Blog Posts

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#15

22/5/2020


	22 May 2020 #15

We don't know how Andy did with his TheWineList but we know that Kyla lifted sales of her bubbles brand MASSIVELY during the compulsory bubble period.

Martin in Whangarei seems to have managed lockdown with extra bubbles and is sharing this article.

COVID-19 times are tough times to raise beyond Friends and Family! Chnnl and Hivemind and their respective champions Cornelius and Garth have worked hard to help close these rounds. Both companies have now cleared the minimum investment hurdle. If you want to find out more get in touch with Cornelius.Boertjens@fka.nz or Garth.Hinton@fka.nz ✓

A mischievous mistake or tacit typo by the Chief Cat Herder? When Rudi wrote Catterize instead of Chatterize in a recent email Lawrence was confused. "What's Catterize? I don't see any reference to it in any emails other than this one? Something about cat herding?". R "No, no. [...]". L "Lol! Cat != Chat :)". [End of French session]

Seriously though, Chatterize was voted into DD earlier this week and Phil is now assembling the DD team. We shared the Pitch cum Q+A session on Wednesday with Angel HQ, the best in Wellington. The NBR also covered Chatterize in this interview/article - paywalled #$@&%*!

Phil and the team at Chatterize had a really positive experience working together as part of the most recent Startmate Sydney cohort. The programme is now coming to NZ with a first virtual cohort kicking off in July. Startmate values are well aligned with FKA's thinking.

So Angels and founders check it out and get involved!

A few weeks back The Economist reported about online dating sites like Tinder suffering under COVID-19 but Tinder seems to be inspirational.

But Jennifer at GridAKL is a natural at this and is organising another Speed-dating for founders and mentors. As part of Digital Techweek 2020, she will be matching mentors and founders on Wednesday, 27 May, 17:30 - 19:15. Digital - so all via Zoom!

Rudi has 'Tinder fatigue' and hopes that another FKA Angel will step in. Just email Jennifer.Smith@GridAKL.com to release him.

Thank you to everyone who attended the early sessions and Tuesday's session to refresh FKA's strategy. These are the key highlights.

Reaffirmed focus on engaged Angels ○ streamline processes to embrace more early-stage investments ○ roles and responsibilities to extend beyond the Board ○ more angelic fun!

Phil is picking up the DD processes, Josh role definition to get going.

Rudi is working with Mel and she reckons she can bring her tech to create an FKA Pool Party to remember. Mel brings dolphins, Rudi the pool. Somebody bring the mermaids!

See here what Mel is working on, amazing animatronic dolphins

LOL! Tinder tactics at Timely □

Timely provides the awesome booking system for ADI.Clinic and is running an FWB promo. CLICK HERE to refer yourself or a friend to grab 3 months at half price and $100 for FKA.

Lance Wiggs is an investor so let's take $100 notes from his pockets!

Learn more about shit, ice cream and how one of the brains thinks that is behind celebrated VC Andreessen Horowitz. A lengthy but worthy article in The New Yorker.

Shit-smelling-like-ice-cream? The Economist Espresso.
Son Masayoshi, a Japanese tech investor, will today announce a historic loss for his company, SoftBank Group, as it reports results for the financial year ending on March 31st. SoftBank warned in April that it expects to lose ¥900bn ($8.3bn), compared with a profit of ¥1.5trn the previous year. The chief culprits are SoftBank’s $100bn tech-investing vehicle, the Vision Fund, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, as well as its own investment in WeWork, a troubled office-sharing company. SoftBank’s massive bets on WeWork and other sharing-economy firms, such as Uber and Didi, are backfiring amid the pandemic. SoftBank itself is one of Japan’s most indebted firms and investors worry that it could sink under its weight of loans. Today Mr Son will doubtless talk futuristically about how the pandemic is accelerating technology adoption. But he will struggle to convince investors that the Vision Fund will be anything but a drain on precious resources.

Watch the Bloomberg video "The Spectacular Rise and Fall of WeWork".

Our CHH has licenced a mail merge app to avoid multi-addressee emails getting spam blocked. However, it also means we will probably spam FKA Angels with more emails.

