New angels at top table

Media Release

30 July 2012

New angels at top table

Auckland-based company director and active angel investor Ray Thomson is the new chairman of the Angel Association of New Zealand, taking over from Wellington investor Phil McCaw who is stepping down after two years in the role.

In other changes, Wellington angel investor Marcel van den Assum has been appointed deputy chairman and Suse Reynolds is taking over as Angel Association executive director.

A former share broker and current Ice Angels advisory board member, Dr Thomson says his focus will be on building the number of angel investors in New Zealand.

“Angel investing has seen a lot of growth over the past five years but we now need to refocus efforts on recruiting new angels. At present there are some 300 angel investors spread across the various angel networks.

“Last year’s aggregate investment by angels was well down on the previous year, due to the uncertain financial environment overseas, particularly in Europe, and the fact that experienced angels are becoming more discerning in their investment behaviour.”

“If we want to fuel a vibrant and globally competitive innovation sector, then angels need to be investing significantly more than this. This will only happen with more angels involved and with better deal flow.”

Dr Thomson intends for the Angel Association to take a higher profile. To that end, Marcel van den Assum becomes AANZ’s first deputy chairman and this year’s Angel Summit, being held in Wellington on 1 and 2 November, will look to raise the profile of the association and angel investors by including an investment showcase where 15 early stage companies will pitch for angel investment.

New executive director Suse Reynolds has been active in angel investment for a few years, and was one of the founders of Angel HQ in Wellington. Previously she was a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for a decade before joining regional economic development agency Grow Wellington as its chief operating officer.
Angel Association New Zealand

http://www.angelassociation.co.nz/

Growing global companies through Angel Investment
LinkedIn Angel Association

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