Black Sheep Capital
Venture capitalNew Farm · Pre-Seed–Series A · 2 people tracked
Investment thesis
Black Sheep Capital invests in early-stage technology companies, focusing on exceptional founders with deep domain expertise building scalable, tech-driven businesses in Australia and beyond. It describes itself as a high-conviction, thematic-driven micro venture investor that aims to be 'the most helpful investor', providing hands-on support across strategy, growth, connections and advice from day one. Typical entry points range from concept/pre-seed to Series A (and occasionally as late as Series B), with indicative first cheques around A$100k at pre-seed, A$250k at seed and A$500k at Series A. The firm emphasizes industry-standard terms, principle-based decisions and long-term, high-trust relationships with founders.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 2 people
from the firm's websiteFounder of Black Sheep Capital, Dan began in financial advisory before exiting that industry in 2013 to establish the firm and invest in early-stage tech. He actively backs and mentors startups such as Amber Electric, Go1, Ignition and Valiant Finance and contributes to Australia's innovation ecosystem.
A director at Black Sheep Capital with a background in property investment across Australia and Southeast Asia and a scientific education (Chemistry and Science degrees). He provides strategic oversight of the investment portfolio and is closely involved in selecting and negotiating new investments.
Investments · 26 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathCloud-based platform for institutions to execute partnerships and exchange compliance documents for onboarding and review.
Community marketplace for outsourcing tasks and hiring local, flexible services.
Australian electricity retailer passing through wholesale prices with smart-home integration for cheaper, greener power.
Meal planning and grocery shopping tool connecting consumers with FMCG brands via data-driven insights.
Work design platform providing workforce visibility to solve efficiency, productivity and resourcing challenges.
Startup builder partnering with entrepreneurs to build, grow and invest in tech startups.
Online marketplace connecting clients, brands and businesses with local creatives for creative projects.
AI customer content engine that acts as a virtual product expert to engage and serve customers.
Voice AI for customer engagement, supporting onboarding, validation and surveys through natural conversations.
AI software that predicts donor behaviour to help nonprofits raise more money.
Delivery management software priced per delivery.
Membership service offering unlimited guest-list access to live shows.
Learning content and management platform for training, compliance, onboarding and course delivery.
Regulatory/compliance startup offering an AI-powered marketing compliance 'firewall' for monitoring digital assets.
Client engagement, proposal, invoicing and payment platform for accounting and professional services (formerly Practice Ignition).
Desktop productivity tool that increases focus and attention to help get things done.
Mindful productivity app to reduce stress and help users focus on what matters.
Daily fantasy sports platform offering cash prizes.
Meeting recorder that captures insights and lets users record, revisit and share meetings.
E-commerce profitability platform unifying advertising, inventory and customer management in one interface.
Fintech company providing simple financial solutions for small business owners.
Early breach detection technology using a new approach to security.
Delivery service focused on helping good and small businesses ship goods.
Personal shopper service delivering groceries in as little as one hour.
Security/authentication startup focused on keeping secrets secret.
Digital lending brokerage platform matching SMB lending requests with suitable financial products.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Black Sheep Capital invest at?
- Black Sheep Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Black Sheep Capital's typical check size?
- Black Sheep Capital typically writes checks of $100K – $500K.
- What sectors does Black Sheep Capital focus on?
- Black Sheep Capital focuses on AI & Machine Learning, E-commerce, Energy, Fintech, Future of Work, Marketplaces, SaaS.
- Where is Black Sheep Capital located?
- Black Sheep Capital is headquartered in New Farm, AU.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamVC-as-a-Service - Dan Gavel (Director - Black Sheep Capital) | Startup Playbook Ep076 - YouTube
Rohit Bhargava · Dan Gavel
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