Mathias Kopp Email & Phone Number

Sydney, Nsw, Au

St Leonards, New South Wales - Nsw, Au

At Fifo Capital, we have been proudly serving the Australian market for over 13 years as one of the leading alternative lenders specialising in cash flow finance solutions for SMEs. Our comprehensive range of financial offerings includes invoice finance, supply chain finance, trade finance, and business loans. We take pride in our ability to support businesses across various industries, with a particular focus on companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $25 million, though we cater to both smaller enterprises and larger corporations.Many of our valued clients come to us facing acute cash flow challenges, seeking rapid funding solutions to overcome pressing financial hurdles. These challenges can stem from a variety of factors, including:✅ Rapid growth straining working capital✅ Delays between customer and supplier payments✅ Operating expenses surpassing revenues✅ Excessive inventory✅ Seasonal fluctuations in demand✅ And numerous other financial complexitiesAs part of my role, I collaborate closely with business finance brokers and accountants, working together to enhance the financial services offered to their SME clients. My specific responsibilities encompass:✅ Identifying the root causes contributing to cash flow issues✅ Determining the precise funding requirements of the company✅ Customising funding solutions that precisely address the unique needs of each business✅ Leveraging a combination of my personal resources and Fifo Capital's funds to provide the necessary financing✅ Assisting the client's management team in addressing underlying issues, drawing on my extensive background in banking, consulting, and business ownership✅ Continuously monitoring progress and performance improvement to ensure that our funding is utilised no longer than necessaryMaintaining a close and trusted relationship with my clients is paramount, as they rightfully expect a reliable, responsive, and seamless service precisely when they need it most.

Proto Investment Partners is a specialised early-stage fund manager focused on co-investment with angel groups. It is the manager of the $10 million Sydney Angels Sidecar Fund II (Fund I was closed 2018), which co-invests with members of Sydney Angels, Australia's largest angel investor association. At the end of its lifetime, the Sydney Angels Sidecar Fund had invested into around 30 start-ups, some of the investments were second or even third rounds.

Sydney, Nsw, Au

CoVEST Capital provides funding and leadership solutions to small to medium-sized business owners looking to maximize their bottom line through private equity investment and business turnaround strategies.Australian business owners seeking to sell often face some of the following issues:✅ Increased competition from other sellers as baby boomers reach retirement age,✅ Shortage of buyers,✅ Oversupply of businesses for sale,✅ Absence of succession or exit plan,✅ Lack of management expertise to quickly grow the business or create opportunities for growth within a short time frame.CoVEST Capital purchases minority to majority shareholdings of up to 80% with an objective of growing revenues by 300% and increasing net profit to a minimum 15% in 3 to 5 years when we expect to sell the business at a much higher exit price.We achieve this through organic growth and acquisitions of similar businesses; by providing the necessary growth capital and funding and complementing management by bringing in additional expertise.

The Australian German Association (AGA) was formed in 1974 on the initiative of a group of senior Australian business people led by Sir Arvi Parbo, who recognised the growing economic significance to Australia of the Federal Republic of Germany, especially in areas of trade and investment. Dr. Alfred Herrhausen, former CEO of Deutsche Bank, was Sir Arvi’s counterpart and co-founder in Germany.The formation of AGA reflected a need for senior Australian people to be better acquainted with their counterparts in Germany and, in so doing, gain a clearer understanding of the way business is done in that country, and how the economy is progressing, as well as the way management is structured within German organisations. Our main activity consisted of holding regular boardroom-style luncheons, on average 10 per year, at the Union University & Schools Club. Guests were senior company executives. Specifically, my tasks included:✅ Inviting guest speakers and agreeing on the subject of their speech,✅ Organising all aspects of the event including managing the guest invitation process,✅ On the day of the event, welcoming the guests, introducing the guest of honour, and concluding the event. Some of the keynote speakers include Senator Eric Abetz, Ric Battellino, Graham Bradley, Bob Carr, Leigh Clifford, Roger Corbett, Bill Evans, Bob Every, David Mortimer, David Murray, Peter Farrell, David Gonski, Fred Hilmer, Graham Kraehe, Catherine Livingstone, Dr. Philip Lowe, John Mullen, Maurice Newman, Graeme Samuel, Malcolm Turnbull, Dick Warburton, and many others.

