An honest conversation about who gets funded, and why.
The MEC Fireside Talk series brings together inspirational speakers in the entrepreneurial community for an intimate conversation focusing on the experience of creating, building and investing in products and companies.
This expert panel features some of Australia's leading women in venture capital who will unpack the realities of startup funding, challenge common misconceptions, and explore what it takes to secure investment in today's market.
Through a candid discussion and audience Q&A, they'll share insights from backing high growth startups, discuss the gender barriers that continue to shape funding outcomes, and highlight practical solutions for creating a more inclusive and successful innovation ecosystem.
Whether you're preparing to raise capital, curious about the investor mindset, or passionate about the future of entrepreneurship, you'll leave with valuable insights into what investors look for, the issues and potential solution to addressing the gender gap and why diverse perspectives are driving the next generation of innovation.
Part of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre event series, helping you activate ideas, discover opportunities, be inspired by founders and celebrate what's possible.
Vice Chancellors Fellow at the University of Melbourne
Jon Faine is one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters and public commentators. A former solicitor, Jon spent three decades with the ABC, including 23 years hosting ABC Radio Melbourne’s influential morning program. Known for his incisive interviewing and ability to navigate complex public debates, he has been a prominent voice across Australian media, law and public affairs. Jon is an author, former Age columnist and recipient of the Melbourne Press Club’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. He currently serves as Chair of Museums Victoria’s Foundation Committee.
Partner, Scale Investors
As a Partner at Scale Investors, Chelsea Newell sits at the intersection of capital, execution, and community. She brings over 10 years of financial services expertise to the table, with extensive experience transacting across diverse deals and driving deep ecosystem engagement. Chelsea’s sweet spot is deal origination and structuring founder-investor relationships that scale.
Founder and CEO, Ashwam Health IC Member, Tin Alley Ventures
Shilpi Sharma is a technology founder, investor and board adviser. She is the founder and CEO of Ashwam Health, a women’s health intelligence company building longitudinal, personalised health intelligence for preventive care. She also serves on the Investment Committee of Tin Alley Ventures, is a Limited Partner in Portfolia’s women’s health and longevity-focused funds and is a Non-Executive Director to Melbourne-based SynBio company, Cell Bauhaus.
Director, Capital R Advisory
Rebecca Rozencwajg is the founder of Capital R Advisory, where she works with investors, governments and family offices to strategically activate capital in all its forms: financial, philanthropic and relational. She previously led early-stage investment programs at LaunchVic, including establishing the Alice Anderson Fund supporting women-led startups, and continues to focus on closing the gender gap in access to capital, including through her work with the Dea Network engaging next-gen women in high-net-worth families.
