Nick Couvret is an investment associate at Equitise. Equitise is an equity crowdfunding platform that allows Aussies to invest in exciting early-stage companies. Nick is also the co-founder of Lazy Wombat- a sand-free towel company.

Nick studied commerce at the University of Sydney and landed an internship at Equitise through the Industry Placement Program.  I chatted with Nick about how crowdfunding works and what makes it different from other early-stage capital, how he vets businesses for the platform and his tips for starting and growing a side hustle. Enjoy!

Timestamps:

[1:08]- Who Nick wanted to be when he grew up

[2:10]- Nick’s career journey

[4:38]- What does Equitise do?

[7:08]- Regulation on crowdfunding

[8:58]- How does crowdfunding differ from other early-stage capital 

[12:50]- The marketing benefits of crowdfunding

[13:28]- Examples of companies on the platform

[16:18]- Nick’s role at Equitise

[18:08]- How to vet businesses for the platform

[21:50]-Risk that is acceptable versus risk that is unacceptable?

[24:12]- The best part of Nick’s role

[25:30]-The journey starting Lazy Wombat

[28:46]- Handling manufacturing and distribution

[29:40]- Strategies to grow the brand

[33:00]- Advice for starting a side hustle

[35:28]- The best investment Nick has made in his personal life

[37:30]- Nick’s perspective on failure

[39:15]- Advice for students

References:
Equitise
Rhinohide
tbh Skincare
Xinja
SOFI Spritz
Batch Brewing Co.
Spinifex Brewing Co.
Your Food Collective
Lazy Wombat