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Ben Gittins is the Principal Security Engineer at Bugcrowd, one of the world's best bug bounty platforms. Ben has previously worked as a Senior DevSecOps Engineer at Canva, as well as DevSecOps Lead at SecureStack. 

In this conversation with Cole Cornford, Ben shares his belief that cybersecurity needs more generalists, how coding and AppSec have changed over time, whether cybersecurity qualifications are overrated, and plenty more.

3:50 - Why is Aus cybersecurity lagging behind? 

9:50 - Over-reliance on purchasing cybersecurity products 

14:40 - We ask too much of our AppSec professionals 

19:00 - How App development & cybersecurity have changed over time 

24:00 - "Greenfield projects" are often not realistic 

28:20 - How to bring new people into the AppSec industry 

32:00 - Importance of communication skills 

38:20 - Cybersecurity qualifications are overrated

43:00 - Rapid fire questions  

Mentioned in this episode:

Call for Feedback

In this episode of First Cheque, hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with biotech investment expert Paul Kelly. The conversation demystifies the complex world of biotech investing, making it accessible for even those who are new to the field. Paul shares his journey from a practising physician to a pioneering investor in the biotech space, offering valuable insights into the industry's rapid evolution and high stakes.

Paul explains the fundamentals of biotech investing, including the typical risks and rewards, the lengthy timeframes involved, and the importance of understanding the science and market potential behind each investment. He also touches on the significant advances in genomics and synthetic biology, emphasising how technology and data analysis are accelerating innovation in the field. The discussion delves into the importance of syndication for early-stage investments, the critical milestones that de-risk investments, and the role of pharmaceutical partnerships in increasing the likelihood of success.

• Understand the Risks and Rewards: Biotech investing involves a high level of risk and typically long hold periods, but the potential rewards can be substantial.
• Syndicate Investments: Due to the complexity and capital intensity of biotech, syndicating with experienced investors and funds is crucial for mitigating risk.
• Stages of Investment: Key milestones in biotech investing include achieving safety and efficacy in clinical trials, with significant value inflections at each stage.
• Technological Impact: Advances in genomics, AI, and data analysis are revolutionizing the speed and accuracy of biotech innovations.
• Healthcare Economics: Understanding the economic impact and potential reimbursement scenarios is essential for assessing biotech investments.

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of First Cheque possible.

Vanta: Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian and Dovetail that use Vanta to build trust and prove security in real-time. Get 10% off https://dayone.fm/vanta

Scendar: Scendar is the OG startup accounting firm in Australia. Free 1-hour consultation about your Business' growth plans and finance needs. https://dayone.fm/scendar

Turo: Turo is the world's largest carsharing marketplace and it's the perfect app for travel.

Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day. https://dayone.fm/turo

To learn more, join our newsletter to be notified of new and upcoming shows. The only content we create is content that will help Australian founders.

If you want to learn about upcoming guests and when a new First Cheque episode is available, join the First Cheque newsletter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Script 1

In this week's episode of The Startup Retro, Gemma and Will explore Uber's decision to shut down Car Next Door, its Australian carshare division, after acquiring the startup for $105M. The hosts share some positive news from the startup ecosystem, including Sitemate’s acquisition of Nomad Fleet, Bindimaps securing a key partnership with Australia Post, and the latest developments in the SunCable renewable energy project. In the startup raises segment, the hosts spotlight space-tech innovator Metakosmos and childcare-focused AI startup LoveHeart.ai.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Acknowledgement of Country

00:30 - Intro music

01:00 - Welcome and episode preview

01:30 - Pre-roll ad

02:00 - Headlines

02:30 - Uber shuts down Car Next Door

07:30 - Sitemate acquires Nomad Fleet

09:00 - BindiMaps secures partnership with Australia Post

10:00 - SunCable project approved by Federal Government

12:00 - Startup Raises

12:30 - Gem’s Pick: Metakosmos

17:00 - Will’s Pick: LoveHeart.ai

20:00 - Mid-roll ad

25:00 - KaaS Recommendations

28:00 - Outro

Headlines

• Uber scraps Carshare division after acquiring Aussie startup Car Next Door for $105M
• Sitemate acquires Nomad Fleet for $2M
• BindiMaps navigates a path to partnership with Australia Post
• SunCable solar farm in NT gets Federal government approval

Startup Raises

• Metakosmos
• LoveHeart.ai

KaaS Recommendations

Gem’s Pick

• Building B2B Startup Marketing Orgs from 1 to 25+, Emily Kramer (MKT1)

Will’s Pick

• Thrive, Consolidate or Die by Abhishek Maran (Rampersand)

• Gemma on LinkedIn
• Will on LinkedIn

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of The Startup Retro possible.

