Aardvark

[Bruce Simpson]

This column is archived at: http://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2010/0322.shtml

Every cloud has a silver lining, or so they say.

Could the void that seems to separate ideas-guys from VCs and entrepreneurial management be a potential opportunity?

Would an online resource, such as the one I've described, be a good thing for helping get more hi-tech ventures off the ground in NZ?

Could it be made into a profitable business that benefits all involved?

Is there already just such a thing online in NZ?

If there is, how could it be improved?

Or is it time for someone to "give it a go"?

[Plato]

Another million dollar - or at least a "good" - idea....

Go with the ad-funded model Bruce - it seems to work for Google....

There is a similar model already running in Oz - www.wholesaleinvestor.com.au - although they are looking more at projects (as opposed to pure "conceptual inventions") that require venture capital.

They make their money from taking an upfront fee from the party seeking investment...and sign an agreement to take a tiny percentage of funds invested too...

I've found it a little too generous (in their favour) to ulitise for any of my ideas - but some folks seem to be getting investment funding from this source....

Protecting the Intellectual Property (IP) is a big issue - and always has and will be. How do you get an investor enthused about your idea - without revealing the idea and risking having it stolen? All without the huge cost (and most likely useless protection) afforded by a patent. If an investor is scratching to pay for a global patent - which most are - he/she sure isn't going to be able to pursue a patent breach through the Courts...and Asian Courts have little to no interest in such matters either....

I believe that the key is "speed to market" - not patent protection - in these heady days of innovation....an "i" word that the NZL Government can't spell - obviously...

[Gijoe-]

vc's have no problems finding ventures, what they do have is a problem finding successful ones.

out of 10 only one might go on to make a profit, what they probably need is something to help analyze ventures, for there possible viability in a quicker format.

[Who?]

Don't worry, our enlightened and tech savvy government will be delivering this service soon. *pop* bugger, I was day-dreaming again...

[Sophocles]

It's called "Conversations in the Market Place." First: find a level market place. Go on: keep looking.