The Australian venture capital landscape is home to a remarkable array of female leaders who are shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. These trailblazing women are not only driving investments in emerging technologies but are also advocating for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. From seasoned investors in clean energy and technology to those fostering early-stage startup growth, this article highlights the achievements of leading female venture capitalists who are making a significant impact across Australia’s startup ecosystem.

Ali Clunies-Ross - Partner at Artesian VC

Alexandra Clunies-Ross is a Partner at Artesian, leading its Energy Transition/Decarbonization VC investments and the $100M Female Leader's Fund, which focuses on companies with gender-diverse leadership. With experience spanning seed to Series B investments, she serves as a Board Observer for modular solar company 5B and is part of Cleantech Group's APAC 25 expert panel. Ali holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Law from the University of New South Wales, with additional expertise in Chinese Legal Systems from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Amanda Gillon - Senior Partner at BioScience Managers

Amanda Gillon, Senior Partner at BioScience Managers, has extensive experience in healthcare investments and focuses on identifying and managing investments in innovative medical technologies. With a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from La Trobe University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School, she previously conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University, investigating molecular processes in intracellular trafficking. Amanda plays a key role in deal negotiations and portfolio management, serving as a director on multiple portfolio companies, including Rex Bionics.

Andrea Gardiner - Founder and CEO at Jelix Ventures

Andrea Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of Jelix Ventures, a Sydney-based venture capital fund manager with over $50 million under management, focused on early-stage tech startups with innovative solutions and strong market potential. She co-founded WinVC, a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to advancing women in venture capital leadership roles, and serves as a Non-Executive Director and investor in multiple companies, including Sinorbis, Gelomics, and Old Hundred. With a legal background and completion of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, Gardiner brings extensive expertise in investment, governance, and entrepreneurship.

Chelsea Newell - General Partner at Scale Investors

Chelsea Newell is a General Partner at Scale Investors, with over a decade of experience in financial services, specializing in founder-investor relationships, deal origination, and transactions. Before joining Scale, she worked in wealth management and brokerage roles in London, including at Lesmoir-Gordon Boyle, MainFirst Group, and Anoa Capital, where she managed high-net-worth client strategies and corporate access operations. Chelsea is deeply involved in Australia's early-stage ecosystem, contributing through thought leadership and formalizing investment and onboarding processes to foster innovation and growth.

Elicia McDonald - Partner at Airtree Ventures

Elicia McDonald is a Partner at AirTree Ventures, where she has been supporting ambitious founders in scaling their businesses since joining the firm in 2016. Her career began in tech investment banking before transitioning to roles in a B2B SaaS startup and LinkedIn, driven by her passion for technology and building meaningful relationships. Elicia is deeply inspired by the transformative power of technology and takes pride in helping founders navigate the challenges of building impactful companies in the fast-evolving ANZ startup ecosystem.

Eliza Jackson - General Partner at Macdoch Ventures

Eliza Jackson is a General Partner at Macdoch Ventures, where she manages a global fund of funds portfolio and supports pre-seed and seed-stage entrepreneurs across Australia and New Zealand. Previously, she led early-stage investments at a single-family office in Sydney and London and worked with Square Peg Capital on Series A and B investments across multiple regions. With a background in law and finance, she has held roles at Goldman Sachs, King & Wood Mallesons, and Holding Redlich, complementing her strong academic achievements at Monash University and Firbank Grammar School.

Fiona Hindmarsh - Managing & General Partner at Significant

Fiona Hindmarsh is the Managing and General Partner at Significant Capital Ventures, an early-stage venture fund she co-founded in 2016, focused on commercializing university-driven innovation in Australia. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking, she transitioned to family office advisory and now oversees Hindmarsh’s private investment portfolio, including property trusts and venture capital investments. An alumnus of ANU with honors in economics, Fiona also holds an Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation, underscoring her expertise in investment governance.

Gabrielle Munzer - Partner at Main Sequence Ventures

Gabrielle Munzer is a Partner at Main Sequence Ventures, where she focuses on creating impactful companies, including Samsara and Eden Brew, with a strong emphasis on ESG principles. With over 15 years of experience in financial markets, Gabrielle has worked at Challenger in Australia and Morgan Stanley and ABN AMRO in London. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Securities, Investment, and Banking from the University of Reading, an MBA from INSEAD, and completed a fellowship in Leadership in Sustainable Development from LEAD.

