Main Sequence Ventures

Main Sequence Ventures is a leading Australian deep tech venture capital firm, established in 2017 with a foundational mission to commercialize groundbreaking research from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and other Australian universities. Based in Sydney, the firm focuses on investing in founders who are leveraging frontier technologies and scientific breakthroughs to create entirely new global industries. Their investment thesis centers on solving significant global challenges through deep technology, spanning areas like advanced materials, quantum computing, biotech, and sustainable energy.

The firm manages the CSIRO Innovation Fund, demonstrating a unique partnership between a national research agency and a venture capital entity. Main Sequence Ventures typically invests across Seed, Series A, and sometimes Series B stages, providing crucial capital and strategic support to help science-backed ventures scale from the lab to global markets. They are known for their hands-on approach, assisting portfolio companies with talent acquisition, market access, and further capital raises.

Main Sequence Ventures has progressively grown its capital base, reflecting its increasing influence in the deep tech ecosystem. Their first fund, the CSIRO Innovation Fund, launched with A$200 million. This was followed by a second fund that closed at A$250 million in 2022, and a third fund was announced in 2024, targeting A$700 million with an initial close of A$450 million. Typically, their initial cheque sizes range from A$1 million to A$10 million, providing substantial early-stage capital for complex deep tech development. This enables them to back ambitious projects that require significant R&D and long-term vision.

Their portfolio includes companies that are developing solutions for critical global issues, from sustainable food production to advanced manufacturing. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercial application, Main Sequence Ventures plays a pivotal role in fostering Australia's innovation economy and positioning its deep tech companies on the international stage.