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For broader updates on the Day One network, including news about other shows and network-wide updates, sign up for the Day One Newsletter. We are dedicated to creating content that helps Australian founders succeed. https://dayone.fm/newsletter

Want to become a sponsor? Send us an email.

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Ryan Everton is the founder and CEO at TURN, a San Francisco headquartered company pioneering reusable cup solutions for major events and fast-food chains.

From growing up on a farm and selling meat pies at boarding school during the tuck shop prohibition — to tackling global plastic waste, building infrastructure to wash a million cups at a time (literally) … Ryan's journey embodies Kiwi ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode, we explore:

* TURN's origins as “Globelet” .. and ideation journey through the Otago University “Audacious” business competition.

* The journey from landing his first festival customers, through to partnering with Live Nation and rolling out across 36 festivals on the same contract… now on to Starbucks, Chick-fil-A.

* How TURN achieves >90% cup return rates at events - building loyalty programs, rolling out powerful incentive mechanics.

* Navigating the pandemic - seeing it as an opportunity to take stock, invest in R&D and rebranding, automating washing infrastructure, come out swinging on the other side.

* Riding regulatory tailwinds — coming California restrictions on single-use plastics, and how they’re positioning themselves to ride them.

* Unlearning classic Kiwi habits to lead a global team.

* Why grit is an important founder trait, and where he thinks it comes from (hint: back on the farm).

* Philosophical reflections on purpose, success, and leaving a legacy

Where to find Ryan online:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryaneverton/

* Twitter/X: https://x.com/Valueroad

Make sure you subscribe for more epic expat stories every Friday!

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In this episode, Mel Sietsma sits down with Luke Dawson, Managing Director of  Safe Guage. Luke shares his journey from plant mechanic to successful entrepreneur, detailing how he founded Safeguage in 2019 to create innovative safety solutions for the mining industry. 

Luke discusses the company's rapid growth, expanding from Australia to the United States, and their mission to eliminate live work and improve technician safety. He offers insights into fostering a culture of innovation, the advantages of starting a business in Newcastle, and the exciting new projects Safeguage is working on, including imaging technology for remote inspections.

The conversation also touches on industry trends, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a business owner, and Luke's personal experiences of relocating to Arizona. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a fascinating look into the world of mining technology and safety innovations.

In this episode of the Fintech Fun podcast series, host Chris Titley engages in an enlightening discussion with Anton Phillips-Chantelois, CFO of DelayPay, about the unique challenges and opportunities in providing financial services to the agricultural sector. Broadcasting live from New Zealand, Anton shares insightful details about DelayPay’s innovative approach to addressing the seasonal financial needs of farmers through a customized buy now, pay later platform.

Throughout the episode, Anton delves into the specifics of DelayPay's offerings, the market size, and its competitive landscape. He describes how DelayPay facilitates transactions ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 with a swift and straightforward process, emphasizing the solution's versatility and the high user retention rate among its clients. Anton also discusses the significant $16 million capital raise aimed at expanding DelayPay’s reach and enhancing its offerings. By highlighting key industry trends and potential areas for technological integration, Anton paints a comprehensive picture of the future of agricultural finance.

• Targeted Financial Solutions: DelayPay caters specifically to farmers, addressing the unique financial gaps caused by the seasonality of the farming industry.
• Flexible Transaction Sizes: Funding options ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, with an average transaction size of $35,000, ensure that various farming needs are met promptly.
• High User Retention: With 75% of customers returning annually, DelayPay’s simplicity and reliability foster strong client loyalty.
• Rapid Funding Delivery: From application to funding, DelayPay completes transactions within 24 hours, providing immediate financial solutions for urgent opportunities.
• Strategic Capital Raise: The recent $16 million capital infusion underscores investor confidence and sets the stage for further growth and development.

Vanta: Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian and Dovetail that use Vanta to build trust and prove security in real-time.

Get 10% off

In this episode, Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter dive into the intricate details of tax incentives and structures for angel investors in Australia. Tackling the seemingly dry topic of tax with enthusiasm, they explore how these regulations can substantially benefit early-stage investors. Cheryl brings her wealth of experience to the table, elucidating the complexities of acronyms like ESV CLP and ASIC, while Maxine peppers the conversation with insightful queries and contextual examples.

