Expo paves the way for tech firms

By MICHAEL FOREMAN

ANZA Tech Net, a Silicon Valley-based expatriate network that assists Australasian technology companies doing business in the United States, is to hold its first trade exhibition.

Speaking at a briefing in Auckland, chairman Guy Manson said the ANZA Technology Showcase, in San Francisco on June 2-4, would help technology companies seeking to expand.

But he warned that finding customers in an insular and largely self-contained market was difficult, and local technology firms should forget hopes of attracting US venture capital unless they were prepared to move there.

"The first and hardest lesson you learn is what has become known as the tyranny of distance. It's a 14-hour flight to come here from the US and for most Americans it's like going to the moon.

"You have to remember that only 10 per cent of US citizens hold passports, and 5 per cent of those are in the military. The message you get is, 'If you are not here, we don't care'."

But Manson said the showcase would provide a gateway to the US market at low cost and would help to build awareness of the Australia-New Zealand technology "brand".

He added that some financial support was available from Trade New Zealand, which could assist companies with airfares and other costs.

ANZA Technology Network