Founded in 1994, Fusion Industries (FI) is a full-service electrical contractor that specialises in smaller commercial and residential construction projects and the maintenance and repair of electrical installations. Its geographic focus is the Sydney metropolitan area. The range of projects and activities include commercial fit-outs and service, wiring of air conditioning systems, mechanical services controls and programmed maintenance of electrical installations. FI’s clients are in the government and private sector and more specifically include strata and fund managers, insurance companies and construction companies focusing on fit-outs.In 2016 I acquired a majority shareholding in FI as part of a strategy to build a large electrical contracting business along the Australian Eastern seaboard. Given the demise of John Ayres Electrical in 2018, I sold my shareholding in 2019.

Established in 1976 John Ayres Electrical (JAE) was a medium-sized electrical contractor specialising in residential and commercial construction projects headquartered in the ACT. The key services included the design and installation of the electrical infrastructure of greenfield construction projects. Project sizes ranged from $500 thousand to $5 million. JAE’s main clients were tier 1 and tier 2 builders such as Hutchison Builders, Richard Crookes, and Taylor Constructions.In 2015 I acquired a majority shareholding with the objective of building a $100 million electrical contracting company through both organic growth as well as growth through acquisitions. At the time of my investment JAE generated revenues of around $4 million.JAE successfully completed landmark projects in and around Canberra. On the back of its strong reputation and impeccable track record, we ventured into the Sydney market in 2017 as we had won a number of high-profile projects. However, the win also posed a a great execution risk, as we had to build up a large team of tradespeople in an overheated Sydney construction market and a general shortage of qualified electricians. Nevertheless, the workforce grew from 30 to around 120 staff in less than 18 months.The exponential growth to almost $15 million revenues came at a cost: at least two projects turned out to be highly unprofitable. They were under-priced and their losses were further amplified by ineffective project management.JAE lacked the working capital to weather the storm and so I was forced to put JAE into administration in June 2018. The insolvency event gave the master contractor the contractual right to terminate the agreement, and this is what happened. The liquidation of JAE in July 2018 became inevitable.I take full responsibility for the demise of JAE, the loss of jobs and financial consequences for credtiors. I cannot blame myself. It proves once again that unmanaged growth can lead to catastrophy.

The Boardroom is a network of top industry experts, proven CEOs, and successful entrepreneurs offering real-world knowledge and expertise, to help companies go to the next level.The team of highly accomplished industry leaders provides business advice, support, guidance, and mentoring to help you achieve your goals with a wide diversity of background, skills, and know-how.During my time at the Boardroom I mentored six owners of small and medium businesses and helped them overcome sometimes complex issues.

Sydney, Nsw, Au

Launched in 2008 Sydney Angels (SA) is now the largest and most successful angel investor group in Australia. SA is a not-for-profit organisation run by a 10-member volunteer Committee who has been consistently meeting on a weekly basis since its formation.Over the years SA has developed a best-in-class deal selection process that includes the review of entrepreneurs’ applications, bi-monthly Deal Screening Meetings as well as Members Meetings. SA provides processes, procedures and tools to its members to facilitate due diligence and the investment process.SA membership now exceeds 110 angel investors. Sydney Angels has made close to 70 investments in companies ranging across the web, mobile, life science and engineering sectors.The typical investment to date has been $300k-$500k at valuations between $750k and $2m.

Sydney, Nsw, Au

Jayride is a team of business and technology people passionate about providing the best transport information and booking systems available anywhere.It sounds strange... but we think the world would be a better place if people had easier access to better transport information. We think with more information, people could go places faster, easier, see and do more, all without cars, traffic, noise and pollution. We think better living starts with better mobility, and we're here to help make it happen.Jayride is a global company with offices in the United States, Australia and the UK.

Santa Clara, California, Us

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), was founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with roots in the Indus region. There are currently 13,000 members, including over 2,500 charter members in 61 chapters across 17 countries. TiE’s mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs.The Sydney TiE chapter has several hundred entrepreneur members and a growing number of Charter Members, seasoned professionals, who give up their time to share their knowledge and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs. The foremost and most widely known event that TiE Sydney hosts is TiECon in October of each year, a large professional and networking conference for entrepreneurs. In addition, TiE also holds a wide range of educational events and offers mentoring to its members throughout the year.

Au

Secondment to the Federal Department of Industry Tourism and Resources (DITR) to conceptualise and manage the establishment of the Australian Industry Productivity Centre (AIPC) Program (rebranded Enterprise Connect in 2008) in NSW, a $352 million initiative to assist small to medium-sized enterprises improve their business performance. A team of 20 consultants was set up and trained to deliver the program statewide.

Master (Hons), Economics

Bachelor'S Degree (Hons), Economy

Medicine