3rd - 6th October 2018
Lake Ohau, New Zealand

In partnership with

An invitation-only event

Innovation Bay is delighted to invite you to VENTURE DOWNUNDER, an exclusive trip for the world’s best venture partners to network, learn, and recharge in New Zealand’s stunning south island. 
We’ll stay at the private and remote resort of Lake Ohau Lodge, and have the entire place to ourselves – including our very own ski slope (and bar). Surrounded by snowy mountains and overlooking the spectacular Lake Ohau, we’ll have relaxed and open discussions by the open fire and adventure out into the wilderness to experience the best outdoor activities New Zealand is famous for.

Expand Network & Deepen Connections

The intimate and relaxed environment means dynamic conversations and discussion will flow. Curated forums, panels and one-on-one meetings will maximise interactivity between guests.

Spectacular & Secluded Location

Experience the natural wonder of one of the world’s most stunning and remote landscapes. The perfect place to getaway from the office relax and recharge for a few days.

12 Growth Company Presentations

Hear from leading innovators from ANZ with presentations from the CEOs of 12 carefully vetted, private growth companies.

Exceptional Activities & Entertainment

Choose your own adventure with a variety of outdoor activities, plus enjoy three days of gourmet food, fine wines and that world-class Kiwi hospitality.

Agenda

Wednesday 3rd October

We’ll meet in the ‘adventure capital of the world’, the beautiful Queenstown. Depending on your arrival time you’ll be able to explore the town before the food, wine and conversation starts to flow at the official welcome dinner.

Thursday 4th October

We’ll start the day early with 2 hour transfer and spectacular drive to Lake Ohau.
Quick checkin and from 10am till 4pm we’ll have a series of panel and forums. Sessions include:
  • Lessons from global ecosystems
  • Portfolio construction and reserve allocation
  • Board allocations, role, and governance
  • Government policies in different jurisdictions.  Incentives for ecosystems etc.
  • The role of the board – when to step back and when to step in
  • Exits – when, how, who?
  • Secondary sales and incentivising management teams
  • Recruitment, talent and immigration
We’ll round the day off with pitches from 6 hugely talented local startups who are raising  Series B+ rounds.
In the evening we’ll relax and enjoy a spectacular dinner at the Lodge.

Friday 5th October

Friday is our fun day, a chance to get outside and choose your own adventure from this list of awesome activities:
  • Skiing on the lodge’s private ski fields on the mountain behind us
  • Heli-Skiing on Mount Cook (additional fees for this one)
  • Mountain biking
  • Hike on the Tasman Glacier on Mount Cook
  • Fly Fishing
  • Glacier Lake Cruise
We will be back at the lodge by about 4pm for the final session.
A batch of early stage startups (Seed to Series A) will be invited to pitch, followed by Q&A and one-on-one meetings. Events activities will be rounded off with dinner, live music and poker tournament.
Saturday 6 October 
Coaches take us all back to Queenstown airport for our flights home or onto other destinations.

Who’s Coming?

FAQs

How much will this cost?
The cost is AU$2,950
What’s included in this?
Basically just about everything from arriving at the Queenstown Hotel to when you get back to Queenstown. So all travel, accommodation, meals, wine at our dinners, Friday activities (except heli-skiing). 
Anything not included?
The bar will be flowing with wine and beers but if you want something from the top shelf you’ll have to pick up the tab yourself. Plus anything that involves you getting in a helicopter is an extra cost.
What’s the accommodation like?
It’s comfortable but not what you might call luxurious. Please don’t come expecting this to be the St Regis. It’s not, but it’s perfect for this event. Our hope is that you will want to spend time hanging out and networking with your peers rather than tucked away in your rooms.
Who else is going?
This is an exclusive event – we are only inviting partners from the best venture capital firms from around ANZ, the US, Europe and Asia.
What if the weather is terrible on Friday?
Well, there is a bar and two huge outdoor hot tubs… Many of the activities will still run whatever the weather, so come prepared for all seasons.
Poker tournament? Tell me more…
We know how much VCs love to play poker so on Friday we are planning a tournament. We will allow limited buy-ins and there will be a cash-prize for 1st to 3rd place.
Is the invitation transferable?
No. If you have other people that you feel we should invite, please do let us know. 
What does success for this event look like?
Our main aim is to facilitate relationships and learning among the global VC community. We would also love to see some of the startups that we bring to pitch securing investment.
Are you charging the startups to attend?
Absolutely not. They will be selected on merit from a committee of the organisers and some of the ANZ attendees. There will be no fee for the startups to attend.
What sessions will the startups attend?
No startups will attend on Wednesday or during the day on Thursday. The Series B startups will come to dinner on Thursday night and get to participate in the activities and dinner on Friday. The Series A startups will only attend the dinner on Friday night. 
Tell me more about Innovation Bay
We are an exclusive community for entrepreneurs and investors who are curious about the future, want the disrupt the status quo and believe technology can power innovation and change the world. We curate a range of events and content for people to share knowledge and networks with others.