FellowshipAccelerating science-led startup ideas into commercial ventures.
Blackbird
Blackbird is a venture capital firm based in Australia and New Zealand, investing in technology companies from inception to post-IPO. The firm focuses on supporting ambitious founders across various technology sectors.
Online destinations
Find Blackbird online
Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.
Official links
Pages the organization runs itself.
Overview
Founded in 2012 by Niki Scevak and Rick Baker, Blackbird is the largest and most successful venture capital firm in Australia and New Zealand. With over AUD $7 billion under management, Blackbird has backed 174 companies, including 8 unicorns, and has a portfolio valued at approximately AUD $9.9 billion. The firm emphasizes investing in passionate founders tackling significant global challenges across various technology sectors, including software, healthcare, and space technologies.
Focus
Blackbird invests in a diverse range of technology sectors, including software, healthcare, and space technologies. The firm emphasizes backing founders rather than specific sectors or stages, believing that significant advancements are driven by passionate individuals. With a portfolio valued at over $9 billion, Blackbird has invested in over 130 companies, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation.
Support
Blackbird provides significant value to its portfolio companies by offering strategic support, industry connections, and resources to help founders navigate their growth journeys. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
Questions
What are Blackbird's investment criteria?
Blackbird invests in technology companies at various stages, from pre-seed to pre-IPO. The firm emphasizes backing ambitious founders who are addressing significant global challenges across multiple sectors, including healthcare, fintech, and AI.
How can I apply or pitch to Blackbird?
Founders can pitch to Blackbird through their website at Get Investment. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the startup's vision, market potential, and the founding team's capabilities.
What makes Blackbird different from other venture capital firms?
Blackbird's unique approach focuses on supporting passionate founders rather than specific sectors or stages. This allows the firm to identify and invest in innovative startups that have the potential to disrupt their industries.
What is Blackbird's geographic scope?
Blackbird primarily operates in the Oceania region, with a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand. The firm is committed to supporting local startups while also considering opportunities in the broader Asia-Pacific market.
What is Blackbird's post-investment involvement like?
Blackbird provides strategic support, access to a vast network, and expertise in scaling technology businesses. The firm is actively involved in helping its portfolio companies navigate challenges and achieve growth.
What is the size of Blackbird's funds and check sizes?
Blackbird's latest fund raised AUD $1 billion in 2022, making it one of the largest venture capital funds in Australia. Check sizes vary based on the needs of the companies, allowing for flexibility in investment amounts.
Check your startup’s fit
Check your startup’s fit with BlackbirdHosted by this organization
Programs at Blackbird
FellowshipIncubatorFree mentoring program for early-stage founders in Australia and New Zealand.
From public sources
What the sources say about Blackbird
PitchBook's public Blackbird preview lists Alloy Technologies with deal date 2026-08-11.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Blackbird preview lists Vessev with deal date 2026-08-20.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Blackbird preview lists Azonic with deal date 2026-08-25.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Blackbird preview lists OpenDebt with deal date 2026-09-22.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Blackbird preview lists Heidi with deal date 2026-09-22.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook describes Blackbird as based in Surry Hills, Australia.
Source: Blackbird Ventures investment portfolio | PitchBook
Similar investors
Organizations that do similar work to Blackbird.
InvestorHuman Capital is a multi-stage venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders to build companies addressing critical industry challenges. They focus on assembling high-caliber teams and deploying capital to support these ventures.
InvestorTransforming businesses for long-term success.
InvestorKleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in the 1970s. It partners with entrepreneurs across various sectors, providing capital and resources from inception to IPO.
InvestorFounders Fund is a venture capital firm based in the United States, founded in 2005. It invests in technology companies across various sectors and stages.
Superscout Pro
Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.
$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro- Search that narrowsInvestors, programs, accelerators, incubators and studios, by stage, sector and place.
- A verified profileThe people you reach know you are who you say you are.
- A private deal vaultThe startups you are watching, with your notes and your reasons. Nobody else's eyes.
Is this page right?Reviewed · How the research works