{{Short description|New Zealand politician and businessman}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Jake Bezzant | image = | caption = | birth_date = {{birth based on age as of date|31|2019|12|10}}<ref name="candidate"/> | birth_place = Cambridge, New Zealand | profession = Electric Vehicle Charging / Clean Energy / Energy as a Service | alma_mater = University of Waikato }} '''Jacob Max Bezzant''' (1988) is co-founder and CEO of Invisible Urban Charging, a “charging as a service” solutions provider for commercial real estate. He was a former political candidate for the New Zealand National Party and a former CEO of Parking Sense USA.
==Early life== Bezzant was born in Cambridge in {{birth based on age as of date|31|2019|12|10|noage=y}}.<ref name="candidate">{{Cite press release |title=Jake Bezzant National's new candidate in Upper Harbour |date=10 December 2019 |publisher=New Zealand National Party |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1912/S00124/jake-bezzant-nationals-new-candidate-in-upper-harbour.htm |agency=Scoop |accessdate=21 June 2020}}</ref> He attended Cambridge High School and the University of Waikato,<ref>{{cite web|last=Dawson|first=Kyra|date=13 July 2018|title=World domination with each car park|url=https://toolkit.waikato.com/blog/world-domination-with-each-car-park|website=toolkit.waikato.com|publisher=Waikato University}}</ref> where he earned a degree in Law and Politics/International Relations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=kcricketscore.com |first=Cricket Live Score-Stats, Schedules, Commentary, Fixtures & News |title=Live Cricket Score {{!}} Schedules {{!}} News |url=https://www.kcricketscore.com/news-detail/jake-bezzant-nationals-new-candidate-in-upper-harbour |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=kCricketscore |language=en}}</ref>
Bezzant played cricket for the Furnace Old Boys Cricket Club, Hamilton, Iikely, MCC, and Yorkshire Gentleman.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jake Bezzant |url=https://www.crichq.com/players/694370/matches/results |accessdate=15 September 2020 |website=cricHQ}}</ref> He recorded his first century in Furnace Old Boys' victory over Lonestar Hamilton Boys' High School in the first round of Hamilton club cricket's Eddy Marr Bowl competition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bezzant steers OB to victory |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/4401337/Bezzant-steers-OB-to-victory |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref> He also played for Northern Districts Maori, the first Maori domestic representative cricket team in New Zealand cricketing history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maori Cricket Team Ready To Make History {{!}} infonews.co.nz New Zealand News |url=https://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=65453 |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.infonews.co.nz}}</ref>
== Professional career ==
===Invisible Urban Charging=== In 2019, Bezzant co-founded Invisible Urban Charging (IUC), an electric vehicle “charging as a service” solutions provider for commercial real estate locations, with Nigel Broomhall. As of 2020, Bezzant was a 42% shareholder of IUC,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/charging-ahead-kiwi-startup-invisible-urban-takes-35m-in-us-orders-for-its-ev-charging-as-a-service/GJDPAMQDPTW5QBE3JI55CVPHV4/|title=Charging ahead: Kiwi startup Invisible Urban takes $35m in US orders for its EV charging-as-a-service|website=NZ Herald |date=27 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-startup-invisible-urban-doubles-us-contracts-to-82m-but-knocked-back-by-green-fund-here/CORNBKQ74ZN3NZTNQDYFH74QGM/|title=NZ startup Invisible Urban doubles US contracts to $82m, but knocked back by Green Fund here|website=NZ Herald |date=22 June 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/technology/investor-in-jake-bezzant-company-deeply-concerned-about-allegations|title=Investor in Jake Bezzant company 'deeply concerned' about allegations|first=Victoria|last=Young|website=businessdesk.co.nz}}</ref> which raised money in 2021 using PledgeMe.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dobson|first=Geoff|date=8 March 2021|title=Invisible Urban Charging EV equity campaign gets $762,051 so far|url=https://evsandbeyond.co.nz/invisible-urban-charging-ev-equity-campaign-gets-762051-so-far/|website=evsandbeyond.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/investments/446-invisible-urban-charging|title=Invisible Urban Charging | PledgeMe|first=Nigel|last=Broomhall|website=www.pledgeme.co.nz}}</ref>
In 2024, IUC formed a strategic agreement with CBRE Group, Inc. to deploy one million EV chargers<ref>{{Cite news |title=Invisible Urban Charging Partners With CBRE to Target Adding 1 Million EV Chargers Across the US |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240409804296/en/Invisible-Urban-Charging-Partners-With-CBRE-to-Target-Adding-1-Million-EV-Chargers-Across-the-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719070139/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240409804296/en/Invisible-Urban-Charging-Partners-With-CBRE-to-Target-Adding-1-Million-EV-Chargers-Across-the-US |archive-date=2025-07-19 |access-date=2025-09-18 |language=en}}</ref> in the next five years, with IUC as its preferred partner for large asset-class properties, including public lots, shopping centers, large offices, and hospitality sites. That same year, IUC entered into a partnership with Icon Parking<ref>{{Cite web |last=Report |first=The EV |date=2024-09-05 |title=NYC Expands EV Charging with IUC Partnership |url=https://theevreport.com/nyc-expands-ev-charging-with-iuc-partnership |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=The EV Report |language=en-US}}</ref> to deploy 5,000 chargers at Icon lots throughout New York City.