Among others Angela, Ralf W and Stephen have received emails that were returned by their bank. These were failed attempts at changing account details on the assumption that email address on the fka-domain would give access to the bank account

Mason Yates from Blackbird VC has launched the Wild Hearts podcast.

In the first three episodes, you’ll hear the stories of companies like: Eucalyptus, who are delivering truly patient-centric healthcare online. Fleet Space, who are connecting everything, everywhere on Earth via toaster sized satellites. Vow Foods, who are resurrecting past culinary delights long forgotten by history via synthetic biology.

The man who brought you Rogernomics and one other bring you what they think should be done to get the Kiwi economy back after COVID-19.

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#14

15/5/2020


	15 May 2020 #14

In the middle of the lockdown some positive news from Kami. Well done Hengjie, Alliv, Jordan and Bob, and the rest of this great team!

JUST AWESOME!

Bob first met Hengji, Alliv and Jordan at the Velocity (formerly Spark) business competition. He was their mentor of the first hour and later left his COO role at NZX listed Plexure to join Kami as the fulltime exec chair.

FKA has been doing angelic work since 2014. Many things have changed since and consequently, we have consulted with other Angels, our Angels and founders to review and revise our overall strategy.

The Flying Kiwi Angels will decide how to implement the new strategy at next Tuesdays internal pitch night. Invitation to follow.

Phil likes the team at Chatterize and what they do. He is hoping to get support for an early stage DD. FKA's DD Vote is underway and anybody who wants to help should contact Phil.Southward@fka.nz.

Maheen Mudannayake wants to bring some famous initials to FKA. He has talked with Debra, Garth and Phil and they think he'd be a good fit. However, if anyone knows of dark secrets that would speak against him joining they should notify the FKA Board.

Josh has given up several shirts this week to support FKA portfolio companies. The NZ Herald published his "Four ways you can change your business plan post-Covid19".

But that's not all, he also stimulated some interesting debate with this LinkedIn post about the US decline in Seed and Series A funding.

Hot off the virtual press, Jenny Douché shares her ebook "What Next?", full of NZ stories about facing adverse events in business. She hopes it will inspire and help people in these thought times. AWESOME!

This is a bizarrely titled blog when really it is about pricing software. A tough topic and balancing act between not pricing yourself out of the market and not leaving money on the table. Money on the table is so bad for the runway! Read on!

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#13

8/5/2020


	8 May 2020 #13

Mark Loveys is literally the Rockstar in FKA's portfolio. His first career was in the music business. Now, he is the CEO of Datagate and has just delivered his quarterly update to investors. Great numbers that are for shareholders'eyes only. But we have for all eyes his hit from 35 years ago.

In September 1985 Satellite Spies released 'Destiny In Motion', their first single. It made waves in the NZ charts, peaking at number 14 and spending 10 weeks in the top 50.

Liz from Chnnl is not-camera shy and has sent in this brief message. Cornelius is FKA's investor rep and is counting the money.

Garth is no Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger but he digs honey! So no surprises then that he is our champion for Hivemind.

Single occupancy spheres that make for an awesome VR experience. Perfectly timed for COVID-19 social distancing. That is Eight360!

Moxion has signed an A-list studio which bodes well for business once film productions pick up after record subscriber numbers have literally eating through streaming content. The company is prudent, cutting costs, finding new revenue streams and raising more funding to be fit to film!

Aisleworx is now in well over 1000 (blue logo) grocery stores. COVID-19 has temporarily slowed down the roll-out of new carts but with new growth opportunities, the company is raising a convertible note in the US to accelerate growth in the 2nd half of 2020.

Hot Lime Labs has hit all milestones and will come back for the next round of funding to take this amazing tech to the next level. Two of our Angels are working with Lachlan Nixon of Pacific Channel to DD and shape the round. Working together for better outcomes!

Nikki is the youngest member of the FKA gang. She is totally rooting for Kami and has served water at ADI.Clinic like few others. Happy Birthday!

Aō Air is that one that got away? This hi-tech breathing mask would benefit from COVID-19 and its aftermath. We talked with Ilya Vensky at ADI.Clinic back in late 2016 - early days. This is their latest video.

