AUCKLAND, Friday: Kiwi beverage start-up Vista believes it proved the value of influencer marketing this week when it closed a large investment deal as a direct result of its influencer marketing campaigns.
Vista, a sparkling water start-up launched just 18 months ago by three Auckland schoolmates turned business partners, signed an investment deal this week with property developer and investor Kurt Gibbons.
Vista initially attracted the attention of Gibbons through its influencer marketing campaigns, having sent samples of the beverage to Gibbons’ wife, The Crowd Goes Wild presenter Makere Gibbons (formerly Bradnam) and the wives of his close friends Beauden Barrett and Israel Dagg.
The beverage, which contains nothing more than carbonated water and natural flavours derived from fruit, has made some serious traction in the FMCG market since launching, having been taken on board by each of the major supermarket players and every Caltex nationwide.
Now, having attracted the attention (and investment) of businessman Kurt Gibbons, Vista has the capital to drive the brand’s growth in offshore markets and focus on new product development.
Gibbons has committed to a lump sum cash injection and an interest-free line of credit in return for a 25% stake in the business.
“Gibbons has committed to a lump sum cash injection in return for a 25% stake in the business.”
Gibbons founded Gibbons Co, a luxury property development company, in 2008. He is widely known as a major player in the Auckland and Wellington property markets for his involvement in boutique high-end development and commercial leasing.
Gibbons is a self-made success story. After leaving school to enter employment at the end of sixth form, he saved an impressive $10,000 by the age of 18, which he used to buy his first investment property. He has spent the last 15 years investing in property and shares.
Gibbons says he was sold on the product as soon as he tasted it and immediately reached out to the founders to arrange a phone call.
“The boys really hit the nail on the head with Vista. It’s an incredibly simple product, with minimal ingredients and no hidden surprises. The founders have an impressive work ethic and our personal values are closely aligned, so getting involved in the business was a no brainer.
“The brand’s potential is huge, with the sparkling water market expanding rapidly as consumers become increasingly health conscious and choose to ditch sugary drinks,” says Gibbons.
Vista’s 27-year-old founders, Scott Day, Adam Sorensen and Russell Hopper, became friends while attending school together on Auckland’s North Shore.
Scott says the deal will ensure that Vista not only has the capital for growth, but the right expertise and experience too.
“After nearly three years of working behind the scenes on product development and getting Vista off the ground, we’re hugely excited to be bringing Kurt on board. Locally, his investment will enable us to focus.
“Kurt’s investment will also help to drive the brand’s growth in offshore markets. We are confident that Vista can achieve massive results on a global scale and we are currently gearing up to launch in Australia later this year.”
Vista is available for purchase in most supermarkets and many cafes.
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