We are difficult to tightly define. We’re part innovation consultancy, part brand agency, part design firm, part venture studio. We’re a unique business, bringing together an uncommon range of disciplines. That’s where the magic is.
We assist in the development of new:
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Products
Our innovation consulting team are highly experienced experts in corporate innovation, CX and new product development - from insight and ideation through to the design and delivery of new products, services, platforms and experiences.
We have New Zealand’s most experienced start-up and scale-up brand strategy and design experts, with an unmatched track record in defining abrand’s positioning and story, to designing brands that connect emotionally and power high growth in innovative start-up and scale-up companies.
Our ventures team have led the creation and development of both start-up and joint venture companies - from an early idea or opportunity, through product and brand development, to launching, fundraising, scaling, and exiting.
We provide our services in a traditional ‘fee for service’ model, but also enter equity or revenue-share arrangements with select clients.
As a traditional partner
Where we trade our services for fees. We scope and estimate projects in advance, and bill progress monthly.
As an equity partner
Where we trade the value of our services for an equity stake in select ventures. We are confident in the value we create, and are happy to bet on that value in cases where we are values-aligned and believe we can be the difference between success and extraordinary success. We have a very simple and transparent approach, whereby we cost our services and trade the value of those for equity in companies at their current valuation. We aim to take a very small stake in such companies, and become a long-term partner in their success.
As a joint-venture partner
Working in partnership with one other company to co-own, develop and steward a new venture.
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Things we don’t do
They say you’re defined by what you say no to - and for us to be the best partner to those we can help, we embrace saying no to those we can’t. Here’s what we don’t do.
Advertising campaigns
We’re not an ad agency. We do the foundational work creating or reimagining brands, which often includes the development of key messages and design of simple communications – but others are more appropriately resourced to manage ongoing marketing campaigns and brand and comms maintenance. In saying that, we love ad agencies and are happy to connect our clients to, and work with, agencies that are resourced to create and deliver advertising and marketing campaigns.
Act as a supplier
We are strategic partners and advisors to our clients. We work with clients who trust us, respect our deep experience and expertise, and value our recommendations.
Work with traditional or non-innovative businesses
We are not a provider to companies who aren’t pushing forward innovatively and ambitiously.
Cheap and cheerful work
We don’t compete on price, and we’re not resourced to pump out executional output at cut-price rates. In saying that, we work with select start-up and scale-up companies on an equity basis to ease short-term cashflow and provide a deeper partnership.
Pitch
We don’t pitch strategic or creative thinking. You are welcome to visit and meet us, learn about our process, see our work, talk to our clients, and ask us how much your project might cost. If you’re still not sure we’re right for you, then we're probably not :-)
Government work
Other than in special circumstances, we prefer not to accept the compromise, politics and excessive stakeholder management that government-aligned projects demand. If you’re a senior leader in a government or publicly funded organisation, and you’re prepared for a completely different approach, we’re happy to talk and consider your project.
We are a team with a proven track record of investing our strategic thinking and creativity into businesses that have gone on to become market leaders and achieve significant valuations.