AirTree

AirTree is a leading venture capital firm based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to backing ambitious founders who are building the next generation of iconic technology companies from Australia and New Zealand. Established in 2014 by co-founders Daniel Petre and Craig Blair, AirTree has rapidly evolved to become a cornerstone of the Antipodean startup ecosystem. The firm's core philosophy centres on investing at the seed stage and discerning potential before it becomes widely apparent, committing to long-term partnerships with founders, often thinking in decades rather than days.

AirTree differentiates itself through a comprehensive, network-powered approach, providing more than just capital. The firm offers extensive operational support, including talent networks, executive forums, peer communities, and a wealth of open-source resources and playbooks to help founders navigate the complexities of company building. This commitment extends to actively shaping the broader ANZ startup landscape by fostering diverse founder communities and publishing industry trends. Their active involvement ensures founders are well-equipped to shortcut common challenges and accelerate their journey from initial concept to a globally recognised brand.

With approximately AUD $2 billion in funds under management across multiple fund vintages, AirTree has invested in over 125 technology companies across Australia and New Zealand. The firm boasts an impressive track record, with its portfolio featuring several unicorns such as Canva, Airwallex, Linktree, Employment Hero, Go1, Pet Circle, and Immutable. This success is further evidenced by a reported internal rate of return (IRR) of 49% on early funds, positioning AirTree as one of the best-performing VC funds globally. Leadership includes co-founder and Partner Craig Blair, co-founder and Partner Emeritus Daniel Petre, and partners Elicia McDonald, Helen Norton, Jackie Vullinghs, James Cameron, and John Henderson, among others, all contributing to the firm's strategic direction and portfolio support.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, with a particular emphasis on software and artificial intelligence (AI) startups from the ANZ region that target category leadership in global markets. AirTree's recent Fund V, totalling AUD $650 million, underscores this multi-stage commitment, with a $250 million seed fund dedicated to early-stage investments and a $400 million growth fund for scaling portfolio companies. This structure allows AirTree to be a consistent partner, supporting companies from their very first cheque through to significant growth milestones.