AxleTree Capital is an Australian based thematic Investor driven by strong global megatrends. We invest for the long term, across the technology and business lifecycle, as patient, strategic and active partners to our portfolio companies. We are focussed on realising a continued pipeline of innovation reaches its potential and impact while facilitating and enhancing sustainability across our economies and communities. AxleTree Capital bridges the gap between emerging innovation and established technologies and businesses by providing funding and management support for companies emerging from early growth and early stage funding, like venture capital, as well as managing a portfolio of established companies.​This provides investors in AxleTree managed funds with access to a diversified portfolio and an opportunity to provide ongoing support to emerging companies as they grow and contribute to the betterment of our society.AxleTree Capital has strong links to the research community which ensure the early identification of potential future opportunities for investors.

Jordan Corporation consults to and advises clients on a broad range of strategic issues with particular expertise in technology, investment, leadership and developing/managing international channels. Clients are typically medium sized businesses with the potential for significant growth in domestic and/or international markets. Jordan Corporation Principals have direct experience building business success on four continents and the firm services clients from all over the globe.

Established as one of the most active start-up investors in the country and a significant influence in the start-up ecosystem Melbourne Angels is an effective, collaborative, collective of ethical individuals conducting themselves in a professional manner to invest in and grow high value start-ups.A key to sustainability and longevity for any organisation is to have stable succession of leadership. I am particularly excited and quietly satisfied to be ushering Melbourne Angels through this next phase of its growth and evolution.

We are a Melbourne-based group of Angel investors from metropolitan and rural Victoria with links to Angel groups across Australia, USA, Europe and Asia.Melbourne Angels was formed in Melbourne, Australia in early 2007 by a group of eight businessmen experienced as entrepreneurs and interested in pursuing Angel investment. Melbourne Angels is a constantly growing group of private investors who actively invest their own money and time in early-stage and growth-stage companies that have a credible expectation of providing high returns within five years.The group has a strong and experienced core of members that generate deal flow, are experienced in evaluation of business propositions and act as mentors for the other members and the entrepreneurs. The members are diverse in gender, age, cultural heritage, experience and expertise. We all share a common passion for getting new things going. Our collective qualifications are in more than two dozen disciplines and we all have experience as successful entrepreneurs and/or Angel investors.As the leading Angel investor group in Victoria, Melbourne Angels has invested in companies from most states of Australia as well as in companies from New Zealand and the USA. We believe in the value and power of syndication with the right co-investors and use our deep relationships with Angel groups all over the world to benefit our portfolio companies.

The Pearcey Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 in memory of a great Australian ICT pioneer, Dr Trevor Pearcey. The foundation governs the Pearcey Entrepreneur Awards, Pearcey Medal and Australian ICT Hall of Fame.The Pearcey Entrepreneur Awards are presented each year to an outstanding individual(s) in each State and Territory who has "taken a risk and made a difference" in their local ICT industry.The Pearcey National Entrepreneur Award is a special recognition annual award to one of the State Pearcey winners for inspiring leadership, scale, impact, innovation and acclaim on the world stage.Each of the State and Territory Pearcey winners are outstanding entrepreneurs who have "taken a risk", "made a difference" and "is an inspiration". Collectively, they form a Hall of Fame that highlight the breadth and depth of Australian entrepreneurs making an impact both locally and globally.The Pearcey Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made very significant lifetime contributions into one or more of Australian ICT research, industry, or professional development. It is a yearly award which includes the Pearcey Medalist and up to two other individuals.The Pearcey Medal is a prestigious annual individual award that recognises a distinguished lifetime achievement and contribution to the development and growth of the ICT industry in Australia.

The Pearcey Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 in memory of a great Australian ICT pioneer, Dr Trevor Pearcey. The Foundation operates broadly across the Australian Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, from celebrating achievements through national and state awards, to being involved in debate and public policy on critical national issues such as productivity, the digital economy and national infrastructure.The Pearcey Foundation is an Incorporated Association established by industry personnel to recognise individuals and promote a stronger debate in Australia's Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The Pearcey Foundation is not an industry association, it is a "not for profit foundation" promoting an objective, independent debate of issues and opportunities. It does not engage in lobbying or consulting work, and "company" membership is not available thus ensuring it remains truly independent. The organisation is run entirely by volunteers through committees in each state and territory coordinated by a National Executive Committee.

