BUSINESS PANEL Q&A SESSIONS
At SME&E Growth we are excited to be hosting not one, but TWO incredible business panel Q&A sessions! The business panel at our last event was epic, so this time we're doubling our efforts! Be sure to get your questions ready for our panellists to answer in these sessions.
+ DAY 1 TOPIC: FUNDING YOUR BUSINESS FOR GROWTH
+ DAY 2 TOPIC: AI FOR BUSINESS GROWTH PRESENTED BY AI FORUM NZ
+ funding your business for growth
day 1 | 1:30PM | MAIN STAGE
This panel is your golden opportunity to gain insider knowledge, tips, and strategies for raising capital.
Are you seeking funding for your business or eager to learn from experts in the field? Look no further! We have assembled a stellar line-up of esteemed panellists including venture capitalists, angel investors, fintech innovators, and visionary founders who've experienced the funding journey first-hand. From exploring investment opportunities to how to pitch your ideas, they'll provide invaluable insights to help you navigate the funding landscape.
Meet your expert panellists below:
ADRIENNE BEGBIE
MANAGING DIRECTOR AT PROSPA NEW ZEALAND
FINTECH
Adrienne is a skilled financial services leader at Prospa, contributing to the company's establishment in New Zealand. As the leader of Prospa New Zealand, she manages operations, builds partnerships, and drives growth. With almost two decades in the financial services sector, including nine years at Resimac, Adrienne excels in small business banking, sales management, insurance, and loans. Committed to empowering New Zealand's small businesses, she strives to unleash their full potential.
Simeon Burnett
CO-FOUNDER & MD AT SNOWBALL EFFECT
CROWD FUNDER
Simeon is passionate about developing New Zealand businesses into successful international ventures. Prior to co-founding Snowball Effect, Simeon held a number of different roles at Fonterra, gaining extensive experience in M&A, external fundraising, international business strategy development and financial portfolio management. He is passionate about building businesses and the New Zealand capital markets, and loves getting away to a remote beach with his family.
John Kells
CO-MANAGING PARTNER GD1 FUND
VENTURE CAPITAL
John has 20+ years of investment experience, including 14 in the UK. He was a front office equity analyst at GLG Partners and featured in the Financial News Top 40 Under 40 list. At Tesco Pension Investment, he managed £1.5B in global alternative investments. John is an active angel investor and co-founded an e-commerce start-up. Currently, as Co-Managing Partner at GD1 Fund 3, he brings extensive expertise with a BSc in Mathematics, multiple finance diplomas, and CFA charterholder status.
Brent (Spice) Spicer
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO AT MARSELLO
RAISED OVER $8 MILLION
As the Co-founder and CEO Marsello, I've grown revenue from zero to $7m from 2,000 customers with over 90% of them from international markets driven through partnerships with some of the largest organisations in our space (e.g. Shopify, Lightspeed). I've raised over US$8m in capital from different sources including High Networth Individuals, Crowdfunding and Venture Capital (in Aus. & USA), as well as leveraged Venture Debt as a financial instrument, and lived in San Francisco for two years as part of the journey.
NADINE HILL
PARTNER + SENIOR INVESTMENT MANAGER 2040 VENTURES
VENTURE CAPITAL
Nadine, oversees Punakaiki Fund's investments and directs multiple SaaS companies within its portfolio. With a deep finance background, she facilitates international capital raising for NZ tech firms. As a former director at Westpac Institutional Bank, Nadine has experience in M&A transactions with PE firms and large companies. She offers valuable insights on capital raising, growth generation, and funding options in the challenging business landscape.
suse reynolds (HOST)
EXECUTIVE CHAIR AT ANGEL ASSOCIATION NEW ZEALAND
Suse Reynolds is an active angel investor and the founder of Angel HQ, the Wellington region’s angel network. She currently sits on the Board of Angel HQ and is an enthusiastic believer in the ability of angel investment to make the world a better place. Suse was formerly the Chief Operating Officer and GM Investment at Grow Wellington. She is on the Board of CreativeHQ, the Wellington region’s incubator and innovation catalyst. She is a Trustee of Project Crimson Trust which is using smart tech to save our native trees and is an advisory board member for Narrative Muse and PlayBooks.
+ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BUSINESS PANEL
day 2 | 1:30PM | MAIN STAGE
The future is here, and it's powered by Artificial Intelligence!
We are thrilled to present a thought-provoking panel discussion on AI, presented by AI Forum NZ. Our AI experts will increase your understanding of AI and its potential benefits for your growing business. You will gain valuable insights into the fundamental concepts of AI, its applications, and its potential impact on your business operations. Join us as we explore the limitless possibilities and guide you on your journey towards embracing AI.
Please note: The Q&A session for this panel will held in workshop stream 7 which immediately follows this panel at 2:50pm. All the panellists will be available to attendees throughout this round table session to effectively answer your questions and provide personalised answers to your AI application queries.
Meet your expert panellists below:
MADELINE NEWMAN (HOST)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AI FORUM
As the Executive Director of the AI Forum since 2022, Madeline possesses a wealth of experience in strategy, transformational change, and promoting the potential of innovative technologies. Leading the AI Forum of New Zealand during a crucial period, she brings valuable expertise. With a background in AI and technology spanning 20 years, including work in mental health, financial services, and regulation in the UK, Madeline has contributed to shaping and delivering the Financial Conduct Authority's renowned RegTech innovation program. Recently, she served as the Head of Innovation and Product for a science-based digital mental health service, providing fresh perspectives and international connections to the AI community.
MATT ENSOR
FOUNDER + CEO OF FRANKLY AI
Matt Ensor, the founder and CEO of FranklyAI, leads a groundbreaking startup revolutionizing online engagement. By replacing static survey forms with dynamic conversations, FranklyAI ensures inclusivity and equity with its mission of "No voice left behind," specifically empowering indigenous and diverse communities. Additionally, Matt serves as the Business Director – Community Shaping at Beca, where he brings his expertise to drive positive change. As the Chair of the AI Forum's Large Language Model Working Group, he spearheads the creation of a White Paper on LLM technologies, contributing valuable insights for New Zealand's AI landscape.
Asa Cox
FOUNDER AND CEO OF ARCANUM AI
Asa the CEO and Founder of Arcanum, Asa brings more than 7 years of expertise in applied AI. Leading the company, Asa recently introduced their inaugural AI assistant, Archie. Residing in Wellington, he identifies himself as an AI optimist and is a proud parent of four children under 10 years old. Asa relies on ChatGPT as part of his daily routine and strongly believes in harnessing the potential of AI to achieve a remarkable tenfold increase in productivity.
RUSSELL CRAIG
AI AND DATA GOVERNANCE EXPERT
Russell is an esteemed expert in AI, Data Governance, and Applications, dedicated to helping governments and businesses leverage digital technologies effectively. He focuses on promoting responsible and ethical use of data and technology, aiding New Zealand organizations in enhancing their data governance practices. Russell's illustrious career includes creating NZ's original e-government strategy, serving at the OECD in Paris, and leading the Ministry of Health's information strategy and policy team. During his tenure at Cisco Systems and Microsoft New Zealand as National Technology and Security Officer, he advised on digital initiatives, strategy, policy, and implementation, unlocking transformative opportunities enabled by advanced technologies.
David Knox
PRINCIPAL + DATA SCIENCE AT LYNKER ANALYTICS
David specializes in machine learning for environmental monitoring, particularly focusing on computer vision for landcover mapping, machine learning in GIS workflows, and eXplainable AI. As the Principal of Data Science and a founding employee at Lynker Analytics, he played a pivotal role in building the company's machine learning and data science practice over the past four years. With expertise in a multitude of AI/ML projects, David adeptly handles model selection, imperfect data, and collaborates within multi-disciplinary teams. His contributions have contributed to Lynker's significant growth, propelling the company from a small to nearly medium-sized enterprise.
PROF. Ian Watson
AI/ML CONSULTANT + SCIENTIFIC WRITER + AI PIONEER
A renowned speaker and consultant, Ian possesses over thirty years of expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Formerly an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Auckland, he has worked with government entities and businesses of various scales across New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. Ian's significant contributions to the field of AI are acknowledged through awards, extensive research papers, and multiple books on AI application. Approachable and friendly, he gladly shares insights and assists businesses in harnessing the potential of AI to accomplish their objectives.