Georgia Barkell - Managing Partner at Sprint Ventures

Georgia Barkell is the Managing Partner at Sprint Ventures, where she leads investor relations, operations, compliance, and human resources, drawing on her extensive background in finance, risk management, and operations from roles at Westpac, Nomura, Deloitte, General Electric, and various family offices. Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at Sprint Ventures and holding key positions such as Liquidity Risk Manager at Nomura and Associate Director at Westpac, Georgia has a strong track record in implementing regulatory frameworks and driving strategic initiatives within international financial institutions. She is also a Board Observer at Clipboard and holds a Diploma in Financial Markets from the Australian Financial Markets Association, complemented by company director training from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, underscoring her commitment to leadership and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Georgie Turner - Partner at Tidal Ventures

Georgie Turner is a Partner at Tidal Ventures, a Sydney-based venture capital fund providing seed capital to Australian founders, where she leverages her expertise in go-to-market strategies and fundraising to support startups in scaling and securing investment. With a background in investment banking and enterprise sales from roles at Bailador, Rackspace, and Lazard, she brings strategic insight and dedication to helping founders optimize their businesses. Georgie also serves as an investor and board member for companies like Flagship, Operata, Fair Supply, and Upflowy, drawing on her dual bachelor's degree in Business Management and Commerce from the University of Queensland.

Helen Norton - Partner at Airtree Ventures

Helen Norton is a Partner at Airtree Ventures, having joined the firm in 2015, where she has contributed to its growth and fund management. Before Airtree, she spent eight years at Accel Partners in London, where she helped raise multiple funds, and also worked in financial control at UBS Investment Bank. Helen's experience spans financial control, auditing, and tax, and she has a strong background in managing relationships with investors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.

Ingrid Maes - Founder, CEO & Chief Investment Officer at W23 Global

Ingrid Maes is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of W23 Global, a venture capital fund backed by leading global grocery retailers, investing in transformative startups to scale retail innovation and sustainability. She also co-founded WinVC, a nonprofit initiative supporting women investors, and previously led W23 Australia, Woolworths Group’s corporate venture capital fund. With over 25 years of experience in retail, data, loyalty, digital, and investments, Ingrid is known for her visionary leadership, strategic execution, and commercial impact.

Jackie Vullinghs - Partner at Airtree Ventures

Jackie Vullinghs is a Partner at Airtree Ventures, joining in 2018 after relocating to Sydney. She began her career in trading in London before moving into a Chief of Staff role at early-stage B2B SaaS startup Kalo, where she contributed to product strategy and operations. With a background in history from Cambridge and a passion for nurturing relationships, Jackie excels in building networks that help accelerate startups, while also serving on the boards of various companies like FairSupply and Perx Health.

Karen Chan - Portfolio Manager at Perennial Partners

Karen Chan is a Portfolio Manager at Perennial Partners, where she co-manages funds exceeding $700 million, focusing on growth-stage private, pre-IPO, and listed companies. Previously, she led Investec Emerging Companies, driving strategy and investments in high-growth startups, and held roles in M&A advisory at Gresham Partners and legal counsel at Jurlique. Karen is a board member of the Australian Investment Council and an alumna of the University of Sydney, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Commerce.

Kate Bennett Eriksson - Partner at CoAct VC

Kate Bennett Eriksson is a Partner at CoAct VC, a Melbourne-based venture capital firm focused on supporting Australian early-stage companies with capital, strategy, and access to a vast network of business leaders and founders. She is also the CEO and founder of helloEd, a health technology marketplace that curates assistive products to enhance independence and well-being for individuals with health challenges. With a Bachelor of Commerce in IT from Curtin University and experience in technology entrepreneurship from Stanford, Kate combines her expertise in innovation, startups, and leadership to drive impactful ventures.

Kim Jackson - Co-Founder, CEO, CIO at Skip Capital

Kim Jackson is the Co-Founder, CEO, and CIO of Skip Capital, a private investment firm that focuses on technology-enabled businesses, particularly in sectors like software, energy, and life sciences. With over 20 years of experience, he previously held roles as Investment Director at Hastings Funds Management, overseeing large-scale infrastructure transactions, and was involved in landmark deals in utilities and public-private partnerships. Prior to his investment career, Kim was a musician in the alternative rock band KRILL and also worked as an investment banker at Citigroup.