The Institute for Integrated Economic Research (IIER) - Australia was founded in 2018. It conducts and supports research in order to contribute to an improved understanding of how Australians can plan for, and navigate, the significant transitions in Energy, Environment and Economic Systems over forthcoming decades whilst maintaining the stability and security of our society.

Moonshot is a catalyst for humanity to reach beyond Earth to enrich and expand our world into the universe.We offer access to opportunities for everyone today and a better world tomorrow. Nexus, our social enterprise, is the world’s largest space talent and innovation growth network.We produce valuable insights into the space economy. We advise governments, industry and research institutions to facilitate the commercialisation of space innovations.We connect investors with lucrative space investment opportunities through our fund and advanced understanding of the dynamic space economy.The space economy is not zero-sum. Our network of over 300 people and hundreds of organisations come together to find lucrative outcomes.Moonshot is a positive feedback loop for economic growth and social mobility. Space is symbolic of humanity’s potential. It’s about the endless possibilities we can strive for. We are on the verge of a Cambrian explosion of new opportunity.

The Angel Resource Institute (ARI) was founded in 2006 as part of the evolution of efforts to encourage and support Angel investing by leaders of Angel groups across the USA. In 2014 the ARI took steps to increase its reach internationally by appointing globally respected Angel leaders to the Board of Trustees.The ARI delivers services to Angel investors, Angel groups and early-stage ecosystems in the USA and internationally. These are focused on Education, Research and Mentoring.

I thoroughly enjoy my work on the Industry Advisory Group at the University. Since 2010 we have guided the birth of the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), championed changes to the performance development framework for academics to better support industry engagements, driven the growth of the Endeavour Program (industry projects for students) and continued to actively engage in the realisation of the emergent vision for the University as an industry integrated, world leading research and commercialisation institution.

The Industry Advisory Group partners with the leadership the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering in the Melbourne School of Engineering to bring an industry perspective to strategy, design and implementation of teaching, curriculum, research and innovation.All of our group are electrical or electronics engineers, almost all, alumni of the Department. Our group comprises experienced CEO & senior executives of leading Australian and international corporations, successful entrepreneurs, globally ranked management consultants, leading advisers in corporate innovation, venture capitalists and senior commercial, research and technology specialists from the defence, government and industry sectors.We helped launch and support the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP) which was born in this department and rapidly grew to service the entire university and rise to being ranked the 7th best university accelerator in the world after just four years.

The mission of the Asian Business Angel Forum (ABAF) is to foster and promote the contribution of Angel investing within each country and across borders. The funding and intellectual support of Angel investors are key drivers of the entrepreneurial ecosystems that are growing all Asian economies.Each year ABAF celebrates the Angel pioneers in the host country and promotes the pan-Asia ecosystem in the cross-border reality that is the Asian Century.ABAF has been held in:2010 Singapore2011 Shanghai, China2012 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2013 Mumbai, India2014 Hong Kong2015 Queenstown, NZ2016 Seoul, South Korea2017 Colombo, Sri Lanka2020 Busan, South Korea

The original and authoritative national awards program to recognise the achievement of the members of the Australian Angel investor community.On the leadership team that conceived and is directing the design and execution of the Australian Angel Awards to recognise and celebrate the great contributions being made by the Angel groups and independent Angel investors of Australia.

This is a great example of how much fun it can be to 'pay it forward'.Starting in 1993, the iAwards is Australia's longest running and most broadly scoped innovation recognition program, promoting excellence in the Australian digital ecosystem.The iAwards unearth, recognise and reward excellence in Australian innovation that is making a difference and has the potential to create positive change for the community – whether that be at home, in the work place, or on a global scale. iAwards submissions are welcomed from innovators across the whole Australian economy, including individuals, groups, small businesses, large companies, governments, private organisations, non-profit and for-purpose enterprises and students at primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary levels.