== Mexico $500m == Invisible Urban Charging Inc. (IUC) and ATX Smart Mobility will oversee an initial investment of $500 million, with plans to begin in the coming months in the Bajío region. [https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-05/mexico-gets-500-million-ev-boost-as-iuc-atx-pledge-transport-investment/]
The project involves installing 38 electric chargers and operating 140 electric buses, as part of an effort to promote sustainable transportation in Mexico. The company will also provide a software platform for charging point owners and an application that will allow drivers to locate and use these services.
For its part, Miami-based ATX Smart Mobility will contribute artificial intelligence- based technology to optimize public transport routes and improve energy use in mobility systems.
The agreement was finalized in partnership with the real estate firm CBRE Group, which will be responsible for selecting the locations for the charging centers and providing installation and maintenance services.[https://mexiconewsdaily.com/business/electric-transport-central-mexico-ev-charging-stations/]
The main objective is to strengthen the infrastructure for commercial fleets. Jake Bezzant, CEO of IUC, explains the logic behind this approach: “If we do what we need to in the fleet segment, it will create an environment where the everyday user will have the necessary infrastructure to easily make the decision to switch to electric.”
[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-05/mexico-gets-500-million-ev-boost-as-iuc-atx-pledge-transport-investment?embedded-checkout=true]
===Parking Sense=== Bezzant was named Chief Executive Officer of Parking Sense USA in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-12 |title=Cambridge Man Jake Bezzant Appointed CEO Of Global Parking Guidance Company |url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/cambridge-man-jake-bezzant-appointed-ceo-of-global-parking-guidance-company/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=NBR {{!}} Business news & analysis {{!}} Independent, ad-free reporting |language=en-NZ}}</ref> He was initially identified by then CEO Paul Collins to work for the parking operator while still at University.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horn |first=John Van |date=2016-08-04 |title=Parking Sense USA - Cambridge high flier to run US parking guidance company |url=https://blog.parknews.biz/2016/08/cambridge-high-flier-run-us-parking-guidance-company/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=ParkNews |language=en-US}}</ref> Under his leadership, Parking Sense USA won a contract with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) to supply parking guidance for over 21,000 parking spaces across Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horn |first=John Van |date=2016-08-16 |title=Parking Sense USA Inc. has won a major contract with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) |url=https://blog.parknews.biz/2016/08/parking-sense-usa-inc-won-major-contract-los-angeles-county-metropolitan-transportation-authority-la-metro/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=ParkNews |language=en-US}}</ref>
Bezzant stated that he was co-founder of the company Parking Sense and told a magazine that the company “grew from the lounge of my university flat”, but company records for its incorporation do not list him as a founding director or shareholder, and Paul Collins, another person associated with the company, said that Bezzant joined the company six months after it was founded and was not involved while he was at university.<ref name="StuffParkingSense">{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Election 2020: National sticking by Upper Harbour candidate Jake Bezzant following 'thorough' investigation of allegation about his business record |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300106745/election-2020-national-sticking-by-upper-harbour-candidate-jake-bezzant--following-thorough-investigation-of-allegation-about-his-business-record |accessdate=14 September 2020 |publisher=Stuff |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
A ''BusinessDesk'' article said that Bezzant had to leave his job as CEO at Parking Sense "after disagreements over multi-million dollar contracts and 'fantasy' projects, including a Texas development now mired in bankruptcy and fraud allegations," adding that “there is no suggestion they are linked to Bezzant.” Parking Sense did confirm Bezzant was removed as CEO due to the disagreements.<ref name="BusinessDesk">{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Victoria |title=National candidate's questionable exit from tech firm |url= https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/election-2020/national-candidates-questionable-exit-from-tech-firm |work=BusinessDesk |accessdate=15 September 2020 |date=14 September 2020}}</ref>
An article in ''The Spinoff'' commenting on the ''BusinessDesk'' report said, "There's a lot of he said, he said about whether or not Bezzant has been entirely accurate”.<ref name="SpinoffMemes">{{cite news |first1=Madeleine |last1=Chapman |author-link1=Madeleine Chapman |title=The week in memes: A cooked spinach tax policy from Labour |url= https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/15-09-2020/the-week-in-memes-a-cooked-spinach-tax-policy-from-labour/ |accessdate=15 September 2020 |work=The Spinoff |date=15 September 2020}}</ref> National Party president Peter Goodfellow said the matter was “thoroughly investigated” and that the party "accepts Jake's position about his time at Parking Sense."<ref name="StuffParkingSense" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=12 August 2016|title=Cambridge Man Jake Bezzant Appointed CEO Of Global Parking Guidance Company|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/cambridge-man-jake-bezzant-appointed-ceo-global-parking-guidance-company-192809|access-date=28 July 2021|website=NBR|language=en|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728204120/https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/cambridge-man-jake-bezzant-appointed-ceo-global-parking-guidance-company-192809|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toolkit.waikato.com/blog/world-domination-with-each-car-park|title = The Waikato Story}}</ref>
