#19 The Investor’s Guide to Defence Startups: Profit and National Security | Georgia Barkell

In this episode, we provide a thorough guide for investors looking to capitalize on the intersection of profit and national security through Australian defence startups. Learn how Sprint Venture Capital is spearheading investments in early-stage companies that are crucial to Australia’s defence innovation. We also discuss the pivotal role of Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and the broader impact of their investments, as well as the strategic importance of the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) in this high-stakes industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Strategic Investment: How to invest in defence startups that are driving Australia’s national security strategy, with insights from Sprint Venture Capital.
• QIC and National Security: Explore how QIC’s investments are shaping the future of defence startups in Australia and beyond.
• Maximizing Returns: How to achieve profitable returns by investing in cutting-edge technologies within the defence sector.
• ESVCLP Benefits: Understand the advantages of the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership and its role in supporting defence innovation.
• Investor Involvement: Learn why active investor engagement is crucial in nurturing and growing defence startups.

This episode is essential for investors who want to align their portfolios with Australia’s national security goals while also achieving substantial financial returns. Gain the knowledge needed to invest strategically in defence startups, leverage government-backed initiatives, and play a pivotal role in the nation’s security infrastructure. Tune in to discover how you can be part of an investment movement that balances profit with patriotism, and secure your place at the forefront of defence innovation.

Our Guest is Georgia Barkill

Georgia Barkill, Managing Partner of Sprint VC, brings extensive experience from Westpac, Deloitte, General Electric, and Nomura, making her a seasoned leader in finance, risk, and operations. At Sprint, she leads the team in investor relations, operations, compliance, and HR, while advocating for inclusive and thriving workplaces. Georgia is passionate about Sprint’s vision of building a better future through conscious, intelligent investment and is dedicated to fostering impactful relationships with investors and portfolio companies.

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Legacy: A Century of Care for Veterans’ Families

What are you waiting for? Visit www.bringithome.org.au to support the Legacy House campaign and make a real difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country.

Brendan Cox, CEO of Legacy Brisbane, discusses the ongoing efforts to care for the partners and children of both fallen and incapacitated veterans, highlighting the unique challenges and achievements of this vital organisation.

Legacy Brisbane has a story like no other—a century-old commitment to supporting those who have served our nation, relying entirely on the generosity of the Australian community. Brendan shares insights on how Legacy continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of veteran families, from aged care to youth development and the ambitious new Legacy House project in Green Slopes.

Don’t just listen—act! Visit www.bringithome.org.au to learn how you can be part of the Legacy House campaign. Your support is crucial to providing comprehensive care for the families who have sacrificed so much.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The History of Legacy Brisbane: How Legacy was formed to honour a promise made on the battlefield and how it has grown to support not only the families of fallen soldiers but also those of incapacitated veterans.
• Current Challenges and Innovations: The evolving role of Legacy Brisbane in addressing the needs of modern veteran families, including the integration of new services like the Family Assist program.
• The Importance of Community Support: Why Legacy Brisbane relies solely on the generosity of the Australian people and how community involvement is crucial to its mission.
• The New Legacy House Project: An ambitious initiative aimed at providing comprehensive care to veteran families, set within the clinical and research-rich environment of Green Slopes.
• How to Get Involved: Practical ways you can contribute to Legacy Brisbane, whether through volunteering, financial support, or corporate partnerships.

Our Guest is Brendan Cox – CEO, Legacy Brisbane
Brendan Cox, a former military officer, brings a deep commitment to service and community. As the CEO of Legacy Brisbane, Brendan leads the organisation in its mission to support the families of veterans. His extensive experience in both military and community service uniquely positions him to drive Legacy Brisbane’s vision forward, ensuring that the promise made over a century ago continues to be honoured today.

Don’t Miss This Insightful Episode!

Tune in to this episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes. Share this episode with anyone interested in the intersection of community service, national support for veterans, and the ongoing legacy of Australia’s military families.

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What are you waiting for? Together, we can bring it home for our heroes’ families. Visit www.bringithome.org.au to support the Legacy House campaign.

Invest in Defence: Venture Capital

This episode explores how Sprint VC invests in defence technology startups that are driving national security innovation. We discuss the firm’s strategic approach to backing companies that are shaping the future of defence. By focusing on real-world applications and the impact of these investments, we provide insights into how Sprint VC’s portfolio supports both startups and investors in this crucial sector. Whether you’re a startup aiming to make an impact in defence or an investor looking for opportunities in high-stakes industries, this episode offers practical guidance on aligning with Sprint VC’s vision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Focus on Early-Stage Tech Startups: How early-stage companies, especially in defence and AI, are being backed to drive innovation and create positive societal impact.
• Strategic Sectors: The critical importance of investing in defence technology, AI, and related industries like agriculture.
• Impact-Driven Approach: Insights into targeting investments at startups that contribute to national security and tackle future global challenges.
• Indo-Pacific Region: The strategic role of the Indo-Pacific in the venture capital landscape, with a focus on defence and tech innovation.
• Early Involvement: The benefits of early engagement in shaping the development of key technologies in defence and AI.

