JOHN DYSON - Investment Principal
Starfish Venture Capital
John Dyson is one of the founders of Starfish Ventures (starfishvc.com) and has played a crucial role in the establishment of the company. John has established a strong network of relationships with the major venture capital participants and financial intermediaries in Australia, as well as fostering relationships with a network of venture capital participants, especially in the USA and Asia. John has personally overseen and managed nearly 20 investments in a range of technologies and industries. John has built a strong reputation in the venture capital Industry by achieving numerous exits for his portfolio companies including a NASDAQ listing, ASX listings and trade sales to local and overseas companies.
In May 1995, John was appointed General Manager (Australia) of JAFCO Investment (Asia Pacific). In this role John was responsible for establishing the Australian office, recruiting a team of investment professionals and overseeing investments into 24 companies totalling $95M invested and achieving 19 exits. Prior to joining JAFCO, John worked in the investment banking and stockbroking industry for Schroders, Nomura Securities, KPMG and ANZ McCaughan.
John is a passionate alpine skier and is Chairman of Mount Buller and Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board, which oversees the management of Victoria’s largest alpine resort. John is also a co-trustee of the Dyson Bequest, a $15M Charitable Foundation that provides grants to a range of social welfare, education and environmental causes.
John holds a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment from Securities Institute of Australia, Masters of Business Administration from RMIT University and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. John has been an active participant in the venture capital Industry. From 1997 to 2002, John was a Director of the Australian Venture Capital Association Limited, including Deputy Chairman in 1998 and Chairman in 1999; thereafter Victorian Convenor until 2006. John is currently a Director of Aruspex, Distra, iCiX and Quickcomm.
