Invest South: Starboard Maritime Intelligence & First Table

Page 14 Starboard fisheries protection

Invest South continues to support regional businesses by providing enduring capital support that creates substantial and meaningful impact in the c ommunity. Backed by Community Trust South as their sole shareholder, Invest South’s primary objective is to make significant investments that drive financial returns. Their secondary objective is to generate a positive impact within the region by working closely with innovative local businesses, bolstering their connectivity, success, resilience, and dynamism in alignment with the Trust’s Community Economic Development goals.

Invest South is passionate about empowering regional businesses and optimising their growth trajectory, firmly believing in the strength and potential of the region and its people. With a robust pipeline of investment opportunities, Invest South remains optimistic about the region’s future growth prospects.

As part of Invest South’s secondary objective to work with businesses in the community to ensure they are connected, successful, resilient, and dynamic, the team offers specialised advice and support to regional businesses.

In FY2024, Invest South presented workshops in conjunction with the Southland Business Chamber and Coin South, building local capability around growth and capital. Additionally, they connected and provided investment guidance to over 40 regional businesses, helping them navigate growth strategies and capital raising.

Collaborating with Coin South and Mainland Angel Investors, Invest South also enabled early-stage companies to access capital, facilitating growth and development. This proactive engagement strengthens business networks, promotes collaboration, and ensures access to vital resources, significantly contributing to the regional economy’s development and sustainability.

STARBOARD MARITIME INTELLIGENCE LIMITED

In this financial year, Invest South joined a syndicate of institutional investors in backing Starboard, a leading provider of advanced maritime intelligence solutions aimed at helping nations tackle complex maritime challenges, ranging from risk assessing arriving vessels to detecting illegal fishing and uncovering non-reporting dark vessels.

This investment underscores Invest South’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge technology companies that promise substantial global impact while also fortifying the local economy.

Prue Halstead, Chief Executive Officer of Invest South, shared her enthusiasm: “We are excited to back Starboard’s state-of-the-art solutions which not only boost global maritime safety but also enhance critical areas such as border security, pest control, asset protection, and fisheries protection. This investment perfectly aligns with our mission of fostering innovation and economic growth within our community alongside a strong environmental and social focus.”

FIRST TABLE LIMITED

FY2024 also saw a strategic investment in First Table, an innovative company transforming the dining experience. First Table’s platform allows diners to secure early reservations at participating restaurants, providing discounts and driving early customer traffic. This novel approach benefits diners and helps local restaurants increase their patronage and revenue.

Mat Weir, Founder of First Table, reflected on the partnership with Invest South: “Our collaboration with Invest South has been incredibly valuable. They haven’t just invested financially; they’ve also taken the time to build relationships and understand our unique regional challenges and opportunities. This partnership has been instrumental in our growth and success.”