Entrepreneur Social | Suse Reynolds, Angel Association NZ

Growing a successful business is never done alone

Our next Entrepreneur Social guest speaker, Suse Reynolds, says “growing a successful business is never done alone”. It’s a universal truth that we achieve much more by working with each other rather than against each other. What’s more, very few of us achieve as much on our own as we do together.

That’s the power of collaboration.

Suse is the Executive Director of Angel Association NZ. It’s the equivalent of the well-known “Dragon’s Den”.

She says generosity of spirit is one of the most inspirational aspects of working in angel investment. Angels bring value which goes way beyond their ability to write a cheque. Their experience, networks and expertise are the real rocket fuel. And what’s more, when a founder receives money from an investor in the formal NZ angel community, that investor is bringing over 600 people who share a generosity of spirit and values of collaboration and collegiality.

Angel Association NZ is the industry representative body for early stage investment. Currently the AANZ has 30 plus members including 12 angel networks spanning the country, including a Marlborough branch, 4 funds, 2 equity crowd-funding platforms and the investor-led tech incubators.

Angels and founders share a hunger for success and making a difference. It is this trait that aligns both parties tightly.

Just as well, because angel investment is not for the faint hearted. It’s a portfolio game with 90% of returns coming from just 10% of portfolio ventures.

An active angel investor herself with about 20 ventures in her portfolio, Suse speaks from experience.

She will have a few stories to tell.

Please join us - we promise an evening of great networking and inspiration.

Ticket price includes light snacks on arrival

WHAT IS THE BLENHEIM ENTREPRENEUR SOCIAL?
It is a monthly networking event hosted in partnership with Business Trust Marlborough and FocusMarketing.nz, where guest speakers who have created social impact inspire and provoke.

WHO IS IT FOR?
It is for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs who wish to engage and connect with like-minded, purpose driven individuals who value collaboration and problem solving.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Suse Reynolds is the Executive Director of Angel Association NZ.

Suse has been on the AANZ Council since its inception in 2008 and took up the Executive Director role five years ago.

In 2005 Suse helped to found AngelHQ, the Wellington region’s angel network and remains on the Board. Today AngelHQ has over 80 members and has invested over $20m into 68 high-growth startup companies. Suse is an active angel investor with about 20 ventures in her portfolio.

Suse is on the board of CreativeHQ. She is a member of VicLink’s Momentum Investment Committee. She is also a member of the Institute of International Affairs Standing Committee and a committee member of the Wellington branch of the Institute of Directors. Suse is also a judge for the High Tech Awards and was recently appointed to Matu Ventures Investment Committee.

Prior to her roles in angel investment, Suse was the Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Investment at Grow Wellington. Before taking up these positions, she was the Executive Director of the Trade Liberalisation Network. This followed a 10 year career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which included working for the Foreign Minister and a posting in London representing New Zealand’s trade and economic interests.

Suse has a Bachelor of Commerce and an Honours Law Degree, both completed at Victoria University.

She has two gorgeous teenage children, an ancient Tonkinese cat and an over exuberant golden lab and lives at the foot of Mt Kaukau in Wellington where she remains a staunch Crusaders rugby supporter.