Episode #13: Nick Couvret- how to start a side hustle, crowdfunding at Equitise, and choosing an unconventional path

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