Involved in the inception of this program it has been extraordinarily satisfying to see the innovation and inventiveness of people in need and of those trying to help those in need. Over the years, as the program has grown I have served across the sectors and segments.The Katerva Awards are the pinnacle of global sustainability recognition. Through them, the best ideas on the planet are identified, refined and accelerated toward impact at a global level.Katerva isn’t looking for ideas that will improve the world in small increments. We look for game-changers and industry breakers; ideas that leap efficiency, lifestyle, consumption and action a generation ahead of current thinking. Single-digit percent change isn't enough. We're looking for triple-digit and beyond. We’re looking for what are truly the most promising and impactful ideas!These ideas have to survive a rigorous review process involving 600+ professionals, 4 filtering phases, and 2 stages of focused review in order to be called the best, most promising on the planet.

Melbourne Venture Partners has been one of Australia’s best performing venture capital fund managers. The firm now delivers corporate advisory services for high growth businesses and for investors in such businesses. We advise and assist clients to formulate their fundamental strategies, to prepare for and secure investment and to implement their business plan.We partner with each client to prepare, realise and sustain ambitious growth.We say what we mean, mean what we say and then do what we say. Simple, straight forward and effective.Surviving in the global economy, as a twenty first century business, demands active management of a company’s human, financial and knowledge capital within the context of dynamic market environments. Melbourne Venture Partners is focused on assisting high growth businesses to develop and commercially exploit their resources and opportunities on the global stage.

Celebrating and promoting creative, disruptive and positive innovation through one of the biggest awards programs ever.

The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) – an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) - seeks to honour individuals who have clearly demonstrated their commitment to furthering early-stage investment markets.WBAF is committed to collaborating globally to empower the economic development of the world by fostering innovative financial solutions for startups, scaleups, innovators, entrepreneurs and SMEs and to promoting financial inclusion, creating more jobs and championing social justice the world economy.

Startup Gippsland is an initiative from the Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington councils that aims to ignite the region’s startup ecosystem.Startup culture is quickly spreading all over the world. Recognising the significant business growth and job opportunities that this culture could bring to regional areas the Victorian Government has funded a select number of regional startup programs, including Startup Gippsland.Startup Gippsland seeks to build a community of entrepreneurs, small businesses, new ideas and startups who all share a ‘can-do’ attitude. We do this through regular meetups, one-off masterclasses, mentoring and online resources.

Greenson combines the delivery of sophisticated engineering and project management services to the aerospace, security and defence markets with specialised training of engineers by engineers in systems engineerng and project management disciplines. The company also represents high quality, sector leading international manufacturers in a range of defence and security products.

Startup Shakeup is an ecosystem for you, the movers, shakers, and change-makers in our community. It’s your ticket to networking and educational events that will support your mission to solve local problems and support causes that shape our future…97% of Victorian startups are based in the Melbourne CBD, but not for long…Startup Shakeup is set to expand the opportunities for startups to be created anywhere in Victoria with the right support and ecosystem.The goal is to support North East Victorian entrepreneurs with their start-up ideas and connect them to mentoring and investment opportunities.This will help our region respond to fast paced change and disruption by developing and retaining skills to take advantage of new technologies and ways of working.

Joined as part of the inaugural team on this members committee charged to advise the Institute on better addressing and serving the needs of its members from the Small and medium Enterprise sector of the community.

It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the dynamic community of dedicated individuals that are the Angel investors in Australia. Since founding the AAAI I have had the satisfaction of watching the community grow from virtually non-existent to being one of the primary sources of risk capital for high growth ventures in this country. The integrity, professionalism and business acumen of the Angel community in Australia has won us international recognition and a respected role as key stakeholders in advising our own government and communities overseas.In my role as Emeritus I will continue to support and drive the early-stage ecosystem in Australia and abroad for the greater social and economic success of our societies.

As the insitgator of the AAAI it is my pleasure to take my turn at leading this important organisation. We work to improve the volume, value and success of the early-stage economy in Australia. We are a not-for-profit professional association focused on being the authoritative voice for Angel investors and the early-stage sector.Our community embraces Angel investors, entrepreneurs, venture accelerators, incubators, service providers, companies and government bodies. Our annual national conference kicks off the global calendar for Angel events and we are directly connected to Angel conferences/events all around the world.

