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Salus Ventures is a venture capital firm founded to support innovative founders at the intersection of enterprise and national security. Established in Australia, the firm primarily invests at the seed stage, focusing on technologies with dual-use applications in government markets. Salus Ventures aims to redefine technological capabilities in critical areas, enhancing both commercial viability and national resilience.
Currently, Salus Ventures manages a debut fund of $40 million and is positioned to invest up to $250 million over the next five years. The firm operates from its headquarters in Sydney, with additional offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. Salus Ventures has built a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies, indicating its active role in supporting innovative technologies.
Salus Ventures has a strong emphasis on dual-use technologies that serve both commercial markets and address defense, government, intelligence, or sovereign capability needs. The firm has established connections with Australian, US, and UK investment, defense, and intelligence communities, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies in navigating complex government markets.
Salus Ventures focuses on investing in technologies that have dual-use applications in government markets. Their areas of interest include aerospace and autonomy, AI and machine learning, automation and advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, defense, and public wellness. The firm seeks to back startups that can effectively navigate government customers and defense/intelligence communities.
The investment strategy emphasizes technologies that enhance national security while maintaining commercial viability. Salus Ventures looks for innovators redefining technological capabilities in critical areas, particularly those that can unlock government or defense demand without compromising their commercial focus. Founders should highlight mission criticality, credible commercial paths, and technical defensibility in their pitches.
Salus Ventures primarily targets seed-stage investments, although it may participate in later-stage rounds or provide follow-on support. The firm’s geographic focus is on Australia and New Zealand, but it also backs global founders with relevant technologies. The firm’s investment thesis underscores the importance of dual-use technologies that can serve both commercial and government needs.
Salus Ventures has backed several notable companies, showcasing its commitment to innovative technologies. Key portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects Salus Ventures' commitment to supporting technologies that enhance national security and commercial viability.
Dan Bennett - Founding Partner: Dan has a background in venture capital and technology, having co-founded Salus Ventures. He is recognized for his role in supporting early-stage companies and has been instrumental in guiding portfolio companies like Instaclustr.
Marten Peck - Founding Partner: Marten focuses on connecting innovative startups with the right resources and networks. His expertise lies in supporting entrepreneurs building future-shaping technologies.
Stephane Janson - Investment Team: Stephane is a Venture Partner who emphasizes backing founders with disruptive ideas. His experience includes identifying and supporting innovative technologies across various sectors.
Nina Hooper - Investment Team: Nina assists technical founders in articulating their value propositions, focusing on go-to-market strategies grounded in industry-specific challenges.
Archie Judd - Investment Team: Archie supports science and technology founders, emphasizing the development of foundational technologies for future applications.
Will Lee - Investment Team: Will is known for his long-term optimism and support for unconventional ideas, focusing on backing startups that challenge the status quo.
Emily Hughes - Investment Team: Emily brings two decades of aerospace and defense expertise to Salus Ventures, having held leadership roles at BAE Systems and Boeing's Phantom Works Global.
Tim Baker - Finance Team: Tim is responsible for fund operations and compliance, ensuring the smooth functioning of the firm's financial activities.
Sarah Poulos - Finance Team: Sarah supports the finance team in managing the firm's financial operations.
Strategic Advisors include:
To pitch Salus Ventures, founders should reach out via email at contact@salus.vc. It is important to include a clear and concise deck that outlines the technology's relevance to national security, its commercial viability, and the startup's growth strategy.
Salus Ventures prefers pitches that emphasize dual-use applications and the potential for government market engagement. Founders should be prepared for a response time that may vary based on the firm's current deal flow and evaluation processes.
In recent months, Salus Ventures has been actively supporting innovative founders by investing in technologies that enhance national security and enterprise capabilities. Notable investments include:
These activities highlight Salus Ventures' commitment to investing in impactful technologies that align with its focus on national resilience and dual-use applications.
What are Salus Ventures' investment criteria?
Salus Ventures invests in dual-use technologies that have applications in government markets. They focus on sectors such as aerospace, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. The firm looks for startups that can effectively navigate government customers and defense/intelligence communities.
How can founders pitch to Salus Ventures?
Founders can reach out to Salus Ventures via email at contact@salus.vc. It is advisable to include a clear articulation of the technology's relevance to national security and its commercial viability in the pitch.
What makes Salus Ventures different from other investors?
Salus Ventures emphasizes dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and government needs. Their focus on national resilience and connections with defense and intelligence communities provide unique advantages for portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Salus Ventures?
Salus Ventures primarily focuses on investments in Australia and New Zealand but is open to backing global founders with relevant technologies.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Salus Ventures provides guidance, community, capital, and insight to its portfolio companies. This includes operational and governance mentoring, lifecycle strategy, and access to leadership networks.
What is the fund size of Salus Ventures?
Salus Ventures has a debut fund size of $40 million and is positioned to invest up to $250 million over the next five years.
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