Kristin Vaughan - Managing Partner at Virescent Ventures

Kristin Vaughan is the Managing Partner at Virescent Ventures, where she has led investments since February 2022. She serves as a non-executive director for Novalith and All G Foods, as well as a board observer for Loam Bio, contributing to innovative ventures in sustainability and technology. With a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sydney, Kristin also mentors startups through Startmate, bringing expertise in investment and governance to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Kylie Frazer - Co-Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures

Kylie Frazer is the Co-Founding Partner of Flying Fox Ventures, with over 20 years of experience in technology capital raising and M&A across Australia, Asia, and the United States. She has a strong background in advising ASX200 and international companies on major deals in sectors like technology, agriculture, and consumer products, and brings over a decade of boardroom experience in areas such as risk management and innovation. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Arts (International Studies), with postgraduate qualifications in Change Management and leadership training from Harvard Business School.

Kylie Gerrard - Co-Founder & General Partner at Purpose Ventures

Kylie Gerrard is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Purpose Ventures, where she has been driving innovation and impact-focused investments since 2018. With a rich background in leadership roles, including Program Lead at Spacecubed's Plus Eight and Perth Lead at Innovation Bay, she has over a decade of experience supporting startups and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Applied Business in Management from the University of Canberra.

Marisa Warren - Managing Partner at ALIAVIA Ventures

Marisa Warren is the Founder and Managing Partner of ALIAVIA Ventures, a California-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage female founders in the U.S. and Australia. She also serves as a Board Director and Lead Investor for several innovative companies, including GoFIGR, Neighbourlytics, HowToo, and Loupe, where she leverages her expertise in tech scaling and talent development. Prior to her venture capital career, Marisa was deeply involved in leadership roles and has a strong academic background, having graduated from Canberra Girls Grammar School.

Maxine Lee - COO at Skalata

Maxine Lee is the COO and Investment Director at Skalata Ventures, where she oversees deal sourcing, selection, and portfolio management to ensure high-quality investment decisions and fund performance. With over a decade of experience advising and investing in seed-stage companies, she previously led entrepreneurial initiatives at the University of Melbourne, including the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP), which supported over 90 high-growth startups. Maxine holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Management Accounting from the University of Melbourne.

Maxine Minter - General Partner at CoVentures

Maxine Minter is the General Partner at CoVentures, Australia's first pre-seed venture fund led by a solo female GP, where she supports ambitious founders in building global companies. With extensive experience in investment and advisory roles, including as an advisor at Co Lab and an investor at The Council, Maxine has a strong track record of fostering innovation across the San Francisco Bay Area, Sydney, and London. She holds advanced qualifications from Stanford University, including a master's degree in Law, Science, and Technology and a certification in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Melissa McBurnie - Partner & Head of Impact at Brandon Capital

Melissa McBurnie is a Partner and Head of Impact at Brandon Capital, with extensive experience in seed-to-early-stage life science investments. She has previously worked as an investor at Terra Rossa Capital, a Business Development Manager at Bio Innovation SA, and in a medical device company, assisting with capital raising. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science, a PhD in Immunology, and an MBA in Finance, and she serves as a director for Cincera Therapeutics and Ankere Therapeutics.

Melissa Widner - CEO at Lighter Capital

Melissa Widner is the CEO of Lighter Capital, a leader in revenue-based financing for tech startups, having provided over $300 million in funding since 2012. She previously served as Managing Director at NAB Ventures and is the Chair and Co-Founder of Apropela, which supports women-led high-growth businesses. Melissa holds a master’s degree from Stanford University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Michelle Deaker - Founding Partner & Managing Director at OneVentures

Dr. Michelle Deaker is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of OneVentures, overseeing $700M in funds under management and leading the firm's technology practice and investor relations. With over 20 years of experience in building high-growth technology companies in Australia and the US, she has a proven track record in global business expansion, R&D, and venture capital, having successfully negotiated financing, exits, and key partnerships. Before founding OneVentures in 2006, Michelle built and scaled E Com Industries into Australia’s leading prepaid card provider, achieving a 4.6x return for investors before its acquisition in 2005.

