To venture is “to take a daring journey into the unknown”.

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At These Guys I Know we are extremely comfortable with the unknown and excited by the potential of startups, the world needs startups. It’s how we can solve some of the world’s gnarliest problems. That said, to start up, is trickier than sounds. And to keep going - even harder!

 

Through our ventures division, we leverage 20+ years of experience building high profile brands to support founders. 

 

We work with start ups in a number of ways - product development, brand strategy, go-to-market, strategic partnerships, support with capital raise (and connection), stakeholder engagement and preparation of a venture to be shared with others - investors, partners, collaborators or funding partners.

 

We believe in the power of brand to add significant value and accelerate growth. We believe in the power of integrated communications to strengthen position in market.

 

These Guys I Know combines deep brand knowledge with a product development lens - and provides specialist support to founders (who often also have their own personal brands and stories to manage). 

 

We are industry agnostic with many tools available to support value aligned founders and extensive knowledge of the eco-system. Here are some of the ways we have worked with founders - 

 

• Research and positioning strategy.

• Pitch deck preparation.

• Identification of possible funding partners - investors and grant.

• Go to market strategy.

• Brand development.

• Communications (including PR coverage) to generate interest

• Investment - direct and attracting interest from other investors.

• Growth strategy

• Mentor connection

• Funding partner - introductions and connection.

• Strategic partnerships

 

Sectors we have worked in to date includes tourism, transport (including transport innovation and future transport including mobility-as-a-service, ev infrastructure), agritech, health / healthtech, commercial property and development, media, solar energy and regional development initiatives.

 

Whilst there is much work done behind the scenes - from feasibility through to funding and go-to-market, These Guys I Know is unique in its ability to build awareness through communications. 

 

For example, we have delivered more than $1million worth of international press coverage for Christchurch start-up oVRcome -​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​