Whether you’re a startup aiming to make an impact in defence or an investor looking for opportunities in high-stakes industries, this episode offers practical guidance on aligning with Sprint VC’s vision. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the next wave of innovation in national security. Don’t miss your chance to connect with a leading venture capital firm driving change in the defence sector—listen now and discover how you can get involved.

Our Guest is Georgia Barkill – Sprint VC
Georgia, Managing Partner of Sprint VC, brings extensive experience from Westpac, Deloitte, General Electric, and Nomura, making her a seasoned leader in finance, risk, and operations. At Sprint, she leads the team in investor relations, operations, compliance, and HR, while advocating for inclusive and thriving workplaces. Georgia is passionate about Sprint’s vision of building a better future through conscious, intelligent investment and is dedicated to fostering impactful relationships with investors and portfolio companies.

Don’t miss this insightful episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes. Share this episode with anyone interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and national security. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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In This Episode

We sit down with Matt Hughes, Chief Strategy Officer at Aspen Medical, to explore his extensive experience in managing complex health services worldwide. Matt shares valuable insights on global health challenges and the future of healthcare systems. Tune in to learn more about how Aspen Medical continues to deliver critical healthcare solutions in some of the most challenging environments across the globe.

Key Learnings

✅ Ebola Crisis Response: How Aspen Medical contributed to the Ebola response in West Africa.

✅ COVID-19 Pandemic Management: The role of Aspen Medical in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

✅ Healthcare Infrastructure Development: Insights into building healthcare infrastructure in remote and challenging regions.

✅ Future of Healthcare Systems: Matt Hughes’ perspective on the future of global healthcare systems.

✅ Innovation and Adaptability: The importance of innovation and adaptability in crisis response.

This episode emphasizes the critical role of delivering healthcare in remote and challenging areas, highlighting how effective solutions can significantly improve health outcomes and contribute to global equity. Through insights from Matt Hughes, it demonstrates the value of strategic healthcare delivery in under-resourced regions, showing that with the right approach, it’s possible to provide essential care where it’s needed most.

Don’t miss this insightful episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes. Share this episode with anyone interested in global health and crisis response. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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Key Learnings

✅ Integration of Technologies: Understand the benefits of combining helicopters, drones, and uncrewed systems for comprehensive government solutions.

✅ Operational Efficiency: Discover how interoperability enhances efficiency in security, environmental management, and border protection.

✅ Historical Context: Gain insights into the evolution of government air wings and their relevance today.

✅ Innovative Ideas: Learn about Colin Gunn’s groundbreaking concepts and their potential impact on the aviation industry.

✅ Government Collaboration: Explore the importance of cohesive efforts across government sectors to implement advanced aerial technologies effectively.

Our guest, Colin Gunn, is the CEO of Toll Aviation. Colin brings a wealth of experience and innovative ideas to the table, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of government aviation and technology integration.

Don’t miss this insightful episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes. Share this episode with anyone interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and national security. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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Key Points

☑️ Private Equity’s Role: How private equity and venture capital can accelerate the development of Australia’s defense infrastructure.

☑️ US-Australia Collaboration: Insights into US approaches, including the success of the Cap Zone shipyard project, and their applicability to Australia.

☑️ Strategic Infrastructure: The importance of maritime infrastructure and upgrading “bare bases” in Northern Australia.

☑️ Investment Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating regulatory hurdles, ensuring ROI, and aligning with government timelines.

☑️ Technological Innovation: The impact of emerging technologies like AI and hypersonics on defense capabilities.

☑️ Future Insights: Plans to explore the role of nonprofit organizations in defense innovation in future episodes.

Our guest, Capt. Matt Ort (Ret), is the Managing Director at Vaxa Bureau (USA) and a former United States Naval Attaché to Australia. With over 25 years of experience in the military, diplomacy, and innovation, Matt is an expert in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. He specializes in strategic planning, operational readiness, and crisis management, providing leadership and mentorship to senior Defence officials. Matt’s work focuses on integrating solutions across NGOs, government, and defence sectors, ensuring clients are prepared for various challenges and can make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, we will explore the evolving role of nonprofit organisations in the defence sector, highlighting their potential contributions to this landscape. The episode sets the stage for ongoing discussions about the future of defence investment and the importance of international collaboration in developing comprehensive defence strategies.

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Learn more about:

Shield AI’s V-BAT

Toll Uncrewed Systems

Connect with Collin

Inside the Episode

☑️ Strategic Defence Applications: How Toll Aviation and Shield AI’s collaborative use of the V-BAT enhances reconnaissance and risk minimisation.

☑️ Border Security Innovations: The role of uncrewed systems in creating a seamless, impenetrable surveillance system, offering real-time detection and tracking across challenging terrains.

