Main Sequence

Main Sequence, an Australian venture capital firm based in Sydney, was established in 2017 by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. The firm's core mission is to bridge the 'valley of death' in research commercialisation, transforming groundbreaking scientific research into globally significant, next-generation industries. It actively supports spinouts, startups, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) connected to Australia's publicly funded research and development sector.

Main Sequence operates with a unique 'venture science' model, often proactively helping to create companies by identifying significant global challenges and then assembling the necessary science, talent, and capital to build solutions. This approach differentiates them from traditional venture capital firms, fostering deep collaborations with CSIRO and 28 Australian universities to enhance their investment strategy and provide portfolio companies with valuable resources and insights.

The firm has demonstrated significant growth and impact, managing over $1 billion AUD in capital across three funds. These include Fund 1 ($240 million, closed in 2018), Fund 2 ($330 million, closed in 2021), and Fund 3 ($450 million, launched in 2023). As of early 2026, Main Sequence has invested in approximately 70 companies, contributing to the creation of over 2,100 new jobs and growing the market value of its portfolio to over $6.8 billion AUD.

Main Sequence focuses its investments on deep technology companies addressing six key global challenges: bridging the gap to space, decarbonising the planet, enabling the next intelligence leap, feeding 10 billion people, reaching humanity-scale healthcare, and supercharging industrial productivity. The leadership team comprises experienced investors and operators, including co-founder and Managing Partner Bill Bartee, and Partners Martin Duursma, Gabrielle Munzer, Mike Nicholls, Mike Zimmerman, and Phil Morle. Each brings a wealth of expertise from diverse backgrounds in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, guiding Main Sequence's commitment to patient, mission-driven capital for long-term, transformative impact.