VC
SquarePeg Capital
venture capital, finance, venture capital & private equity principals, series c funding, growth capital
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๐ฏ What They Do
SquarePeg Capital is a prominent venture capital firm established in Australia in 2012.
- โHeadquartered in Melbourne, with significant operations in Sydney, Singapore, and Tel Aviv, the firm is dedicated to empowering visionary founders who are building globally impactful technology companies.
- โSquarePeg has played a pivotal role in the transformation of Australia's startup ecosystem by backing ambitious founders early, taking calculated risks, and integrating a global network to support its portfolio.
๐ Their Story
The firm's investment philosophy is deeply founder-centric, emphasising a high-conviction, high-commitment approach rather than making small, exploratory investments.
- โThey actively seek out businesses addressing important problems in large markets, led by world-class teams with compelling visions.
- โSquarePeg collaborates closely with entrepreneurs, offering not only capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a vast network of industry experts and operators.
- โThis hands-on engagement extends to helping companies navigate challenges, recruit talent, and refine their product and go-to-market strategies.
โก What Sets Them Apart
Over its history, SquarePeg Capital has achieved significant milestones, managing approximately US$3.6 billion (approximately AUD 5.22 billion) in assets across its venture capital and public equities funds.
- โNotably, the firm has been an early investor in some of Australia's highest-valued private technology companies, including Canva, Airwallex, and Rokt.
- โWith a portfolio spanning over 70 companies, SquarePeg has a strong track record, having returned over US$580 million to investors from 11 exits with an impressive internal rate of return (IRR) of 42 per cent.
- โThe firm primarily focuses on early to growth-stage investments, typically from Seed to Series B, across sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and software as a service.
๐ Track Record
Key leadership includes co-founders Paul Bassat, Tony Holt, Barry Brott, and Justin Liberman.
- โPaul Bassat, a co-founder of SEEK, is particularly known for his passion for mentoring and his focus on AI investments.
- โTony Holt brings extensive experience in technology investing and advising, having worked across various global financial hubs.
- โDan Krasnostein leads the Australian investment team, while Tushar Roy focuses on Southeast Asia, and Philippe Schwartz and Yonatan Sela lead investments in Israel, reflecting SquarePeg's global reach and regional expertise.
SquarePeg Capital at a glance
Investment thesis
SquarePeg Capital invests in early and growth stage technology companies that leverage innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, fintech, and software as a service. The firm backs visionary founders across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Israel, aiming to build global generational businesses that address important problems in large markets.
Key partners
Passionate about backing founders building global startups that improve communities. Focus on AI-driven companies, believing AI will disrupt sectors as rapidly as the internet did. Seeks founders with strategic ability, drive, hunger, and a mindset to attract talent.
Passionate about the transformative changes driven by mission-focused tech founders, aiming to participate in and influence their journeys.
High conviction, high commitment investor, not doing small cheques to 'test the water'. Invests when genuinely excited to partner with founders.
Focuses on identifying and supporting tech founders in emerging tech ecosystems across Southeast Asia, Australia, and Israel. Has worked with founders in fintech, SaaS, and AI.
Invests in culture-driven founders at the earliest stage, particularly passionate about supporting early-stage companies in AI infrastructure and with strong product and go-to-market strategies.
Passionate about crypto and B2C ventures, focusing on nurturing category-leading companies in these domains in the Israeli ecosystem.
Portfolio companies
People at SquarePeg Capital (7)
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