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Folklore logo

Folklore

corporate branding, diseno grafico, branding, produccion audiovisual, graphic design

Sydney, AustraliaEst. 201028folklore.mx
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Location
Sydney, Australia
Founded
2010
Team size
28
Focus
Design
People
2 listed

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About Folklore

Folklore is a Sydney, Australia based venture capital (VC) firm committed to backing ambitious Australian and New Zealand tech founders from the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Established in either 2013 or 2014, the firm, sometimes referred to as Folklore Ventures, was previously known as Tempus Partners before rebranding. Folklore distinguishes itself through its long-term investment philosophy, famously coined 'first cheque to forever', indicating a commitment to supporting companies beyond the initial seed funding through multiple rounds.

The firm focuses on early-stage technology startups, typically investing at the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages. They employ a high-conviction approach, preferring a concentrated portfolio where they can deeply engage with founders. Folklore provides not only capital but also strategic support and practical operating insights through its 'Support Stack' offering, leveraging the team's extensive founding and operational experience in building and scaling technology companies across various global markets.

Folklore takes an industry-agnostic approach to investments, provided software is at the core of a company's competitive advantage. Their portfolio spans diverse sectors including software, advanced technology, Web3 (blockchain and cryptocurrency), B2B SaaS, Health Tech, AI, data networks, and robotics and automation. Notable investments include HealthMatch, a company accelerating medical breakthroughs; Ansarada and Vend, both of which saw successful acquisitions; and Freelancer, which achieved an IPO. Folklore also oversees Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLPs), specifically Folklore Ventures Fund 2 and Fund 3.

Beyond financial backing, Folklore values founder vision and team potential, looking for unique insights and transparency during the investment process. They encourage concise pitch decks and focus on understanding the 'why' behind a founder's pursuit. The firm is also a Certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification underscores Folklore's dedication to making a positive impact beyond financial returns.

Leadership at Folklore includes Co-founder and Managing Partner Alister Coleman, who brings a background in portfolio management, banking, and a successful exit as co-founder of ShippingEasy. Other key partners include Andrew Larsen and Albert Bielinko. The firm is headquartered in Redfern, Sydney, New South Wales. It is important to note that the website `https://folklore.mx` and its associated tagline provided in the prompt pertain to a design agency in Mexico City and are not affiliated with this Sydney-based VC firm.

Folklore at a glance

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Stage
Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
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Focus
$200K - $5.0M
โšก
Decision process
Folklore values founder vision and team potential, seeking founders with unique experience, background, or deep insight. They look for well-thought-through products, strong market opportunities (existing or new, global), and a clear team. The firm prefers concise pitch decks (under 10 slides) and transparent communication about challenges. Their due diligence process is rigorous, aiming to build a long-term relationship with founders, often viewing it as a 10-year commitment. They only invest in companies that own their intellectual property.
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Fund structure
Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLPs): Folklore Ventures Fund 2 and Folklore Ventures Fund 3.
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Sector focus
Software, Advanced Technology, Web3 (Blockchain, Cryptocurrency), B2B SaaS, Health Tech, AI, Data Networks, Robotics and Automation, Enterprise Applications, High Tech, Consumer
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Investment thesis

Folklore invests in early-stage Australian and New Zealand technology startups, focusing on ambitious founders with a clear vision and strong team potential. They adopt a 'first cheque to forever' approach, providing long-term capital and strategic support to help companies scale globally.

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Key partners

A
Alister Coleman
Co-founder & Managing Partner

Identifies standout founders, world-class products, and long-run opportunities, even at the earliest stages. Emphasises thorough due diligence and a long-term partnership approach.

A
Andrew Larsen
Partner
A
Albert Bielinko
Partner
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Portfolio companies

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HealthMatch
Australian technology company accelerating medical breakthroughs by making clinical trials more accessible to everyone. Reshaping drug discovery and clinical trials.
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Ansarada
Information provided through a podcast suggests it's a company with 'sticky products and misunderstood markets'. (Acquired)
๐Ÿค–
Auror
New Zealand-based company focused on retail loss prevention software.
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Hullbot
Hardware company. Latest investment as of November 2025.
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Vend
Provider of web-based POS (Point of Sale) software enabling retailers to accept payments, track customers, manage inventory, and run business analytics. (Acquired)
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Freelancer
Online freelancer marketplace for multiple industries. (IPO)
๐Ÿค–
Happy
Provider of centralized maintenance, asset, and property management software solutions.
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ZenCheck
Business/Productivity Software company. Latest investment as of December 2024.
๐Ÿš€
Visionary Machines
Electronic Equipment and Instruments company.
๐Ÿค–
SimConverse
Education and Training Services (B2B) company.
๐Ÿ“š
Komodo
Leverages wellbeing insights to better school engagement across 23+ countries. Business/Productivity Software.
๐Ÿ’ณ
Sphere
Folklore investee that was also backed by Andreessen Horowitz.

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People at Folklore (2)

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