The AAAI is the not for profit national industry association representing Australian Angel investors and organisations that support the growth of Angel investment in Australia. [www.aaai.net.au]AAAI was incorporated in 2007 to:• Promote ethical & efficient Angel investment.• Promote the growth of Angel investment & the establishment of Angel groups.• Define best practice for Angels in an Australian context.• Disseminate information on & access to syndication models.• Inform & educate Angels & entrepreneurs seeking Angel investment.• Represent Angels in Australia in dialogues with governments, peers & industry.• Be a channel for information & opinion from members as advice to Government.• Assist with & direct research into Australian Angel activities.• Hold an annual summit conference relevant to members.• Represent the interests of Australian Angels within the international Angel community & to take an active role in the leadership of that community.

Our organisation is called Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and we are responsible for managing and growing all university research-based revenue and industry engagement more broadly. I started as a senior member of a small team. I had the responsibility of leading the Business Development activity for two faculties, Engineering and Architecture. As we grew the team, I was able to relinquish my role with Architecture and focus entirely on Engineering.Engineering is leading the University in dramatic change to ensure the organisation stays in the elite of universities globally. It has been very exciting to be welcomed as a member of the leadership team and to contribute directly to the evolution of the strategy, the development of the plans and to be an active leader in the execution of a $1b program of change and growth.Coupled with this work I have been point on multimillion dollar projects for other faculties and have helped shape the Physical Sciences (Engineering, Architecture, Science) Business Development Cluster.It is a privilege to be playing a pivotal role in this paradigm shift at the number one university in the country (#32 in the world), to be working with some of the smartest people around and to be teammates with my peers.

In this role I assist the Federal government in the allocation of grant funds and my commercialisation advice to support commercialisation efforts of companies with innovative intellectual property. We grow and manage the largest national portfolio of the most promising new innovations to enhance the commercialisation outcomes for the companies and the country.

In this role I assist the Federal government in the allocation of grant funds to support commercialisation efforts of companies with innovative intellectual property. Once companies have received grants, the government provides me to the grant recipients as a strategic business adviser during the tenure of their grant. At Commercialisation Australia we have built the single largest portfolio in the country of investment in innovative companies and we are already seeing strong performance results.

Review Panel - Evaluation of the Seed Co-Investment FundA small panel of international experts on startup investing (Angel investors and venture capital) evaluating the NZVIF SCIF against programme objectives, performance metrics and international benchmarks.

A portfolio company of Melbourne Angels. This company had developed what purported to be world leading technology in the real time recognition and analysis of polyphonic musical instruments. Unfortunately, the primary incumbent investor shareholder turned out to be completely incompetent as an investor in an early-stage technology company. The entrepreneur/founder misled the investors and, in my opinion, misappropriated the funds. The technology did not stand up to third party examination and a primary patent was overturned. This company was a bad experience with some timely reminders about the risks of early-stage investment. Glad I mostly lost time rather than money on the disreputable and unethical people involved.

Growing a specialised joint venture that delivers Systems Engineering resources and services to defence and aerospace projects. Draws on international resources and delivers sustainable solutions to overcome skills shortages in local markets. Has privileged access to security clearance procedures, strong political support from governments for this industry-bred solution and robust contracts ensure everyone is treated fairly.

An intellectual property commercialisation agent for marketing and promotion concepts that serve the consumer, manufacturer and vendor segments of the mass market.

Hired as COO to lead commercialisation of the company with a view to listing. Focused, as CMO, on repositioning this "back office" business as a mainstream consumer business. Led re-branding initiative with soft & hard market launches/media programs for the brand, the business & the website.Drove new internal practices including:•designing & implementing Internet Use Policy/guidelines for staff;•creating corporate marketing collateral, standards & guidelines for on-line & off-line media;•creating & implementing templates for distribution channels;•championing the cause of the creative staff (engineers, graphic designers, programmers) to orient management to the commitments required for a global leader in the emerging Internet industry of the 21st century.