Milly Goucher - General Partner at 2070 Ventures

Milly Goucher is the General Partner at 2070 Ventures, bringing over a decade of experience in venture capital and corporate development. Previously, she held leadership roles at Helia, News Corp Ventures, and ANZi Ventures, where she drove strategic investments and innovation initiatives. With a strong foundation in international economics and finance from the University of Queensland, Milly has also founded and led her own venture, The Wonder Hub, showcasing her entrepreneurial expertise.

Pia Turcinov - General Partner and Director at FundWA

Pia Turcinov is a General Partner and Director at FundWA, leveraging over 30 years of commercial, corporate, and legal experience across multiple industries. She is recognized for her expertise in governance, intellectual property, commercialization, and innovation systems, having created bespoke programs and led delegations to North America, Canada, and Europe. An advocate for women in STEM, Pia has held notable roles such as Chair of East Metropolitan Health Service and Women in Technology WA, and was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023 for her contributions to technology, innovation, and diversity.

Poppy Trewhella - Partner at Paloma Ventures

Poppy Trewhella is a Partner at Paloma Ventures, a venture studio and VC fund focused on high-growth tech ventures across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this, she held roles as Venture Partnerships Director at Paloma, Director of Programs and Partnerships at Startup Victoria, and as a consultant working with both corporate businesses and tech startups. Poppy holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol.

Rachael Neumann - Co-Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures

Rachael Neumann is a Co-Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures, having transitioned from her role as Founder of Working Theory Angels. She has extensive experience in early-stage investing, having worked as Managing Director of Eventbrite ANZ, Head of Startups at Amazon Web Services ANZ, and as a Partner at Startmate. Rachael holds a BA in Urban Studies and Social Entrepreneurship from Stanford University, and an MBA in Strategy & Innovation from Columbia Business School.

Rachel Yang - Partner at Giant Leap

Rachel Yang is a Partner at Giant Leap, Australia’s first impact venture capital fund, focusing on scaling businesses that combine financial returns with social and environmental impact. She previously served as Chair of Startup Victoria, a grassroots organization supporting over 12,000 startup founders, and is currently an Advisory Board member for the Victorian Government’s Equity Investment Attraction Fund. With a background in management consulting, corporate finance, and investments, Rachel holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts from the University of Melbourne, where she studied accounting and Mandarin, alongside a Diploma in Italian.

Rebecca Schot-Guppy - Partner at Firemark Ventures

Rebecca Schot-Guppy is a Partner at Firemark Ventures, where she has also served as Director of Investment Leverage and Portfolio Management. Previously, she was CEO of FinTech Australia, where she championed the growth of the fintech ecosystem. She holds executive certifications in strategy from Melbourne Business School and governance from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Roo Harris - General Partner at Scale Investors

Roo Harris is a General Partner at Scale Investors, having transitioned from a successful legal career in international commercial transactions with firms like Allens Linklaters and Squire Patton Boggs. After a decade advising high-profile clients in the UAE and Qatar, she found her passion for venture capital, achieving a 27x return on her first startup investment. Roo is also an advocate for neurodivergent and disability communities, holding leadership roles in organizations like Aspergers Victoria and Autistic Pride Day, and is currently completing a second Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Samar Mcheileh - Managing Partner at Scale Investors

Samar Mcheileh has over 15 years of experience in financial services, with a significant tenure at JBWere, where she held key roles, including Chief of Staff and Head of Markets Desk, and played a vital role in a $150 million transformation for the firm's sale. Drawn to venture capital for its potential returns and the opportunities it offers to talented entrepreneurs, Samar joined Scale Investors in 2019, becoming co-CEO in 2021 to help transform the firm into a fully-matured fund. She is actively involved in the Australian early-stage ecosystem and has volunteered for organizations like YWCA Australia and inTouch, supporting multicultural efforts against family violence.

Sarah Meibusch - Partner at OneVentures

Sarah Meibusch brings over 20 years of leadership experience across diverse organizations, including start-ups, ASX and NASDAQ-listed companies, multinational pharmaceutical firms, and academic institutions. Previously, she led Asian Business Development for Shire Pharmaceuticals (now Takeda), securing major deals like the $300M Fibrotech deal, and held senior roles at Progen Pharmaceuticals, University of Queensland's QAAFI institute, and others. Passionate about commercializing new technologies, she combines a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries with the ability to lead complex negotiations and strategic partnerships.