Disturbing news in this week's NBR about law firm Lowndes shutting down. However, our partners at Lowndes Jordon aka Lojo have only part of the name in common. Lojo is alive and well and our main contact Andrew is more than bantamweight! Check out his Australian namesake!

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#12

1/5/2020


	1 May 2020 #12

The Phoenix company StretchSense has emerged from the collapse of our first portfolio company. A bummer but still much the same team and we still love them. Ben is now going deep with mocap. Press Release!

Phil is always rooting for his startup pups. Eight360 is one of them and is proud to share this PR piece in New Atlas. Also, they are raising!

Judith Marecek the Programme Manager of Velocity asked so very nicely. Ben from StretchSense and Hengjie from Kami are both Velocity alumni. So don't hold back and register to get involved as judge and/or mentor.

In previous years, you’ve included a call to sign-up in your newsletter [...] Not many people do ‘marketing’ like you, and I am sure it would reach precisely our target audience.

Lawrence is our Angel of the Far North. A serial entrepreneur, he still has a startup on the go, Horn.co a video conferencing platform. It got too busy with COVID-19 that he decided to raise to hire. He is blowing his horn for US$10m. Much to learn from this guy!

Being a director of an early stage/angel backed company is different and in many ways more challenging than established company directorships. As angel investors, we promise founders our money and our time - joining the board is a powerful way to truly contribute to the success of these businesses.

Because of Covid-19, AANZ is offering this course entirely online over two mornings, Friday 15 May from 9:30am – 12pm, and Friday 22 May from 9:30am – 12pm. The second session will build on the material covered in the first session, so attendance at both is required. The cost to attend the workshop is $250 +GST. Register for your legendary teacher Debra.

Before you share your thoughts, think about what the powerful person cares about — it may be “the credibility of their team or getting a project done on time,” You’re more likely to be heard if you can connect your disagreement to a “higher purpose.” HBR talks of disagreeing with your boss but there are some general tips in this article.

COVID-19 kills beer! This NBR report inspired the above image and newsletter promotion on LinkedIn which netted a bunch of new readers. Also, a rare endorsement from Lance Wiggs who normally shoots to kill.

Rudi says thank you to Steph Harworth and Rob Vickery for their corrective intervention. Also, he apologises to the editorial team for releasing words before submitting them for scrutiny. DISTROY should have been DESTROY!

Advisory.Works is where Uli is moonlighting when he is not an Angel. His firm also offers services that can be accessed for FREE via the Regional Business Partner programme.

See the list of AW services. and get in touch with Uli.Wiehle@fka.nz

ADI.Clinic provides FREE advice to any founder. DG called in yesterday, wanting to unseat newzealandgirls.co.nz from its #13 spot. Essentially, offering a two-sided market place for escort services. Interesting discussions ensued but the final verdict was NO ANGEL DEAL.

Suse on behalf of AANZ has made a submission to Government proposing 15 initiatives to support and strengthen the ecosystem during COVID-19 and beyond.

The Board and management of NZGCP were established under National, Labour has just given $300m to NZGCP. Last Thursday the NZ Herald reported an investigation and had this to report yesterday.

A probe into complaints against a staff member at a Crown-backed money manager has not been upheld, with the fund revealing no details of the claims.

While the chairman of the fund says he believes the matter is closed, the Super Fund, which was told to hire the fund by the Government, says it will now review whether it still has conviction in the management.

Note how the NZH is timing relevant articles to hit our Friday cycle. Just as you may not believe all you read in this publication you should not take everything in the printed press for gospel.

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#11

24/4/2020


	24 April 2020 #11

Various rounds are still open. Hivemind and Chnnl co-investment calls have gone out this week. Vesper and FormusLabs about to close.

At the moment Angels rather support existing portfolio companies than new ideas. That makes it tough for founders who are looking for their first seed round, tough but not impossible as Hivemind and Chnnl show.

