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Shearwater Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and based in Edgecliff, New South Wales, Australia. The firm specializes in investing in fast-growing technology companies across Australia and New Zealand. With a total assets under management (AUM) of $100 million, Shearwater Capital operates with a self-funded model, allowing them to provide patient capital and longer hold periods. This structure aligns their interests with those of the founders they support.
The firm has a portfolio of six companies, focusing on sectors such as SaaS, AI, commerce, healthcare, and fintech. Shearwater Capital emphasizes building generationally great businesses by partnering with passionate entrepreneurs who are solving significant problems in complex domains. Their notable exit includes the acquisition of Playground XYZ by GumGum Inc. in 2021.
Shearwater Capital invests primarily in technology startups within Australia and New Zealand, targeting companies that demonstrate significant growth potential. Their investment strategy encompasses seed, Series A, and growth equity stages, with check sizes ranging from $50,000 to $5 million. The firm particularly seeks businesses that operate in complex domains, provide mission-critical business software, and have recurring revenue models.
Shearwater Capital looks for passionate founders who possess a deep understanding of their markets and the ability to scale their businesses effectively. Their investment criteria emphasize companies in rapidly growing markets, ensuring that they align with the firm’s long-term partnership approach. This flexible investment strategy allows them to engage in both primary and secondary funding, including opportunities for founder liquidity.
Shearwater Capital's portfolio includes notable companies such as:
In addition to these current portfolio companies, Shearwater Capital has previously invested in companies like Audience Republic, a software that helps event promoters sell more tickets, and Earlytrade, a B2B marketplace for investing cash-at-bank into supply chains, both of which have been sold.
Zac Zavos: Managing Partner at Shearwater Capital, Zac has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Matthew Parbhu: Partner at Shearwater Capital, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong track record in supporting portfolio companies.
Mike Gregg: Founding Partner, Mike has a background in finance and venture capital, contributing to the firm's operational model and investment decisions.
Beliz Ozturk: Investment Associate, Beliz supports the investment team in sourcing and evaluating potential deals, leveraging her analytical skills.
Greg Stevens: Financial Controller, Greg manages the financial operations of the firm, ensuring compliance and financial integrity.
Emanuel Shariev: Investment Analyst, Emanuel conducts market research and analysis to support investment decisions and portfolio management.
Charles Gibbon: Founding Partner, Charles has a strong background in entrepreneurship and venture capital, playing a key role in the firm's strategic direction.
To pitch Shearwater Capital, founders should use the submission form available on their website. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. The firm values clarity and detail in presentations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In recent activity, Shearwater Capital participated in the $18 million Series A funding round for Sitemate, a construction software company, alongside Blackbird Ventures and Marbruck Investments. This investment highlights Shearwater Capital's commitment to supporting innovative technology companies in Australia and New Zealand.
Additionally, the firm has been active in sharing insights through blog posts on their website, discussing topics relevant to founders, such as company structure at inception and their investments in startups like Contented and Lokol. This engagement indicates a proactive approach to building relationships within the startup community.
What are Shearwater Capital's investment criteria?
Shearwater Capital focuses on technology companies with recurring revenue models, particularly in sectors such as SaaS, AI, commerce, healthcare, and fintech. They seek passionate founders who are solving significant problems in complex domains.
How can I apply or pitch to Shearwater Capital?
Founders can pitch to Shearwater Capital through their website's submission form. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Shearwater Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Shearwater Capital operates with a self-funded model, which allows them to provide patient capital and longer hold periods without external LP pressure. This alignment of interests with founders is a significant differentiator.
What is the geographic scope of Shearwater Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups located in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on technology companies within these regions.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Shearwater Capital typically invests between $50,000 and $5 million, allowing for flexibility in funding across different stages of a startup's growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Shearwater Capital have?
Shearwater Capital engages actively with their portfolio companies, providing operational support and strategic guidance to help founders build sustainable businesses.
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