Unicorns, Legacy, and The Billion-Dollar Boom: Inside Australia’s Venture Revolution

Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital

In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring panel discussion from The Billion Dollar Series by Beyond The Billion, in partnership with Dell Technologies.

On this global tour to fuel women-led innovation, we dive into Australia’s rapidly evolving venture landscape with some of the country’s top industry leaders. Featuring Carol Schwartz, Director of Trawalla Group; Alex Schuman, CEO of Carla Zampatti; Kristy Chong, Founder of Modibodi; and Rick Baker, Co-Founder of Blackbird VC — this powerhouse panel explores why the coming decade could be a game-changer for venture in Australia.

We discussed why investing in women-led businesses is both smart and strategic, and how Australia’s unique mix of patience and passion is powering some of the most exciting opportunities in venture capital today. Tune in for insights that could inspire your own #BillionDollarMoves!

TIMESTAMPS/KEY TAKEAWAYS

00:00 - Intro

02:59 - Rick Baker: Growth of the Australian venture industry over the last 12-13 years; the ongoing challenges in funding women entrepreneurs

07:00 - Carol Schwartz: Opportunities for female entrepreneurs within family offices

11:00 - Kristy Chong: Evolution from founder to investor

15:11 - Challenges face by female founders in scaling businesses

18:22 - Alex Schuman: Reestablishing the business based on their mother’s legacy with her sisters

21:29 - Challenges in scaling a vertically integrated business in Australia

23:39 - Diversity criticism against Blackbird and the VC ecosystem; The “Kiki incident” and commitment to improved diversity

32:56 - Shift from personal direct investments to seeking women-managed funds

39:39 - Track record issues for women leaving large VC firms; achieving significant portfolio support for female founders

43:15 - Gender bias in the venture ecosystem; maintain perseverance admidst the hardship.

48:41 - Government’s role in supporting diversity and entrepreneurship

54:09 - Industry bias and potential within aged care

57:12 - Gender investment gaps and how female founders could persevere; industry-wide programs: Giants, Foundry, and positive trends in female-led companies

1:01:15 - Key takeaways

Full event recap:

The Billion Dollar Brunch™ (Sydney 2024 Edition)

About Our Guests

Carol Schwartz AO

Founder, Female Led Ventures

Kristy Chong OAM

Founder, Modibodi

Alex Schuman

CEO, Carla Zampatti

Rick Baker

Co-Founder, Blackbird VC

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