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Hammy has been instrumental in the development and growth of Blue Frog Breakfast – especially in the early stages. His unwavering support, challenge and hustling personality helped keep us focused and on task. Hammy also played a critical element in our early stage capital raises, leveraging and connecting us across his diverse network and helping us create the right story. Hammys drive, focus and true passion to mentor others has been a great ride and learning for us – and it's all underpinned by a wickedly dry sense of humour. I could keep going my friend…..please don’t forget – we would not be here if I had not met you….that's the truth!

Scott BaragwanathBluefrog Breakfast

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Andy’s experience, connections and knowledge have been invaluable in supporting me on my
leadership journey. Not only has he been in the waka with me all the way, he picks up a paddle – helping to tackle challenges, formulate solutions, and backing me to extend my comfort zone, lead from the front and bring my aspirations to life.

James HutchinsonCEO, KiwiNet

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Andy is dedicated, driven, and incredibly resourceful. His willingness to take on any challenge has been an inspiration to me, and I am grateful for his unwavering support and guidance throughout our time together. He has been a true asset to my journey, always going above and beyond to help me put my best foot forward.

Zoe HobbsAthos App

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What you mean to me? A dose of clarity thanks to your pragmatic approach. A fresh view to execute our projects and thrive. An organised mind to tidy up our endless number of ideas. A full bag of networks.

Lorena GillanordoPatagonia Chocolates

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Hammy sees the elephants in the room, shines a light right in their eyes and invites them to be the difference they represent. Hammy knows exactly who to call.

Andrew MayfieldOptimal Workshop

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As a mentor Hammy has the unique ability to ask the hard questions we sometimes avoid ourselves. Yet once we have pulled it apart, I have left his presence more often than not with that feeling of an aha moment. With a proven track record and the ability to network like no one else I have come across he is always there when you need him. He is a master of building relationships, a serial connector and above all a good bastard! In all honesty YOU ARE THE MAN. I appreciate all the time, chats and laughs over the years.

David MaxwellEighth Wonder Travel

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Before I met Andy I was working in a global corporate with the ambition to one day have my own company, doing something I love and feeling fulfilled in my work. Andy not only gave me the business tools to kick start my startup, Femmi, but he also instilled confidence in me to believe that I could do it. Andy believed in me before I believed in myself. Andy has pushed me outside my comfort zone, continued to connect Femmi with people who also believe in our mission and has skilled us on how to prepare our company to raise capital and scale globally. With Andy's expertise and guidance, we have been able to grow Femmi to be a leading fitness community empowering women all over the world.

Lydia O’DonnelFemmi

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Sometimes you meet people who really care about you and your business, but they can’t really help. Then you meet people who can really help you and your business but they don’t really care. Andy is that rare breed of person who does both. If you’re lucky enough to work with Andy, take a pen and paper and expect to leave with some absolute gems and a sore hand!

Tim BatemanO-Studio

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We first engaged Andy Hamilton in March 2020, right on the initial COVID outbreak. Andy’s no-nonsense approach was just what I needed to spur me through a really difficult time – just the right mix of empathy and ‘suck it up, you can do it’. I really enjoy his directness and ability to get straight to the root of a problem – whether that be through review of the financials or discussions on current issues and focus. Andy’s focus has been on helping us with sales strategy, personal and business resilience, and aligning my husband and my visions for the business. He coordinates, chairs and minutes our board meetings – prioritising this discipline which is really easy to ‘push back’ when you’re busy. He has personally rolled up his sleeves to do introductions and promote us, going beyond the role of consultant to a real advocate for the business. As for the personal support throughout this difficult period, being a business owner can be incredibly isolating and lonely - having Andy on the team is like having a personal football coach to help encourage and sometimes brow-beat you through the tough decisions you need to make.

Sarah RamsayUnited Machinists

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As a founding partner of Eden Ventures, I have had the privilege of working with Andy Hamilton, former CEO and founding father of Icehouse Ventures, who has been instrumental in helping Eden’s portfolio companies grow and thrive. Through his effective coaching and mentorship, Andy Hamilton has provided invaluable support to the founders in my portfolio, guiding them through the ups and downs of building a successful startup and helping them to stay focused on their long-term goals. As someone deeply connected to the local ecosystem, Andy Hamilton has helped me to better understand the landscape and connect with the resources and opportunities that are available to support my portfolio companies. Thanks to Andy Hamilton's expertise and guidance, I have been able to build a strong network of support and resources for Eden’s portfolio.

Xinyu WangEden Ventures

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I firstly approached Manaaki and booked meetings with a couple of mentors in different areas. Amazing chats! Such an incredible support! I REALLY appreciated it. But of course, I clicked with Andy straight away for a couple of reasons, 1. I am quite commercial and have a complex business model (i.e branching to digital, retail, and private label) and Andy understands commercials to that level, not only specific departments. And 2. Andy understands how to mentor a business owner and operator, with hands on all branches of the business, marketing, finance, sales, logistics and all. The biggest value in Andy for me was his mentoring and advising time. As a business owner with a lot of ideas, plans and goals, I was doing it all alone. Andy listened, analysed and questioned me, making me say it loud. Making me realise sometimes I could do differently or that I was using resources wrongly. Doing that every week with Andy, allowed clarity, I caught myself in the middle of my answers, paused and changed. Andy also added value to my start up through making connections to very talented people in specific industries. He knows people! That resulted in a cool partnership with Lydia and meeting some people in areas that I had the most lack of understanding, such as marketing.

