Starfish Ventures

Starfish Ventures is a Melbourne-based venture capital firm specializing in high-growth sectors like life sciences, information technology, and clean technology. Since its inception in 2001, Starfish has raised over AU$400M across three funds and invested in more than 60 companies, including notable names like Audinate, Aktana, and DesignCrowd. Their portfolio spans industries such as digital health, AI, and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on commercializing Australian R&D. Starfish Ventures focuses heavily on helping startups scale globally, working closely with founders from early-stage through to successful exits, often via IPOs on NASDAQ and ASX. With a clear Australian and global focus, they have consistently led rounds, playing a hands-on role in growth and development. The average investment check ranges between AU$5M and AU$20M, depending on the stage and potential of the company. The firm was co-founded by John Dyson and Michael Panaccio, both of whom bring deep experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Their expertise spans over decades, with successful exits across diverse sectors. Starfish prioritizes relationship-building and encourages startups to approach them through referrals or well-prepared pitches that demonstrate both technical innovation and scalability potential.