Blackbird Ventures

Blackbird Ventures stands as a preeminent venture capital firm in Australia and New Zealand, established in 2012 by Rick Baker, Niki Scevak, and Larry Diamond. The firm has carved out a reputation for backing ambitious founders from the earliest stages, investing across a diverse spectrum of technology sectors, from enterprise software to space technology. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing companies with global potential, emphasizing long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs.

Blackbird's strategy involves a deep commitment to its portfolio companies, often providing follow-on funding as they scale. They are known for their founder-friendly approach and their willingness to invest in nascent ideas. The firm's initial investments typically range from seed-stage cheques of approximately US$65,000 (A$100,000) to Series A investments reaching up to US$6.5 million (A$10 million), demonstrating their flexibility across early growth phases. This broad entry point allows them to support a wide array of startups.

Over the years, Blackbird Ventures has progressively increased its fund sizes, reflecting its growing influence and success in the ANZ tech ecosystem. In 2023, they announced the close of their largest fund to date, Blackbird Ventures Fund VI, securing A$1 billion (approximately US$660 million), alongside a A$250 million follow-on fund. This landmark achievement underscores their significant capital deployment capabilities and their commitment to fueling innovation in the region, making it the largest venture capital fund ever raised in Australia and New Zealand.

The firm's portfolio boasts several high-profile success stories that have achieved global recognition, including design giant Canva, employee experience platform Culture Amp, and safety management software provider SafetyCulture. These companies exemplify Blackbird's ability to identify and support ventures that not only disrupt industries but also achieve substantial scale and market leadership, solidifying Blackbird's position as a pivotal player in the global venture capital landscape.