==Political career== In November 2019, Bezzant sought to be the National Party candidate in the {{NZ electorate link|Botany}} electorate after incumbent National MP Jami-Lee Ross became an independent MP, but National instead gave the candidacy to former Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon.<ref>{{cite news |last=Block |first=George |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/117151149/national-chooses-christopher-luxon-as-botany-mp |title=National chooses former Air NZ boss Christopher Luxon as Botany MP candidate |work=Stuff |date=4 November 2019 |accessdate=21 June 2020 }}</ref>
A month later, Bezzant was selected as the National Party candidate for the Upper Harbour electorate, following Paula Bennett's decision to become a list MP.<ref name="candidate"/> At the 2020 general election, like many National MPs and candidates, Bezzant lost his electorate. While Bennett had a 9,000-vote majority, Bezzant lost to Labour's Vanushi Walters by 2,392 votes (Bezzant received 38% of the electorate vote compared to Walters' 44%).<ref name="Bezzant leaves party" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Upper Harbour – Official Result |url= https://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-55.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |date=6 November 2020 |access-date=3 June 2021}}</ref>
Bezzant resigned from the National Party in 2021.<ref name=":1" />
==Misconduct allegations== On 31 May 2021, Bezzant's former partner began a podcast called ''Whips, Chains and Brains'' and in its first episode alleged that Bezzant had used intimate photos of her on the internet to impersonate her and to engage in online sex with other men.<ref name="Bezzant leaves party" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Lynch|first=Jenna|date=2 June 2021|title=National Party candidate Jake Bezzant resigns as ex-girlfriend alleges inappropriate behaviour|language=en|work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/national-party-candidate-jake-bezzant-resigns-as-ex-girlfriend-alleges-inappropriate-behaviour.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602075340/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/national-party-candidate-jake-bezzant-resigns-as-ex-girlfriend-alleges-inappropriate-behaviour.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2021|access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Derek |title=National candidate Jake Bezzant cuts ties with party following explosive claims |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/national-candidate-jake-bezzant-cuts-ties-with-party-following-explosive-claims/D2GCWGXAT47CJH77RSPGNB7U44/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=2 June 2021}}</ref> While the police investigated the matter, they determined a crime had not been committed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Lynch|first=Jenna|date=2 June 2021|title=Jake Bezzant scandal: Jacinda Ardern pledges to look at online harm laws as ex-girlfriend describes 'humiliation'|language=en|work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/jake-bezzant-scandal-jacinda-ardern-pledges-to-look-at-online-harm-laws-as-ex-girlfriend-describes-humiliation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603021411/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/jake-bezzant-scandal-jacinda-ardern-pledges-to-look-at-online-harm-laws-as-ex-girlfriend-describes-humiliation.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2021|access-date=3 June 2021}}</ref> Bezzant's former partner alleged that he had taunted her over the police's decision.<ref name="Bezzant leaves party" /> Bezzant told one news outlet that the allegations were untrue,<ref name=":2" /> and said in a statement that "Personal relationship break ups sometimes get messy. Two sides to every story. There is more than just her and I involved so I am going to respect that and so I am not going to discuss it."<ref name="Bezzant leaves party">{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Former National candidate Jake Bezzant leaves party as serious allegations emerge |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300322828/former-national-candidate-jake-bezzant-leaves-party-as-serious-allegations-emerge |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=Stuff |date=2 June 2021}}</ref> On 3 June 2021, another former partner alleged that Bezzant had also created a Snapchat account using her name, and was using this account to trick men into sending nude images.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Fiona |title=Another woman alleges ex-National candidate Jake Bezzant impersonated her online to get illicit images |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/another-woman-alleges-ex-national-candidate-jake-bezzant-impersonated-her-online-to-get-illicit-images.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604032127/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/06/another-woman-alleges-ex-national-candidate-jake-bezzant-impersonated-her-online-to-get-illicit-images.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2021 |access-date=4 June 2021 |publisher=Newshub |date=3 June 2021}}</ref>
Bezzant resigned from the National Party; this was announced on 2 June 2021. The National Party stated that day that “we looked into the matter, and Mr Bezzant is no longer a member of the National Party.”<ref name="Bezzant leaves party" /> Judith Collins, the party's leader, said that she became aware of the allegations in the evening of 1 June. She labelled Bezzant a "fantasist" and "possible sociopath" and suggested that the National Party needs to overhaul their candidate selection process.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Coughlan|first=Thomas|date=4 June 2021|title=Judith Collins takes aim at disgraced ex-National candidate Jake Bezzant|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300325515/judith-collins-takes-aim-at-disgraced-exnational-candidate-jake-bezzant|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref>
The allegations led to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying that her government will see if the law needs to be changed to cover similar incidents.<ref name=":0" />
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bezzant, Jake}} Category:1980s births Category:Living people Category:People from Cambridge, New Zealand Category:People educated at Cambridge High School, New Zealand Category:University of Waikato alumni Category:New Zealand National Party politicians Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 2020 New Zealand general election Category:New Zealand chief executives