Blackbird Ventures

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Overview

Blackbird Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Australia and New Zealand that invests in early-stage technology startups across sectors from software to space.¹²⁴ It manages multiple early-stage venture capital limited partnerships with combined net assets of $1.6 billion as of April 2023 and has backed over 100 companies, including high-profile names like Canva.²³ The firm focuses on ambitious founders from the idea stage through to IPO and beyond, with a portfolio valued at over $10 billion.⁵

History

Blackbird Ventures was founded in 2012 by Niki Scevak, with a belief in the potential for great technology companies to emerge from Australia, later extending to New Zealand.¹² It grew from a team of 3 to more than 70 employees, with over 50% women, and has invested AUD 1.2 billion into nearly 100 companies.¹² Key early investments include Canva in 2013 at the seed stage.² As of 2023, it manages 5 ESVCLP funds with $1.6 billion in net assets and over 300 investors.²

Notable Products

Canva - Online design and publishing tool invested at seed stage in 2013, now with users in 190 countries.
Zoox - Autonomous vehicle startup.
SafetyCulture - Workplace safety platform.
Culture Amp - Employee experience management software.

Reputation

Blackbird Ventures is recognized for successfully backing high-growth Australian and New Zealand startups, with notable exits and unicorns like Canva contributing to its strong track record.²³ Professionals highlight its role in strengthening the local startup ecosystem through early funding and community programs like Giants mentoring and The Sunrise festival.³ It maintains a diverse team and attracts institutional investors, though as a VC firm, performance is measured by portfolio returns amid market volatility.²³

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