), Brad (Still looks sharp in black), and Tom (A tough customer, if a little short in the leg) felt like a risk but it's now becoming part of our culture. It's turned out to be a bit of a hoot, the customers like it, and it's stimulated growth in exactly the area of the business we'd targeted. All these initiatives are the results of my recent learning during OMP17 (think 'Fish' for example), so thanks. If this is news I don't know, and yes, it was quite chilly taking the photos.
Mental Image>
Bernie Crosby - Prolife Foods
We would like to give ICEHOUSE League Foundation Member Bernie Crosby of Prolife Foods (OMP 5) a big gong from us - Recently Bernie was awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Business Studies from Wintec, the Waikato Institute of Technology. For all of the owner managers, most of your academic prowess is learnt on ‘the street’ and not in the classroom. This award is recognition of a great man, a great family and a great company. There are some people in this life who are just giants because of how they act and how they just inspire others. Bernie is this person – and the fantastic company that he and the team have built at Prolife is brilliant. Take a bow Bernie – and congratulations from The ICEHOUSE Team.
James Madelin - enlight photo
enlight photo continues to build on the success of their inaugural product, the orbis(tm) ring flash, with a further distributorship signed in Italy and strong worldwide sales. Germany is the next distributor target firmly in their sites. In other news, tooling for their second product release is nearly ready ahead of a scheduled (northern) summer launch. After a big trip to tradeshows in the US and UK, enlight are now working on licencing another product from its inventor. Successful completion of this deal will pave the way to further consumer-sourced licenced product releases. enlight photo's founder was featured last month on TV3's Business Breakfast show. NZ accounts for less than 2% of orbis(tm) sales, but the appearance was widely seen and great exposure. Follow them on Twitter @orbisflash.
Our favourite league member photo this month
Andrew Robbie - Metal Image
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From our partners:
“Pssst! NZ is great! Pass It On”
“This is the best bloody trip you will ever have ... ever, ever... in your life ... ever.” That’s the promise of one of the major prizes to be awarded in June as part of Kea New Zealand’s “Pass It On” campaign, launched this month.
Four lucky Kiwis living offshore will get a free week in New Zealand with a non-Kiwi mate – a money-can’t-buy travel experience that includes return air fares, luxury resort accommodation and experiences, plus two All Black test matches (including special access to the team).
Almost NZ$300,000 in prizes are on offer. To win, join Pass It On and earn points for getting your mates to sign up, too.
More importantly, Pass It On helps ordinary Kiwis promote the best of New Zealand to the world, as global interest in the country peaks in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011.
Visit http://www.passiton.co.nz/ to start sharing the best of New Zealand with the rest of the world.
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