Cheryl explains the criteria and benefits associated with Early Stage Innovation Companies (ESIC) and Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESV CLP). She details how these structures facilitate sophisticated tax offsets and capital gains exemptions for investors. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the importance of understanding these incentives to optimize investment returns. The episode culminates with practical advice on investing via trusts and navigating the nuances of capital call schedules, reflecting the duo's deep dive into the subject matter.

• Understanding ESIC: Learn about the Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) designation in Australia, its eligibility criteria, and the significant tax benefits it offers.
• ESV CLP Benefits: Discover how Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESV CLP) and Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLP) offer substantial tax incentives, including offsets and capital gains exemptions.
• Investment Structures: Get insights into the complexities of investing through safes (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and how ESIC status impacts tax benefits.
• Leveraging Trusts: Explore the functional benefits and considerations when investing through discretionary (family) trusts, particularly in relation to income distribution and tax efficiency.
• Managing Capital Calls: Understand the importance and mechanics of capital call schedules within the context of fund investments and their fiscal implications.

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of First Cheque possible.

Vanta: Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian and Dovetail that use Vanta to build trust and prove security in real-time. Get 10% off https://dayone.fm/vanta

Scendar: Scendar is the OG startup accounting firm in Australia. Free 1-hour consultation about your Business' growth plans and finance needs. https://dayone.fm/scendar

Turo: Turo is the world's largest carsharing marketplace and it's the perfect app for travel.

Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day. https://dayone.fm/turo

To learn more, join our newsletter to be notified of new and upcoming shows. The only content we create is content that will help Australian founders.

If you want to learn about upcoming guests and when a new First Cheque episode is available, join the First Cheque newsletter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Script 1

In this week's episode of The Startup Retro, hosts Will and Gemma discuss the latest developments in the Breakthrough Victoria saga, including the departure of its CEO and ongoing legal battles with a founder. They also provide an update on the progress of the Future Made in Australia (FMiA) legislation, which is currently being debated in parliament. The hosts then cover the release of Australia's updated National Science and Research Priorities, focusing on key areas like net-zero transition and Indigenous knowledge systems. In addition, they highlight two new funds deploying capital into Aussie startups and feature their favourite startup raises of the week. To top it off, Gemma and Will interview Slice co-founder Farouk Ismail, who shares insights on their decision to take international funding and offers advice on expanding into the US market. The episode concludes with their Knowledge as a Service (KaaS) podcast recommendations.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:12 Breakthrough Victoria CEO Departure & Legal Battle

06:48 FMiA Legislation Update

10:42 National Science and Research Priorities Release

15:25 New Funds - CoVentures & Proto Axiom

21:13 Weekly Startup Raises

27:50 Interview with Slice Co-founder Farouk Ismail

43:21 KaaS Recommendations

48:12 Outro

Breakthrough Victoria

• CEO exits amid ongoing legal battle with a founder.

FMiA Update

• Heated debate continues in parliament.
• The government could proceed with the funding regardless of the legislation’s outcome.

National Science and Research Priorities

• Minister Ed Husic outlines new imperatives for science investment in Australia.
• Key focus areas include transitioning to net-zero, supporting healthy communities, elevating Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental restoration, and national security.

New Funds

• CoVentures, a single-GP fund managed by Maxine Minter, closes its first fund with $5M+. (Listen to Maxine’s show, First Cheque on the Day One network.)
• Proto Axiom emerges with new capital to deploy into Australian startups.

Gemma's Pick: aglow

• Founders: Jo Blundell and Karl Margrain
• $1.25M raised
• Aglow is helping beauty businesses implement membership programs, moving them away from pay-as-you-go models towards predictable, recurring revenue streams. With 600+ salons onboarded and $16M in ARR, they are leading a shift in the beauty industry.

Will's Pick: DeCarice

• Founders: Goran Bozic and Professor Shawn Kook
• Pre-seed raise from Investible’s Climate Tech Fund
• DeCarice’s hydrogen injection technology is cutting carbon emissions by 85% in heavy-duty diesel engines, offering a scalable decarbonisation solution for mining and transport industries.

Slice's Farouk Ismail

• Farouk shares why Slice chose international funding and offers essential tips for Australian startups looking to break into the US market.