Sarah Nolet - Co-Founder & General Partner at Tenacious Ventures

Sarah Nolet is the co-founder and General Partner at Tenacious Ventures, where she partners with agtech innovators driving impact at the intersection of agriculture and climate solutions. A globally recognized expert in food systems innovation, she has led strategies for leading organizations and startups while hosting the "AgTech...So What?" podcast, which highlights stories of agricultural innovation. With a strong academic foundation, including an M.S. in Engineering and Management from MIT and a B.S. in Computer Science from Tufts University, Sarah has also held leadership roles in advisory firms and industry councils, shaping the agritech ecosystem.

Simone Lander - Partner at Carthona Capital

Simone Lander is a Partner at Carthona Capital, where she has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2014. With a career spanning over 15 years, she has held senior roles in private equity, including Head of Compliance at Planum Partners and Partner at Taemas Group. Simone also has extensive experience in corporate services, having served as Company Secretary at Babcock & Brown and Stonebridge Group.

Solai Valliappan - General Partner at Scale Investors

Solai Valliappan is a General Partner at Scale Investors, having joined the firm in January 2024. Before transitioning to venture capital, she spent eight years at Zurich Insurance, where she qualified as an Actuary and served as Chief of Staff, later gaining experience at the startup Stilmark, focusing on finance and investor relations. Solai has five years of experience in angel investing and advising within the Australian startup ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on data-driven due diligence, risk analysis, and the importance of the people behind the companies.

Sophie Robertson - Partner at TEN13

Sophie Robertson is a Partner and Head of Investor Relations at TEN13, where she helps build Australia's most active co-investment venture firm, supporting exceptional founders globally from pre-seed to Series D. With over 15 years of experience in institutional equity sales at Credit Suisse, she has advised leading fund managers on public equity investments and capital market transactions in Australia, Europe, and Asia. Sophie also holds an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology and has participated in initiatives like the Minerva Network and Startmate to empower female leaders and foster innovation.

Taryn Pieterse - Partner at Rampersand

Taryn Pieterse is a Partner at Rampersand, having previously worked as an Investment Manager and Principal at the firm. Her career began in investment banking across Sydney and London, where she contributed to significant deals like Campaign Monitor’s $250M capital raise and the SABMiller-AB InBev merger. Taryn later transitioned to venture capital, focusing on B2B SaaS and future-of-work startups, with investments in companies such as Hatch, Cake, Functionly, and Skedulo, and a background in family office investments in diverse sectors.

Tracey Warren - at F5 Collective

Tracey Warren is the CEO and Founding Partner of F5 Collective, a venture firm dedicated to supporting female founders of high-growth tech ventures across APAC, with a focus on social and environmental impact. Her career includes roles such as Strategist at Mechanics of Scale, where she advised mission-driven female founders, and Principal at Cornwalls Capital, specializing in corporate advisory and capital raising in Asian markets. She holds an Executive certification in Private Equity and Venture Capital from Harvard Business School and a Diploma in Financial Services.

Victoria Denholm - CEO & Director at Wollemi Capital Group

Victoria Denholm is the CEO and Director of Wollemi Capital Group, a firm focused on investments that drive positive community impact, and the former President of the Sydney Flames, a professional basketball team in the Women's National Basketball League. Her previous roles include managing high-growth ventures at KPMG Australia and serving as an Associate for Trade and Investment at NSW Treasury, where she was recognized for her work on COVID-19 economic stimulus measures. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Boston University and a Master of Commerce in Business Analytics from UNSW.

Victoria Durrans - Partner at BioScience Managers

Victoria Durrans, a Partner at BioScience Managers, leads investments, manages portfolios, and develops international relationships for the firm. She holds a BA (Hons) in Business from Nottingham Trent University and previously worked as a senior consultant at CRSI Ltd, where she advised over 40 UK-based technology startups on growth strategies, organizational development, and financing. Since joining BioScience Managers in 2017, she has continued to leverage her expertise in healthcare investment and business development to drive value across the industry.

As the venture capital industry continues to evolve, these dynamic female leaders are at the forefront of creating opportunities, fostering growth, and paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their expertise spans diverse sectors, including energy, technology, healthcare, and more, with a shared commitment to empowering underrepresented founders and ensuring long-term sustainability. Through their visionary leadership, they are not only shaping the future of venture capital but also contributing to a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Australia.