As General Manager of the eCommerce Incubator I proactively supported members with commercial advice, sourcing capital & leveraged my networks to bring those companies to the attention of Silicon Valley.Incubator companies from my tenure have gone on to be leaders in their niches and to be acquired by larger, international players. In aggregate, exits for those incubator companies are estimated to have been in excess of USD30m in value.

Contracted to lead new growth in this business that offered management consulting, instructional design, sales and management training and event design and management. Restructured this business into a group of companies with specialist foci. Designed and implemented marketing campaigns to launch new business names and introduce new services. Created and implemented the IT&T Strategy & Plan within the context of Change Management. Overhauled the IT&T infrastructure ready to commence implementing the IT&T Strategy and Plan.

Executive responsibility for all international activities & Director responsible for all strategic business alliances.As first executive hire, recruited from Australia to lead in this high-growth developer of software tools for real-time, 3D, interactive, multimedia applications (visual simulation/virtual reality). Designed and spearheaded establishment of this business in the international market.Initiated, developed and managed international reseller network. Achieved in excess of 500% increase in international sales revenue within 12 months. Established European subsidiary and planned an Asian subsidiary. Frequent travel was a hallmark of the successful development of stable, long-term, relationship-focused client, partner and reseller affiliations. A consultative approach enabled better support of clients and partners through mentoring, information sharing and networking.Channels established for:Australia, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, China, India, Israel, Singapore, United KingdomAs Director responsible for all strategic business alliances, successfully identified, negotiated and managed partnerships with USA and foreign firms achieving technology advancement, market access and product development.Led expansion of core partnership with Silicon Graphics (now SGI) to Premier Partner status (in excess of USD3m of SGI hardware sold to our clients each year). Generated invitations from Silicon Graphics to personally lead training courses for VAR/VAD and to cooperate in joint domestic and international marketing promotions. This strategy fostered a closer, more intimate relationship. Outcomes included advantageous access to business opportunities, potential resellers and candidates for strategic alliances.Identified, negotiated and developed strategic alliances for privileged, low risk access to new markets and new technologies.

As CEO and significant shareholder led turnaround of this start-up engineering company. Defined, established and developed company infrastructure, administration, business planning, strategic marketing, recruiting and, particularly, corporate culture. As Director, led the implementation of formal governance, structured Board operations and educated directors on legal and compliance obligations, conduct, ethics and performance.Successfully planned and managed growth with staffing growing from 10 to 22. Achieved financial turnaround within 1 year from over $500,000 in long term debt to no long-term debt, revenues over $4m and strong profit trend.Sought, identified and developed strategic partnerships with local, national and international businesses based on mutual benefits. Initiated and fostered relationships with key technologists and organisations overseas to provide access to leading edge technical knowledge and to promote cooperative opportunities beyond the limited market in Australia.Engendered corporate culture based on team ethic and recognition of individual achievements. A total commitment to quality and customer care developed through training, mentoring and personal example. Provided formal and informal on-the-job training to facilitate staff personal development and team integration.Developed a quality system and documentation for accreditation to AS3901.Designed and implemented enterprise IT Strategy to maximise productivity, minimise overheads and optimise performance.Managed major tenders for strategic move into high-tech projects. Authored tender documents and business plans to win multimillion dollar contracts, e.g. The Driving Simulators for the Victorian TAC, a #2.5m project I personally architected, resourced, planned, authored and prosecuted, in association with the USA partners I had secured.I continued to provide hands-on senior engineering input to major projects and in support of staff engineers as required.

ASTA Systems, the systems, technologies and project services unit of ASTA, the largest aerospace company in Australia. Recruited to direct commercial orientation of this government corporation and build international client base all with a view to underpinning a trade sale of the ASTA Systems business unit.Co-opted member of the executive management committee and an active member of the Performance Improvement Team (TQM), Quality Committee and Staff Representation Committee. Designated corporate liaison with DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation) and CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).In multidisciplinary project teams directed business development and marketing of all projects on a global basis. Developed marketing and business plans for top management. Created a management program and software for coordination of bid registration, preparation, review and submission. Integrated tools from PC, Macintosh and UNIX environments. The program was integrated and certified for the corporate quality system and complied with AS3901.Completed formulation, evaluation, implementation and development of policies and procedures to coordinate and manage the marketing function and the interaction of that function with the Operations Groups, Quality and Finance and Administration.Territory responsibilities included: Australia (civil, paramilitary and defence), Republic of China (Taiwan), USA, Israel, United Kingdom

