Creating Synergy Podcast

Creating Synergy brings you engaging conversations and ideas to explore from experts who help businesses adopt new ways of working. Discover innovative approaches and initiatives, new ideas and the latest research in culture, leadership and transformation.

June 22, 2022

#79 - Niki Scevak, co-founder of Blackbird Ventures on Investing in Canva & CultureAmp, and the outlook for Entrepreneurs in Australian Start-ups

On today’s show, Niki shared his journey from starting a business with his University friend, Mike Cannon Brookes, whom you may know as the founder of Atlassian, all the way to co-founding Blackbird Ventures and how he became known as the 'Godfather' of Venture Capital here in Australia.

He also shared the Blackbird’s investing philosophy, "Taking a chance on the hungry, not the proven" which means he is more interested in those who are passionate to succeed than those who possibly have already proven themselves, and also discussed why "investing is more phycological than it is data and analytics". 

 

Niki also shared with us :

  • What are some of the key qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs which lead to success, 
  • The pivotal role organisational Culture plays in startups 
  • What the Australian Start-Up Scene looks like over the next 5-10 years 
  • His advice for entrepreneurs to attract investors  
  • His beliefs in the constant need for Personal growth  
  • What does the future look like for Blackbird Ventures. 

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Guest Info

 

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Niki is the Co-founder of Blackbird, a venture fund that exists to supercharge the most ambitious founders. Blackbird Ventures is one of the leading Venture Capital funds in Australia and NZ, counting companies such as Canva, Culture Amp, and Safety Culture as part of its portfolio. 

 

Niki Co-founded Blackbird in 2012 with an initial $29M. That initial fund proved to be hugely successful, with the fund selling 40% of fund 1 for $100M. The sale provided a guaranteed 3x return to all 96 investors who contributed to fund 1 while retaining an interest in the 12 portfolio companies with a carrying value of $6.50 per $1 invested. 

 


Connect with Niki Scevak

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Host Info

Daniel Franco

Daniel Franco

Daniel is a 'People Collector' kind, a steadfast optimist who believes that the power of trusting relationships is foundational to our bright future. He believes that the world is a better place when we work together. Besides being the Director of Synergy IQ, Daniel is the Host of the Creating Synergy Podcast and rises up every morning with the vision that he can help leaders create a business where their people feel safe, inspired and fulfilled.

Say hello to Daniel on LinkedIn.