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Starfish Ventures

Sydney · Seed–Series B · 2 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Starfish Ventures invests in high-growth technology and life sciences businesses with strong founding teams. The firm emphasizes leveraging novel technologies to create new markets or enhance existing ones, with a company-growth approach that provides operational support across team expansion, product development, and international scaling. The firm prioritizes capital efficiency and prepares for successful exits from the initial investment stage.

Source: firm website, verified Jul 17, 2026.

Stage
Seed–Series B
HQ
Sydney, AU
Founded
2001
Tracked investments
47

Team · 2 people

from the firm's website
John Dyson· Investment Principal

Co-founder of Starfish Ventures with extensive experience managing investments across diverse technologies and industries. Previously served as General Manager of JAFCO Investment's Australian office, where he oversaw $95M in investments across 24 companies and achieved 19 exits. Background includes investment banking and stockbroking roles at major institutions.

Michael Panaccio· Investment Principal

Co-founder of Starfish Ventures with deep expertise in technology commercialization and life sciences. Previously held director roles at multiple ASX and NASDAQ-listed companies. Prior experience as Investment Manager at JAFCO Investment, where he was instrumental in establishing Australia's venture capital operations alongside John Dyson.

Investments · 47 tracked

  • 5th Finger
  • Aktana
  • Armaron Bio
  • Aruspex
  • Atmail
  • Audinate
  • Ausra
  • Bubble Gum Interactive
  • CapX
  • DesignCrowd
  • Distra
  • DorsaVi
  • EchoView
  • Energy Response
  • Evostor
  • Finisar
  • G2
  • H3D
  • Holly Connects
  • ICIX
  • Impedimed
  • Intersection Medical
  • iSelect
  • Macropod
  • Marani
  • MC
  • MetaCDN
  • Milkdrop
  • Mimetica
  • Monitoring Division
  • Murigen
  • Nephrodynamics
  • Nitro
  • Notud
  • Ofidium
  • Ourcast
  • Protagonist
  • QS Semiconductor
  • QuickComm
  • ReNerve
  • Scalify
  • ScriptRock
  • Space Time
  • StyleTread
  • Supa
  • Xelor
  • Zoom Systems

Frequently asked questions

What stage does Starfish Ventures invest at?
Starfish Ventures invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B stages.
What sectors does Starfish Ventures focus on?
Starfish Ventures focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Healthtech.
Where is Starfish Ventures located?
Starfish Ventures is headquartered in Sydney, AU.

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