Seconded to corporate management in Rotterdam and teamed with the Senior Vice President. Responsible to the President for the management and administration of $500 million project in Australia.Filled a dual role in relationship with prime contractor. As subcontractor managed the interface and led negotiations for the $500m contract and, as Design Authority, worked within the prime contractor team to develop solution and provide direct specialist representation to the customer (Australian Department of Defence) on the $5b prime contract. As team member provided specialist knowledge in computer systems, electronics, systems engineering and Integrated Logistic Support.Territory responsibilities: Australia, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, The Netherlands, BelgiumAchieved the translation (from Dutch) and validation of all technical information for data packages. Developed and/or customised computerised tools and procedures for proposal preparation, compilation and presentation. Designed and implemented an automated, multi-currency, computer based costing system (combining Apple and mainframe computers). Developed a Quality System for certification to AS1821. Used local knowledge of Australia and New Zealand to place work packages complying with Local Content requirements, being cognisant of economic/political issues.Successfully managed and hosted international team and their families. Provided personal support for work, leisure and cultural integration as well as ensuring smooth administration of the team and its resources in Australia and in the Netherlands.

In 1987 Van Riestchoten und Howens BV of Rotterdam acquired EMG Pty Ltd.Responsible for R&D and commercialisation functions, including integration with Netherlands-based parent company. Provided technical, commercial and administrative management for in-house developments. Consulted to operational divisions and external clients for design in the areas of electronics, communications, computer systems, software, industrial control and marketing.Territory responsibilities: Australia, Singapore, The Netherlands, USASuccessfully brought leading edge computer aided drawing transcription system from concept to operating bureau service and system sales program.Successfully achieved the design, programming, scheduling and shutdown management for a Pneumatic Transfer System Control System for the Portland Aluminium Smelter based on Allen-Bradley equipment.Completed development of enhancements to the display, output and data transfer capabilities of an industrial thermography system.Pursued research into the application of speech interfaces and artificial intelligence to industrial control and Computer Aided Design and Drafting.

In 1985 the partly-owned subsidiary EMG Advanced Systems became a wholly owned Engineering Division of EMG Pty Ltd and I was the senior qualified engineer responsible for broad-based engineering and computing expertise in single and multidisciplinary projects.Introduced and developed technologies to the company for CAD, integrated computing systems for administration and an industrial thermography system. Provided advice and training to other staff in the selection, acquisition and use of new technologies.Territory responsibilities: Australia, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, USASuccessfully fulfilled roles of Commissioning Engineer for Portland Aluminium Smelter, Project Manager for the Shell Company of Australia and Preventative and Routine Maintenance/Inspection Engineer for Shell Australia, Mobil Australia and Esso Australia.The success of the engineering and new technologies capabilities I led for EMG were the basis for its acquisition by Dutch company van Rietschoten & Houwens, part of the Netherlands-based international trading company, Internatio Meuller Group. The Australian operation was re-branded R&H Australia.

Developed engineering hardware, software and service solutions for clientele in the oil & gas, maritime, construction and heavy engineering industries.Managed client engagements, engineering projects on behalf of clients and led internal technology research and continuing professional development for technical staff. Technology areas included automated and built-in test, video inspection and analysis, voice operation technologies, infrared inspection of electrical systems.The rapid growth of the revenues and client base of the company motivated part owner EMG to execute its options to acquire the company, resulting in a corporate spin-in with the Advanced Systems team becoming the anchor and management for the EMG engineering and new technologies capacity.

Service and support of midrange computing products and peripherals.

Subjects taught: CommunicationsData Processing

Hardware and software design, programming and implementation for a colour weather radar display station.Published: "The Design of a Meteorological Radar Operator's Control Panel", Jordan Green & Kevin Shepherd, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, 1983