I’m Craig, Co-founder and Partner at Airtree. I’m a country kid from a public school, who lucked into a career as a venture capitalist. Prior to Airtree, I was on the other side of the table as a founder of several tech companies. I learnt to raise capital, build teams, ship products and engineer a successful exit. I also carry the scars from failure where I learned humility, the tension between self-confidence and self-doubt and the importance of long-term relationships, particularly with friends and family

Being a VC is the best job in the world. We get to play alongside founders who are making the future happen. I’m constantly inspired by people who eschew a normal career and choose the irrational but purposeful path of entrepreneurship. It’s also an honour and a big responsibility to manage the pension savings of everyday Australians and to provide them early ownership in ANZ's most exciting technology companies

Why tech and startups excite me

I am an optimist at heart. AirTree was founded on the belief that technology offers the best chance of solving our most pressing problems and creating new industries and jobs that our kids will enjoy. It’s incredibly gratifying to see founders develop into CEOs and leaders. I’m also proud to do our part in developing the next wave of investors and venture capitalists.

Beyond the pitch deck

I passionately believe founders can come from all walks of life and that everybody is unique in their own way. I’m interested in the person behind the pitch deck, the human inside the founder. I want to understand what makes a person tick, how they think and how they relate to others.

Here’s where you’ll find me on the weekend

Mostly playing Dad to three teenage kids in a chaotic household. To recharge, I turn to the ocean which does wonders for my soul. In my spare time, I’m drawn to the arts: reading fiction nudges my imagination, I’m up for watching an A24 film and I’m interested in visual art that makes you think. Every now and then, I love to get away for adventures in the wild. There is nothing like testing yourself in nature to give you a perspective on life.

Advice I’d give to my younger self

Learn a musical instrument. My biggest regret is not learning to play as a kid. It’s the ancient medium that still moves our souls and I’d love to be able to jam with my musical friends. To make up for this, I try and say yes to every chance to catch a band, and we go to one music festival every year as a family.

Something I had to learn the hard way

The importance of giving. Giving time, opportunities, support, and capital not only helps others but also the giver. It took me longer than I would have liked to figure this out. Our family foundation supports Indigenous, women’s and other humanitarian causes, the environment and the arts. We actively involve our kids to help them learn this lesson faster than I did.