Allan is our Sydney-based partner – a self-confessed technology geek who also has a successful track record in founding, mentoring and investing in more than fifty tech-based businesses over a period of three decades. He has assisted companies to commercialise early-stage technology – working with founders during their journey from conception of their business to international expansion and sale or listing.
Allan was a pioneer in early-stage venture capital in Australia, having co-founded the VC firm Technology Venture Partners in the mid-1990’s. He spent several years living and working in Silicon Valley and assisting companies to grow within Asia, Europe and the USA. He also co-founded a sustainable energy business and has invested in and mentored several companies in the social impact space. He spent 5-years’ as a Commercialisation Advisor to the Federal Government’s Accelerating Commercialisation program where he originated a portfolio of 28 companies in WA and NSW. Several of these companies have gone on to raise well over $250m in additional equity, debt and grant funding.
Allan is currently a director/chair of five technology businesses ranging from AI to edTech, and social media marketing to an exciting space/satellite start-up business. He is also a Defence Industry Advisor with the Australian Department of Defence (Office of Defence Industry Support).
Allan holds an Honours Degree in Aerospace Engineering, and a Masters in Electrical Engineering (Renewable and Sustainable Energy) as well as an MBA. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an avid fixed wing and helicopter pilot and car enthusiast.