Friday 6 December 2024 Perth, WA
Curtin Invest: Deal
Diversity fuels creativity, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and aligns with an increasingly global market. Ensuring individuals from all backgrounds—regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or geographical location—are represented and valued, not only creates a fairer environment, but also tap into a broader spectrum of ideas and perspectives. Building an inclusive investment landscape isn't just a social imperative; it's a business advantage for our state.
Our special guest is Monique Woodard, Founding Partner at Cake Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in the future of technology driven by major demographic changes such as aging populations, the majority-minority shift and the increased spending power of women.
We are also delighted to have Cheryl Mack, CEO and Founder of Aussie Angels and Investor also share her ideas and experiences in fostering an inclusive landscape.
Following the talks by these two incredible international and national speakers, there will be a facilitated and interactive session where you will have the opportunity to share ideas about how we can ensure that our investment and innovation community can continue to evolve to be a thriving, diverse ecosystem.
Special Guest
Monique Woodard
Founding Partner and Managing Director of Cake Ventures
Monique Woodard is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Cake Ventures where she invests in areas where she sees the future of technology being driven by major demographic trends.
Monique has invested in global startup ecosystems in the US and internationally. As Venture Partner at 500 Startups, she invested in early stage companies in the US and Africa. Following her time at 500 Startups, Monique became a Venture Scout at Lightspeed Venture Partners and a trusted advisor to foundations and venture capital firms like SoftBank, where she continues to advise on the Vision Fund’s Emerge program. Before moving onto the investor side of the table, Monique spent 15+ years in the startup industry as a founder and operator.
Monique has a BA in Political Science from the University of Miami and is a Kauffman Fellow.
Special Guest
Cheryl Mack
CEO of Aussie Angels
Cheryl is the CEO of Aussie Angels, and on a mission to democratise angel investing in Australia & NZ. She’s an active angel investor with 20+ startup investments, leading an angel syndicate with over 120 investors, and co-runs 361 Angel Club with 400+ investors. She’s a strategic advisor for several startups, and in her spare time, she’s a mentor for programs including Startmate and Founder Institute. A community-builder at heart, she previously held leadership roles at Stone & Chalk, and the Australian Computer Society. Before that she was the CEO of StartCon for 4 years, and created the APAC-wide Pitch for $1M competition. In case that’s not fun enough for you, Cheryl is also regularly featured on Startup Daily as the Pitch Doctor, and loves unicorns.
Workshop Facilitator
Bethan Winn
Director of Human Skills Co
Bethan Winn is a keynote speaker, facilitator and director of Human Skills Co, delivering tailored, transformative training to professionals, government, academic and corporate audiences. She has been an international educator for over two decades. Featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, on the ABC, The West Australian and countless podcasts and industry magazines, Bethan is passionate about sharing critical and creative thinking skills and enhancing communication and connection in relatable, pragmatic and playful ways. She's also a mum, a runner, a chocoholic and a Welsh speaker.