Experienced in small business investment, through the support of Scale Investors and independently, when it comes to entrepreneurs, Amanda knows it’s as much about the leadership as the idea or product.
“I tend to invest in people and look for people who are flexible thinkers. The idea needs to be strong but it’s really about whether they can execute and be disciplined, but also remain coachable and agile.”
“What I’ve learnt is that it’s in the details, in the term sheet, how to put it together to motivate the entrepreneur but also keeping them in check. Making sure the reporting is clear. Really, it’s just a relationship. You need to be clear up front and make sure the expectations are clear on both sides”.
“Scale CEO, Laura McKenzie and the team are so well versed in the angel investment space that they really create that robust framework for you. You still have to do the work but at least you’re guided and supported and I think that’s where the success comes from.”
When it comes to your portfolio, Amanda believes that the art of successful investing boils down to two things. Patience and education.
“Firstly, understanding the stage of life you’re at and then planning for that – so making sure you’re investing in the right time horizon. For some people that will be about asset protection or making the most from market movement. For others, it will be about paying down a non-deductible debt. It really depends on what stage you’re at,” she says.
“Beyond that, it’s around patience. It’s lovely to have a flutter account and lots of our clients have one, but really, with the bulk of their wealth, it’s very important to take an approach which is conservative enough that allows you to have the income you need but also in the downtimes you don’t need to feel under pressure.”
