Where would I find someone interested in investing in my business?

我有一个很棒的想法,需要人的意志ing to invest in my hydroponic watercress business plan. I have the land and the water source, and the perfect location in Northland, New Zealand.

Think of it as a reverse phone tree. You're going to start calling people. I'll explain below where you get the names and numbers. First, though, is your information strategy, as follows: For each new person you call, you ask him who does he know or who does he recommend, who might be interested, or know about this or be able to help. You don't expect to make real progress with each call, but you should at least be able to get someone else to call.

As to whom to start calling, try local first. Not that you can't get investors from anywhere else, but generally people in New Zealand are more likely to invest in New Zealand than people outside. Furthermore, you can start with the public agencies and quasi-public agencies whose charter involves developing New Zealand--not that they'll be your investors, but they are more likely than those outside of New Zealand to have some good leads. Look for government development agencies, local development agencies and industry chambers. I just did a quick google search forNew Zealand business developmentand that turns up one federal agency and an organization focused on investment for sustainable business.

Don't forget local business groups, local universities and local investment groups. Find the business blogs related to New Zealand entrepreneurs.

If that doesn't seem to be working, start looking for investors elsewhere with interests in hydroponics and related fields. That's going to be harder, of course, and now is not a great time.

Basically, the process is: You develop your plan, search for investors with the right kind of interests, get an introduction, present a summary memo and, if you're lucky, get invited to do a pitch. If you get through that hoop, then it's lawyers and term sheets and detailed business plan work.

Good luck with it,

Tim