Investor in for the long haul

Brian Casey. Photo / Janna Dixon

Zambia-born Brian Casey moved to New Zealand 11 years ago and is head of energy consulting and investment company Longbay Petroleum Associates.

A major motivation for joining the Ice Angels was to connect with local authorities on industries and business here.

"You have to know the intricacies and nuances of the local market when you want to do business, especially outside of your normal industry, so teaming up with local business people makes sense.

"Here, I get to interface with really interesting entrepreneurs all the time."

He doesn't regard himself as "seriously wealthy", and invests as little as $5000 in some companies. That often needs to be topped up to continue his involvement. He plans to build his portfolio to around 10 start-ups.

He enjoys the challenge of finding ways to help start-up companies deal with problems during those first years. "Investors don't have endlessly deep pockets, so part of the challenge is solving problems without raising more funds."

And he isn't in any rush to see results. "I'm a long-term investor. The reality is that half of these might not work at all, and another couple may just peter along, but hopefully one or two of them might be successful.

"Everyone's trying to find the next Apple or Google and who knows?"