Angels target visiting world cup fans

Andy Hamilton. Photo / Richard Robinson

Well-heeled international rugby fans will be encouraged to rub shoulders with Kiwi investors at a conference to be held during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Andy Hamilton, chairman of the Angel Association, planned an event between the semifinal and final and was putting feelers out internationally to see who was going to be in town. "We are trying to attract potential investors that would be here anyway. The idea is to provide an opportunity for our angel investors and venture capitalists to network with the people coming down and showcase and profile some of our best companies."

The association was set up last year to connect groups of investors around New Zealand who not only invest in start-up and more established businesses but also mentor those running them.

Hamilton said the intention had always been to run an international conference but the cup provided a great opportunity.

"It's just good timing," he said.

The cup kicks off on September 9 with the final on October 23.

Hamilton said New Zealand angel investors weren't so good at travelling and attending international angel conferences but were very good at looking after people who came here.

Next year the association would host well-known American angel investment guru Bill Payne and his wife for six months.

Payne will arrive in February and travel around the country to share his knowledge of angel investing with the communities.

Payne, from Las Vegas, was last year awarded a lifetime achievement award for angel investing.