The distance between China and New Zealand has just became a lot closer today with the announcement of five new business landing pads now available for Kiwi businesses in China.
Five leading business innovation hubs in Shanghai, Chengdu and Chongqing have fostered a relationship with New Zealand based business FunderTech to open their doors to foreign businesses. The Chinese Local Government are supporting the initiative by providing shared workspaces while FunderTech will be providing a wrap-around support service for kiwi businesses to accelerate grow and investment opportunities. The deal provides flexible terms for up to 40 foreign businesses to establish at an innovation hub.
Incubation Hub Manager for Chengdu Ms Li announced the plans “Chengdu is the fastest growing economy in China and we need to continue to attract the best and the brightest people from the world to our city. With direct flights now operating from Auckland to Chengdu, we are opening a new gateway for New Zealand businesses.”
Kiwi businesses are being given an eye watering offer that is almost half the annual rental price of taking an office in the equivalent innovation hub in Auckland with a great deal more benefits.
Each innovation hub has something different to offer but will include a shared local Business Development Manager; a modern office space for three employees with room to grow; a range of modern office furniture; assistance with company registration; assistance with a multi entry visa application; assistance with establishing a business bank account; assistance with finding accommodation and some incubation hubs also offer a months free accommodation; unlimited wifi access; and regular social networking opportunities.
FunderTech Managing Director Rob Thomas said “Kiwis are amazing innovators but our businesses need to be closer to capital and consumer markets. Each city has a population of more than ten million people and it’s important to bring New Zealand companies close to the action.”
FunderTech Director David Liu also added, “The incubation hubs in rapidly growing China cities present a great opportunity for Kiwi start-ups. The enormous China market in bloom is full of both competition and opportunities, the incubation hubs are the active agents that can help Kiwis learn the rules of Chinese business games and prepare them to fly high.”
Mr Thomas continues “The decision to set up an office in China should be well thought through. There are a number of pitfalls that business can make when entering the market. However, the wrap-around service and the deal struck by FunderTech with the Innovation Hubs will provide an affordable and viable way to bridge the gap for kiwi business entering into China.”
FunderTech is also offering business support modules available to accelerate the landing process which include consumer research, product & marketing, manufacture and importation. They are also assisting businesses apply for Local Government Grants and introductions to Chinese Angel Investors.
Since FunderTech established its business in August they have taken five kiwi businesses into China. New Zealand founder of the NZ SME Network Tenby Powell joined them as the keynote speaker at the Chengdu Innovation Hub in October.
The next FunderTech angel investor roadshow is planned for February 2017, after the Chinese New Year, which will involve visiting Incubation Hubs and pitching to Angel Investors. For more information please visit the www.FunderTech.com website.