☑️ Emergency Response Evolution: Examining the rapid deployment capabilities of the V-BAT in disaster zones, demonstrating how uncrewed systems facilitate quick aid delivery and effective damage assessment.

☑️ Technological Breakthroughs: A look at the V-BAT’s ducted-fan design, which achieves unparalleled payload capacity and safety with its unique no-rotor exposure, ensuring operational safety in tight spaces and adverse conditions.

Episode Highlights

☑️ Tactical Advantage: Discover how minimal launch and recovery space, combined with rapid deployability, positions the V-BAT as a tactical asset beyond traditional uncrewed systems.

☑️ Safety and Efficiency: Unpacking the V-BAT’s contribution to safer and more efficient operations, crucial in reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.

☑️ The Future Is Now: Insights into the strategic implications of adopting AI-driven technologies like the V-BAT in enhancing operational efficiency and safety in high-stakes scenarios.

Why Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts in the fields of defence, security, and technology. Explore how Toll Aviation’s adoption of the V-BAT, developed by Shield AI, is setting new standards in operational excellence and safety, driving the future of defence and emergency strategies.

Tune in to grasp the future of defence and security through the lens of advanced AI uncrewed systems, marking a significant leap in capabilities and strategic deployment.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Share this episode with anyone interested in transformative community efforts and sustainable development. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and follow us on LinkedIn.

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KWhat We Will Talk About:

✔️ The Evolution of Ansett Defence: Discover the fascinating journey of Ansett Defence from its roots in aviation training to becoming a comprehensive provider of defence training solutions.

✔️ Comprehensive Training Solutions: Explore how Ansett Defence integrates evidence-based training, human factors, and cognitive resilience to deliver holistic training programs.

✔️ The Importance of Collective Training: Understand why harmonising different military functions and capabilities is crucial for effective and sustainable defence outcomes.

✔️ Preparation for Deployment: Learn how continuous training and feedback mechanisms are essential for preparing military forces for diverse operational scenarios.

✔️ Historical and Modern Perspectives: Gain insights into the historical context of rapid force mobilisation and how modern technology can streamline and enhance these processes.

✔️ Agile Training Approaches: Discover the benefits of using digital tools and platforms to create agile, engaging, and effective training for recruits and current personnel.




Why It's Important:

In an ever-changing global landscape, maintaining a capable and responsive military force is paramount. Collective training is not just a necessity but a cornerstone for building cohesive and efficient defence units. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in defence, military strategy, and the future of training technologies.




Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Share this episode with anyone interested in transformative community efforts and sustainable development. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and follow us on LinkedIn.




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Key Takeaways Include:

• Global Stability: Understanding India’s role as a stable partner for countries like the US, Australia, Japan, and its implications for global diplomacy.
• Economic Shifts: Insights on how this election influences major Indian corporations like Adani and impacts critical industries worldwide, including mining and steel.
• Strategic Autonomy: Learn about India’s transition from a middle power to a global influencer and its strategic moves to diversify supply chains away from China.
• Foreign Policy Dynamics: Explore India’s multi-alignment strategy, its participation in the US-led Quad, and its balanced relationships with both Western allies and Russia.
• Commercial Opportunities: How businesses in Australia, the US, Japan, and India can navigate the post-election landscape for current and future commercial gains.

This analysis provides a deep understanding of how India’s election results reshape not only its domestic policies but also its international relationships and economic strategies. Perfect for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of politics and global markets.

Don’t Miss Out:

Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Share this episode with anyone interested in transformative community efforts and sustainable development. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and follow us on LinkedIn.

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Key Insights:

🎯 The transformative power of small actions leading to significant change.

🎯 The impact of education and healthcare initiatives in underserved regions.

🎯 How community-driven efforts create lasting and meaningful change.

🎯 The importance of addressing root causes of poverty and inequality for sustainable development.

About the ERFA:

The Edmund Rice Foundation (ERFA) is committed to supporting sustainable, community-based education programs in developing countries and marginalised communities in Australia. Through partnerships and grassroots initiatives, ERFA aims to empower individuals and communities by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future.

Emily oversees ERFA’s programming strategy, delivery, policy, and compliance. She manages teams in Australia and Kenya to ensure ERFA’s programming in East Africa, South Africa, Timor Leste, the Philippines, and Australia aligns with the organisation’s vision and delivers high-impact outcomes. Emily also ensures ERFA’s compliance with regulatory bodies and provides regular reports to the board and supporters.

Visit the ERFA website and engage: https://erf.org.au/

Join us to explore the remarkable journeys of those who have benefited from the Foundation’s visionary programs. Learn how seemingly modest steps can lead to significant and lasting change. This episode is a testament to the power of collective effort and the enduring impact of compassion-driven initiatives. Tune in to witness the extraordinary power of small actions making big differences.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode of the Intelligence Optimised Podcast by Vaxa Bureau. Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Share this episode with anyone interested in transformative community efforts and sustainable development. For more information, visit the Vaxa Bureau website and follow us on LinkedIn.

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