Hey Monkeys,
It’s been incredible to see the flood of support and interest pour in since announcing our plan to launch our crowdfunding campaign. Over the next coming weeks we will be answering all of your questions via email and updating the PledgeMe landing page with FAQs.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
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“Having purchased a few items from Rubber Monkey online, your site is a go-to for me and will continue to be. I have noticed the outstanding support and service up to receiving and after receiving the goods. I am very interested in an investment with a company that has their customers at the front.”
– Mike G
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“I believe in Rubber Monkey, a very forward company, and my favourite ecommerce store.”
– Jared M
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“Would love to be a part of this. I've been using Rubber Monkey for years and have always loved it!”
– Hayden T
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“RubberMonkey has an amazing shipping system that makes purchases a breeze. I'd be keen to get behind this company especially as amateur video production is becoming more
and more popular.”
– Andrew W
“From the first item I bought from Rubber Monkey in 2012 I loved the service. Easy to use interface, good communication and even lollies in the packaging. Rubber Monkey is a company I still trust and believe in.”
– Tane H
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Your Questions Answered
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Despite your current success, you are trying to raise capital. Why?
We want to give New Zealand investors a unique opportunity to join our Rubber Monkey community. We are aiming to raise 'growth' capital. Meaning, while we are already making waves here in New Zealand and expect that to continue, we now have the opportunity to grow even faster by expanding our interests in Australia. The money we are raising will be 100% used ( less the Pledge Me fees) to support that endeavour, covering cost of new stock, warehousing, staff, office space, etc.
If we were to progress on that goal using current cashflow and profit we would not be able to make the expansion now or only in a limited way. This would also have an adverse effect on our New Zealand business while it is still rapidly growing. To plan for our success we need to ensure we have sufficient funding to support this expansion on its own, until it is profitable.
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Why are you crowdfunding as opposed to listing on the stock exchange?
At this early stage we'd like to stay as a private company with a small group of passionate investors rather than listing on the stock exchange. We will be using an independent share registry platform where you will be able to trade your shares. You wouldn't be able to buy Rubber Monkey shares on Sharesies as we won't be listed with the New Zealand stock exchange, we'll still be a private company. An IPO in coming years may be on the cards.
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Will there be detailed disclosure of your financial position & business plan?
When the campaign with Pledge Me goes live in August you will have access to our full Information Memorandum, the company's financial information will be included in that document.
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Would the investment generate an annual dividend?
In the short term we intend to reinvest any profits back into growing the company, allowing us to take advantage of the current fast growth in the e-commerce market. Each year the board would determine the best way to use profits, such as reinvestment, shareholder dividend or possibly a percentage of both.
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How will the formal process work investing with you?
Once the campaign is live on Pledge Me you can choose the amount you’d like to invest with Rubber Monkey starting from $500. There are four different investment tiers that you can choose from. T1 $500+, T2 $1000+, T3 $5,000+, T4 $10,000+. Each tier comes with its own investor benefits.
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Does this mean owning actual shares in the company?
Yes! Investing will mean you'll own shares and own a part of Rubber Monkey. $1 = 1 share. You can choose to invest from a minimum of $500. There are four different investment tiers with each tier having its own investor benefits.
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How would I sell my shares in the future?
We will be using an independent share registry platform as well as a platform where you will be able to trade your shares.
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Do you have any further info, dates for funding?
We will be launching our Pledge Me campaign in August, you will be kept up to date with any new information via our mailing list.
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What is the business plan for the raised capital? What’s your medium to long term strategy?
The main use of the crowdfunding funds will be to fast track our expansion into the Australian market. This will involve a permanent on the ground presence in Australia, which will include the lease of a Sydney based warehouse and office space, and will also require hiring some Australian based staff to manage local operations. Australian expansion means access for New Zealand Rubber Monkey customers to a wider range of brands and products. There will be more detail on our long term plans coming soon.
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Why Australia? Why not expand in NZ first?
Australian expansion means access for New Zealand Rubber Monkey customers to a wider range of brands and products because some brands will only allow us to stock them if we're Australian based. This will greater serve all New Zealand customers as a result of a move into Australia. Essentially we have to put money into the best return for the company at the moment, which would allow us to revisit our other plans later. Any money we invest in Australia would have a much greater upside than specific expansions in New Zealand at the moment, but once we have effectively entered the Australian market we can revisit plans for New Zealand, Christchurch is likley to be next on the list.
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Want a share of our success? Express your interest below!
Not in a position to invest in Rubber Monkey? We'd love for you to help spread the word by forwarding this email to friends, family and colleagues who might be interested in this exciting opportunity!
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