Venture Mentor Network

Kea's Venture Mentor Network (VMN) aims to provide business and commercialisation opportunities with self-initiated access to international mentor networks. The aim of VMN is to enable Kiwi individuals and businesses (Seekers) to tap into the knowledge and connections of Kea members around the world (Mentors). VMN has the potential to mobilise Kea's global membership into a commercialisation army. It is an independent business mentoring and advisory initiative that connects New Zealand companies and projects with people who may be able to provide the pragmatic, frontline, up-to-date advice they need to succeed in target markets. It also provides off-shore members with tangible engagement and participation in the success of New Zealand.

How does VMN work?

Kea has established close working relationships with sources of innovative companies and high-potential opportunities. These include Connect New Zealand, economic development agencies, The ICEHOUSE, business incubators, the Escalator programme, venture capitalists, Crown Research Institutes, Chambers of Commerce, university researchers, pro-growth Government agencies, and Kea's other networks. Many of these organisations are, or are becoming, approved VMN Partners.

The sequence is:

	A proposal from a 'Seeker' is reviewed by an approved Partner and 'championed' by a named individual within the Partner organisation.
	Registered 'Mentors' are advised of relevant opportunities in an email. The choice of whether and how to respond is entirely up to the Mentor.

Simple, effective and efficient. What happens next is up to the parties on both sides. If everyone agrees, Kea New Zealand can support a 'roundtable' process enabling the parties to push their project forward. Roundtable services can include a Kea-hosted online collaboration group, in-market support from Kea regional managers, Chapters and industry clusters, and VMN Partners in New Zealand.

How do I become a Mentor?

Any Kea member can become a VMN Mentor. The following types of specialist knowledge of your region and industry will be especially valuable:

	market knowledge on competitors, pricing, market positioning and relevant strategies
	commercialisation of new products and services
	potential distribution channels and customers
	potential contacts for joint ventures or business development
	legal requirements for doing business and protecting intellectual property
	business culture and relevant social and consumer issues
	the whole range of support services such as tax, accounting, public relations, and so on.

Sign up to become a Mentor here.

How do I become a Seeker?

Get in touch with an approved VMN Partner or contact us.

How do I become a VMN Partner?

If you're interested in becoming a VMN Partner, please contact us.