Gemma's Pick 💁🏻‍♀️: Diaspora.nz

• A podcast showcasing the Kiwi expat community, hosted by David Booth, featuring conversations with founders, innovators, and emerging leaders.

Will's Pick 💁🏻‍♂️: The Startup Playbook

• A live recording of Leigh Jasper’s interview with Rohit from The Startup Playbook, featuring insights on growing a successful startup.

• Gemma on LinkedIn
• Will on LinkedIn

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of The Startup Retro possible.

Are you a founder overwhelmed by HR, payroll, onboarding, and IT tasks? Simplify with Rippling: an all-in-one platform for your global workforce.

Get 3 Months Free 

Build a top-notch team fast with Teamified. Teamified offers fractional CTOs, contractors, and remote team members from the Philippines, India, or Sri Lanka. Cut hiring times by 50%.

Get started 

For broader updates on the Day One network, including news about other shows and network-wide updates, sign up for the Day One Newsletter. We are dedicated to creating content that helps Australian founders succeed.

Want to become a sponsor? Send us an email.

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Min-Kyu Jung is the CEO and co-founder at Ivo, an AI contract law assistant for legal teams, which has raised $6.2 million in funding total from investors including Uncork Capital, Fika Ventures, GD1, Phase One, and Daniel Gross.

Min-Kyu got the idea for Ivo (previously Latch) while working as a corporate lawyer in New Zealand, when he saw how much time, effort and money were spent drawing up agreements. His entrepreneurial streak got the better of him — drawn to what he saw as “low-hanging fruit”, under-optimised processes around him in the legal profession, he taught himself how to code in two months and took the leap to start a startup.

Ivo works in Microsoft Word to explain legal terms, determine if clauses are market standard and instantly create a summary of an agreement to help speed up the process.

After a cold outbound DM landed him an angel investment from Daniel Gross in San Francisco, he moved his whole team over for an initial three months — and never looked back. He thinks other kiwi founders - at least those who aspire to be at the frontiers of AI - should do the same, and issues a challenge to other founders to reflect on where they need to locate to maximise their chances of success.

He’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work to sell, get connected with people... even if that means lots of cold outbound:

“Kiwis tend to be modest and avoid making impositions on others. You will need to overcome this cultural quirk and simply cold email / DM people you find interesting.”

We talk about how social capital flows in the Bay Area, and how it helped him build a local network, recruit his team, land hundreds of customer conversations, and more:

“The SF Bay Area has a strong culture of paying it forward. Successful people here are often willing to spend time and social capital helping founders with no network if they seem to be working on something interesting.”

We talk about his thesis for AI product development, how founders should think about designing user experiences, how Ivo handles issues with Large Language Model (“LLM”) reliability and hallucinations, and how he’s preparing to leverage ever more powerful AI models to his advantage in coming years.

This was a fun episode to record — we look forward to your feedback!!  

Where to find Min-Kyu online:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-kyu-jung/

* Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkjung

Know an expat we should feature on diaspora.nz?

* reach out via [email protected]

In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, tech writer Joan Westenberg sits down with Jess Ruhfus, the brilliant mind behind Collabosaurus and the new venture, No.2. The discussion dives into Jess's entrepreneurial journey, the pitfalls and triumphs of bootstrapping start-ups, and the stark realities of seeking venture capital in the tech industry. Jess candidly shares her experiences, from launching Collabosaurus on a tight budget to facing the relentless grind of fundraising and finally finding success through an innovative feature that revitalized her business.

Jess highlights the foundational steps and challenges she faced while launching Collabosaurus in 2015, focusing on a strong, organic growth strategy leveraging Instagram and Facebook groups. She explains how the initial assumptions and excess expenditures provided crucial learning opportunities. The conversation also delves into the evolving influencer culture and how Jess's new venture, No.2, navigates physical product marketing using these modern strategies. This episode offers insight not only into Jess’s journey but also serves as a guide for current and aspiring founders on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.

• Jess Ruhfus emphasizes the importance of bootstrapping and its benefits over seeking venture capital, particularly maintaining control and decision-making authority.
• The launching of Collabosaurus and the costly lessons learned from assuming that a perfect product would naturally attract users.
• Innovative solutions like the pitch portal feature can rejuvenate a struggling business and provide new growth avenues without external funding.
• The influence of COVID-19 on business operations, leading to a strategic restructure towards a leaner, more efficient operation.
• Transitioning from a tech platform to a physical product business with No.2, highlighting the challenges and strategies in manufacturing, marketing, and guerilla approaches.