ABOUT SKALATA
Venture capital for the real world
We started Skalata to help founders build the next generation of great companies. The ones that create the jobs, industries, and the strong, diversified economies of the future. The ones that have a net positive impact – not just on the economy – but their community. They act as a force for good.
Capital is a commodity. Everyone has a network. But the highest leverage investment we can make in a company is helping to build long-term capability through our founder support model.
Navigating a company through the seed stage isn't linear or straightforward. We help founders overcome short-term challenges, while ensuring they don’t jeopardise their ability to achieve long-term success.
We’re firm believers in the power of partnerships and have created a different VC model that includes those who share our vision and want to play a part. This allows us to access the capabilities of our university, corporate and government partners to help increase our impact.
Founders, investors and partners trust us with their companies, their capital and their reputation. We know this is a privilege, and act accordingly.
We’re not afraid to admit that we have high standards and believe that the benchmark can always be higher. We’re inquisitive and open minded and embrace feedback as an opportunity to improve.
We love to work with people that possess a combination of confidence and humility. Every company has problems, but if you can’t see them, you won’t address them. We value long-term, sustainable growth rather that growth at all costs.
Generosity and kindness are what ties everything together. Yes, we pursue excellence, yes we can have rigorous debates about how to improve, but this is always done in the right way. We care about each other and are always respectful.
If you want to grow for the long term, you can’t do it alone. Our partnership model brings together university, corporate and government partners to support our vision.
Developing a globally-connected startup ecosystem will deliver massive economic value to Australia. But to move that innovation needle, everyone needs to be on the same page – that's why we've worked hard to develop close relationships with Australias leading universities, professional services firms and government bodies.
We’re a close-knit, collaborative group who have helped build and advise hundreds of companies at the seed stage here and around the world.
Rohan has been an integral part of the Australian startup ecosystem for over a decade as a founder, investor, advisor and director. He is responsible for fund strategy, portfolio construction, and overall investment fund performance.
Maxine has been advising and investing in seed-stage companies for over a decade. She is responsible for Skalata's deal sourcing strategy, selection process and ensuring high-quality investment decisions are made.
Chris is a senior finance and technology executive with over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to Skalata, Chris worked at the Future Fund as the Head of Finance.
Shahirah is an award-winning entrepreneur and currently co-founder of Finch, a data intelligence company. She is one of Australia’s leading women in tech, and was recognised as the country’s “Rising Fintech Star” in 2018.
Rob brings well-rounded startup experience, having worked at three startups in operations, sales and customer success roles across Australia and Canada.
Justine brings a wealth of experience in both investment banking and law, having previously worked at Morgan Stanley, Macquarie Bank and international law firm, Ashurst.
Sam has over 15 years of international marketing experience, spanning early-stage to ASX-listed tech companies. He works closely with portfolio companies to transform complex ideas into clear market narratives, and build effective GTM strategies that resonate.
Sarah has extensive startup and technology sector experience, having previously worked in San Francisco at Australian-founded PDF software company Nitro.
Anthony is a seasoned investment professional and Non-Executive Director with a career spanning over 25 years in the software development industry, 14 of those in California's Silicon Valley.
Paul has an extensive background in financial services gained in Australia and the UK. This includes 14 years of experience as CFO and acting MD of the Future Fund.
Rohan has been an integral part of the Australian startup ecosystem for over a decade as a founder, investor, advisor and director. He is responsible for fund strategy, portfolio construction, and overall investment fund performance.
Maxine has been advising and investing in seed-stage companies for over a decade. She is responsible for Skalata's deal sourcing strategy, selection process and ensuring high-quality investment decisions are made.
Chris is a senior finance and technology executive with over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to Skalata, Chris worked at the Future Fund as the Head of Finance.
Tom brings a wealth of legal and financial experience to Skalata, having spent five years working for leading Australian corporate law firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) in the Corporate M&A team.
Shahirah is an award-winning entrepreneur and currently co-founder of Finch, a data intelligence company. She is one of Australia’s leading women in tech, and was recognised as the country’s “Rising Fintech Star” in 2018.
Rob brings well-rounded startup experience, having worked at three startups in operations, sales and customer success roles across Australia and Canada.
Justine brings a wealth of experience in both investment banking and law, having previously worked at Morgan Stanley, Macquarie Bank and international law firm, Ashurst.
Sam has over 15 years of international marketing experience, spanning early-stage to ASX-listed tech companies. He works closely with portfolio companies to transform complex ideas into clear market narratives, and build effective GTM strategies that resonate.
Sarah has extensive startup and technology sector experience, having previously worked in San Francisco at Australian-founded PDF software company Nitro.
Anthony is a seasoned investment professional and Non-Executive Director with a career spanning over 25 years in the software development industry, 14 of those in California's Silicon Valley.
Paul has an extensive background in financial services gained in Australia and the UK. This includes 14 years of experience as CFO and acting MD of the Future Fund.
Paul has a wealth of experience building some of Australia’s most successful businesses. He is Founder and Chairman of the Little Group and has investments across a range of sectors including property and aviation.
Martin has extensive experience in the strategic and operational management of high-tech global companies in a range of sectors including education, renewable energy & digital media.
Sarah is an accomplished corporate advisor and board director. She is also Non-Executive Director at ASX-listed Nitro Software, Whispir, Adslot and Future Generation Global.
James is a corporate partner at Norton Rose Fulbright specialising in technology-related M&A and venture capital. He has over 25 years’ experience at global firms in Australia and the US.
Linda is a leading figure in the education sector with a career spanning three decades across Australia, Canada and the United States. She is the former Vice Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology.
Darrell is one of Australia’s most successful founders and is a recognised leader in entrepreneurship with extensive experience in designing and building significant and sustainable companies.
Paul has a wealth of experience building some of Australia’s most successful businesses. He is Founder and Chairman of the Little Group and has investments across a range of sectors including property and aviation.
Martin has extensive experience in the strategic and operational management of high-tech global companies in a range of sectors including education, renewable energy & digital media.
Sarah is an accomplished corporate advisor and board director. She is also Non-Executive Director at ASX-listed Nitro Software, Whispir, Adslot and Future Generation Global.
James is a corporate partner at Norton Rose Fulbright specialising in technology-related M&A and venture capital. He has over 25 years’ experience at global firms in Australia and the US.
Linda is a leading figure in the education sector with a career spanning three decades across Australia, Canada and the United States. She is the former Vice Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology.
Darrell is one of Australia’s most successful founders and is a recognised leader in entrepreneurship with extensive experience in designing and building significant and sustainable companies.
