The Power Players
Australia’s startups are creating an environment full of fresh thoughts, commitment and creativity. Even though success stories often look glamorous, behind them are the startup advisors who are turning potential into actual growth. They don’t only offer advice; they direct important decisions, provide support during a crisis, and drive progress forward. Whether by guiding financial actions, choosing products or suggesting growth plans, advisors support the early and permanent progress of a startup.
Are you an emerging entrepreneur or someone looking to build a scalable venture?
Now is the time to connect with the right minds. Follow these influential advisors, learn from their methods, and build smarter.
The Veteran Visionary: Steve Baxter
Steve Baxter is a well-known name among people in entrepreneurial circles. Even after starting his career as an entrepreneur, Baxter is most known for being a former ‘Shark’ on ‘Shark Tank Australia’. Talk show appearances aside, Steve is best known for helping startups grow, structure their companies, and maintain financial sustainability. Besides offering money, he advises the companies he supports through his companies, TEN13 and River City Labs. Those founding an internet company benefit greatly from his knowledge and genuine tips for success.
The Strategic Architect: Cheryl Mack
Thanks to her experience as CEO of Aussie Angels and former Head of Community at Stone & Chalk, Cheryl Mack works personally with startups on their growth. She helps new founders access money and identifies suitable partnerships for them. She strongly believes in making informed decisions, which is why she is involved in angel investing and educating founders. Unlike many others, she brings concrete methods to the table for fundraising, table management, and getting the conversation going with investors.
The Ecosystem Builder: Ben Chong
Ben Chong, a partner at Right Click Capital, has spent years supporting Australian startups and the investment sector. He works to ensure the company’s growth with accuracy and intent. He works with several tech startups and is known for being clear, organized, and keeping his companies accountable. Chong usually guides founders to think about key matters and choose what is best for them in the future over what brings quick results. The knowledge and expertise that he has in finance and technology make every consultation even more useful.
The Connector: Rachael Neumann
Rachael Neumann is a leader in Australian startups. As a former Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Australia and New Zealand and now a Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures, she offers valuable advice to new companies. She helps entrepreneurs find entry to capital, top employees, or international connections. Many founders pay her gratitude for helping them sharpen their key values and think on a bigger stage immediately. She greatly supports establishments making a positive difference and first-time founders.
The Growth Whisperer: Matt Allen
Many startups trust Matt Allen and give him credit for directing their growth while still maintaining what is special about them. Allen directs companies to center their attention on revenue instead of centering everything on getting the following raise. His education and work experience in engineering and product management offer him a complete view for advising on scaling products. He helps startups in tech by managing the gap between what customers need and what the company is prepared to give. The reason founders trust him is his honest, practical style and knowledge of technology.
The Brand Builder: Nicole O’Brien
As head of Fishburners, Nicole O’Brien helps lead some of Australia’s top startups from the inside out. Her responsibilities are wider than just finances—she works with startups on building their workplace environment, encouraging teamwork, and getting the brand out there. She is especially good at seeing the human side of work within a business. She has a lot of suggestions when it comes to including the community, getting teams united, and taking care of founders. Because burnout is real in law, an advisor like O’Brien can be very essential.
The Legal Mind: Peter D. Francis
Every company’s startup period includes a point when understanding the law matters most. During his consultations, startup lawyer and advisor Peter D. Francis makes sure founders aren’t caught up in contract, equity or IP matters. Fisher Barry’s skill in making difficult legal ideas understandable is one of his finest assets. Besides tips, startups also ask him to teach them, making sure their growth is legal and firm. In Melbourne and Sydney, Francis is highly involved with startups and enjoys supporting founders.
Why Advisors Matter in Business
Excellent startup advisors don’t provide the answers but encourage people to explore solutions. They can see if assumptions need to be challenged, when encouragement is required, and when pausing helps the team. Every one of these individuals has a unique strength, and that’s what gives them great power. More startups are coming up in Australia, and behind most successful founders is an advisor who has advised well.
For entrepreneurs aspiring to grow wisely, behave responsibly, and succeed internationally. Each choice you make can change your entire direction, so bringing the right advisors with you could be very crucial.
