To kick things off, what people should know about your background?
BW: I started my career in enterprise tech consulting back when digital transformations and cloud migrations were all the rage. After a few years, I made the shift out of the corporate world and started working with corporate venture and innovation teams at Qantas, HCF and Caltex as they started to engage with external startups. I've now spent the last 6 years helping startups to grow, scale and access capital in a couple different roles, most recently as an investor at Alberts Impact Ventures.
What drew you to Giant Leap?
BW: Will, Rachel and Adam have really pioneered impact focused venture investing in Australia and their reputation speaks for itself. I feel very privileged to get to play a very small role in helping founders build large, scalable businesses that solve some of the world's most pressing challenges.
What are your key interest areas within impact?
BW: I’m pretty passionate about mental health on a personal level, and love seeing founders tackling this space, which isn’t easy. Beyond that, the opportunity in climate with the global energy transition is enormous, and one where as an investor I find myself constantly learning.
What are you looking forward to most?
BW: It's always the people for me. Both the great team I get to work with and learn from each day, but also the founders as well who are out there in the trenches, running through brick walls to execute on their vision.
Quick fire round… favourite interests?
BW: I’ve always loved running. It's my own personal pressure valve, and it's where I find mental clarity and calm. Beyond that, my two little daughters keep me more than busy!
Any book or podcast recommendations?
BW: I just finished ‘Abundance: How we build a better future’ by Ezra Klein which was a really interesting read.
Connect with Ben on Linkedin
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