DLA Piper New Zealand is pleased to have acted for Simplicity NZ Limited in its investment (with K1W1 and First NZ
Capital) into Icehouse Ventures Limited. Simplicity has also agreed to invest up to $100 million over the next five
years in New Zealand companies seeking growth capital.
The investment gives Simplicity, through its KiwiSaver and investment growth funds, the ability to offer exposure to
retail investors for these types of investments.
Rachel Taylor (Corporate), lead partner on this deal, says:
"It was great to be part of this funding initiative - combining our investment funds and regulatory capability with
corporate and investment structuring."
The intention of Icehouse Ventures is to energise the growth of New Zealand companies with global ambitions. Simplicity
NZ’s partners are the investment banking firm FNZC, and K1W1 (Sir Stephen Tindall's investment company). The plan is to
accelerate local entrepreneurialism.
Simplicity's Sam Stubbs comments:
"This is a fantastic opportunity - a first for KiwiSaver- to give New Zealanders the opportunity to invest in some of
New Zealand's potential fast growing entrepreneurial businesses, and for more businesses to have access to New Zealand
based capital."
DLA Piper is proud to be on the ground floor of an initiative with large-scale potential: carefully-placed investments
by a retail fund manager in New Zealand companies with a focus on high growth.
This breakthrough collaboration is set to reshape KiwiSaver itself as a vehicle in which New Zealanders can put their
faith invest in local companies. In turn, as overseas experience has shown – this has the power to galvanise economic
and infrastructural transformation here at home.