Bruna RodriguesMint Global

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We began our startup journey three years ago. Since then, I cannot think of another individual who has as much impact on our success as Andy because he truly embodies the culture of collaboration and connection that global startup communities thrive on! He has freely shared his invaluable experience, time and professional network without ever asking for anything in return and for that, we recommend his services.

Chris SaundersCIrclr

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Andy is one of New Zealand’s leading talents in developing and growing business ventures. As part of his over 20 career in developing The Icehouse from a concept to now New Zealand’s premier investor in startups, Andy brings a breadth of proven experience ranging from planning to execution to deliver enduring business outcomes.

Glen WilloughbyNilo & Singularity

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It is with great pleasure that I write this reference for Andy. First and foremost, Andy possesses an unparalleled ability to provide critical insights and analysis that are consistently accurate, insightful, and actionable. He possesses a sharp mind and can unpack complex ideas with ease. I constantly run ideas by Andy and am amazed with the perspective and solution he provides. Furthermore, Andy is a generous and a giving individual who consistently shares his extensive network to help individuals thinking of moving or doing business in New Zealand. His vast network of contacts is truly an asset. Thank you, my friend, it is a privilege to know you.

Rohit MehrotraActive Cyber

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Andy is my go to person for anything I need a "steer" on to do with business and government relations. He's got his finger on the pulse and always knows of someone who can help. He's always got a perspective that balances mine.

Jack BourkeTe Paepae Tapu Charitable Trust

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Hammy has been and will continue to be a huge supporter, advisor and friend to Akahu & Dolla. As a solo founder, his unparalleled connections to the business community both in NZ & overseas, as well as his weekly 'check ins' have proved invaluable on what can sometimes be a lonely but ultimately rewarding journey.

Ben LynchAkahu & Dolla

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Working alongside Andy has been a huge privilege. Considering his extensive industry experience he manages to be so relatable and down to earth. I never felt like anything was a silly question with Andy or a waste of time. He pushes me to creative solutions when I need it most, and genuinely supports business and personal growth wherever he possibly can. Andy's vast networks mean he is awesome at networking and connecting, and if he doesn't know something he definitely knows somebody who will.

Rachel PetersonMoments with Love

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We enjoyed working with Hammy. His corporate and legal background give him with a wealth of experience and extensive connections to draw from.

Dr Barney MontgomeryOptimal Clinical Trials

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I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Andy for over a decade, and his expertise and guidance have been instrumental in my professional growth and success.

I first crossed paths with Andy in early 2011 during a challenging period in my life when I was recovering from a severe motorcycle accident. At that time, he was the CEO of Icehouse, and I was in the process of pitching my startup. Little did I know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a transformative mentorship journey.

Andy's profound intelligence and immense energy are qualities that immediately captivate those around him. He has an innate ability to inspire and ignite a sense of possibility in others. From our very first meeting, Andy's advice and insights have proven to be invaluable. He possesses a deep understanding of various industries and a keen sense of strategy, which he readily shares with those willing to learn. I can personally attest to the positive impact his guidance has had on my own professional journey.

During our time together, Andy played a pivotal role in shaping my attitude and adaptability, particularly in the hospitality and Italian cooking sectors. Although he may not possess direct experience in these fields, Andy's broader business acumen and creative problem-solving skills have proven universally applicable. His mentorship has enabled me to overcome challenges and develop the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.

One of Andy's most remarkable qualities is his unwavering determination. He approaches every obstacle as an opportunity and consistently delivers innovative solutions. I have witnessed him navigate complex issues with a blend of creativity and tenacity, consistently exceeding expectations. Andy's ability to think outside the box and identify hidden opportunities is truly inspiring and sets him apart from any one else I know (and I know many).

Moreover, Andy's leadership skills are unparalleled. He possesses a unique talent for bringing out the best in people and fostering a positive work environment. Through his leadership, I have learned the importance of building a strong company culture and cultivating a team that shares a common vision. Andy's approach is characterised by trust, empowerment, and genuine care.

Beyond his professional expertise, Andy is a person of utmost integrity and character. He consistently demonstrates honesty, transparency, and fairness in all his interactions. His ethical values serve as a guiding compass for those around him, and I have always admired his unwavering commitment and integrity.

His intelligence, energy, and mentorship have had a profound impact on my own journey, and I am confident that he will bring the same level of dedication and expertise to any project or organisation he engages with. Andy's passion, determination, and exemplary leadership make him an invaluable asset for any business seeking to achieve sustainable growth and success.

Enis BacovaThe best Artisan Pizza Maker in NZ. The 3rd best Artisan Pizza Maker in the World.