ALAN GROVES
Commercialisation Manager | MBA, Ngai Tahu ki Rakiura
E: Alan.Groves@creativehq.co.nz
P:
ABOUT ALAN
Alan lives for start-ups. He relishes being at the frontier breaking new ground, riding the bleeding edge of new technology, or working alongside those prepared to risk it all on an audacious idea. “There’s a vibrancy, energy and drive about these people which I find compulsive, compelling, exhilarating – and often exhausting. They’re a 24/7 commitment.”
His first taste of innovation came as an Investment Manager at the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology from 2000-2004. Since then, he has immersed himself in the innovation "when you’ve taken extreme risk, and it comes off... there’s nothing like it" system, working with innovators and entrepreneurs from virtually every scientific discipline and every possible entrepreneurial background. He has been involved in a diverse range of R&D projects and innovative companies, covering the spectrum of bio-technology, from bio-fuels to nutraceuticals, and natural product and resource development - to the furthest reaches of high-tech.
He has chanced his arm at a few things as well, picking up awards and accolades along the way. “We had a crack at a Natural Product anti-inflammatory that outperformed Lyprinol, the leading product in the category. I co-authored patents, lodged trademarks, developed brands and full-blown business plans relating to that proposition – which unfortunately never saw the light of day. But disappointment is part and parcel of this game.”
With a network that spans some of New Zealand’s most accomplished scientists and engineers, as well as brilliant entrepreneurs and business strategists, financiers and brokers, Alan knows a lot of people in the know.
Alan’s involvement with Creative HQ came from learning the hard way that support is vital and often hard to find for technology and science-driven start ups. “As a country we scrap pretty well with the big guys when it comes to innovation. But where we are disadvantaged is the support we have, or don’t have, in our corner. We’re forced to not only boot strap but glove-strap as we prepare to take on the equivalent of the Cubans or the Russians.”
A one-time boxing reporter, Alan loves boxing analogies and feels they’re perfectly suited to the daily cut, thrust and grind of striving to get new ventures off the ground. That’s what makes him a great guy to know when you are fighting out of your weight division and shooting for a title shot – where our best entrepreneurs invariably find themselves. And it’s the reason he is part of the Creative HQ team.
“I want to be in the corner of some of potential title contenders. I want to help with the clever strategising and careful networking; the fight planning that can help them overcome their significant disadvantages and capture that prize.
“I want to help them up off the canvas when it’s needed, dress them down in the corner when it’s warranted – and ultimately help raise their arm in triumph. Because when you’ve taken extreme risk, and it comes off..... well, there’s nothing like it. Call it the Rocky effect.
"I live for start-ups. That's why I am here. Let's get it on!"