You can be forgiven for mistaken Whanganui for Whangarei. But make no mistake, Flying Kiwi Angels are no lockdown loonies! Both Lawrence and Martin, our Angels guarding the Far North have swapped kid gloves for rubber gloves to keep Whangarei safe.

Disrespect for Dr Rudi's beer! Straight after Chnnl DD Andy has channelled all his energy into setting up a mailorder business for the oenophile. Strange thing to do under COVID-19, strange thing to do for a teetotaller but so is Andy, a Flying Kiwi Angel, flying against all odds.

Andy is no scrounger and cuts his margin to give all readers a rocking 10% discount until 12 May, just use FKArocks at the checkout! His wife Lizzie produced this COVID-19 track which is why there will be a little delay with the TWL jingle.

□□□ TheWineList.co.nz

This press release about new staff hires was fronted by the NZGCP Chair in a Smile Offensive this Wednesday, only to be followed by a somewhat disturbing news article about staff issues the following day.

But success lies beyond the stereotypes that are often formed without reference to hard data. Do you want hard facts? Then read this!

Garth says, till 30 June 2020 there are free services for eligible businesses under the Management Capability Development Voucher Fund. Financial savvy for startups? Check if this is something for you!

The Economist reports. In New York internet usage in Manhattan’s commercial core is down by around 30%. Conversely, usage in parts of gentrifying Greenpoint and Long Island City is up by over 60%. London displays a similar pattern, with steep drops in the city centre offset by heavier use in peripheral areas.

The Economist reports on COVID-19 impacts. Surprisingly, traffic to gambling and pornography sites is flat. Visits to business and learning sites have risen the most, followed by games, e-commerce and streaming. The only category that has seen a decline is one incompatible with social distancing: online dating.

Newsletter ➢ ᴀFKAғ•2020#10

17/4/2020


	17 April 2020 #10

COVID times are busy times. Angels are called to help startups!
See here what's new this week.

Hivemind, positive investment vote, co-investment call going out.

Chnnl, investment vote underway, co-investment call going out.

FormusLabs, extra commitments, slackers chased for funds.

Moxion, round extended due to COVID-19, took extra commitments.

Kara, modified terms, co-investment call will be recirculated.

Vesper Marine, rights issue extended to FKA Nominees investors.

We had four founders at ADI Auckland this week.
Including companies skybase.aero and gigexchange.com

Ambit AI, FKA Angel and CEO Tim@ambit-ai.com can provide more details for current round, several FKA Angels invested in earlier rounds.

New app connects doctors and patients across 'bubbles'

Angels can meet startups anywhere! Not two months ago, Rudi caught up with Frayne Cooke from Well Revolution. And boom, their product is ready just in time for COVID-19.

Hands-On Flying Kiwi David

"G.E.M = Get Ecommerce Movement = help Kiwi SME’s achieve rapid digital transformation = starting with an initial batch of 500 free eCommerce sites."

David's LinkedIn post & Zeald’s major pivot

Jenny is a different kind of Angel. She is asking "What Next?", asking for help from Flying Kiwi Angels to put together this book with personal stories about facing adverse events in business. Nice one, Jenny!

Free access for a month to the awesome Udacity learning platform. Lots of Angel relevant course from great brains in the field. C'mon do your Angel MBA in super-fast time during lockdown!

Corona kills people and so does unhealthy fast food. Now COVID-19 tips Burger King into receivership. What is the balance of evil?

Strong IP is good for startups and investors!

Bilaminar Membrane - A smart bilaminar membrane for guided bone regeneration as a next-generation barrier membrane device. Funding to Date: Up to $40K
Self-fixing sling - Self-fixing minimally invasive non-mesh sling for stress urinary incontinence. Funding to Date: Up to $40K
Space Commercialisation with High Temperature Superconductors - Applications of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technology for satellites and space shuttles. Funding to Date: Up to $40K

Angels don't always speak with an angelic tongue. Helping one of our portfolio companies to cut to the chase with an email, this was the appreciative response "Rudi is our secret Panzerkampfwagen that ve roll into battle ven zey least expect it…"

Chris, Martin, Ralf M, Ralf W, Steffen and Uli too have retained their German candour. Isabel her Spanish spunk!