Tim Whybourne
2 June 2025
Australian Venture Capital, Why Size Can Eat Alpha and Why Early-Stage Venture Capital Could Belong in Your Portfolio
Folklore is known for its focused, high-conviction approach to backing visionary founders from the very beginning. In this episode, Alister shares his journey from startup founder to venture investor, why he believes smaller VC funds are better positioned to deliver alpha, and how Folklore is shaping the next generation of Australian tech success stories. They explore why he has decided to cap his fund raise at $100m and the unique advantages of investing in venture capital in Australia in a very tax-friendly environment.
They explore what differentiates Folklore from larger global funds, why Alister is committed to building in Australia, and how the local venture landscape is changing as more institutional capital enters the market. He also opens up about past fund performance, his current fundraise, and what he looks for in truly exceptional founders.
Folklore target returns of circa 25% p.a + in a traditional venture capital vehicle (10-year lock-up and capital call structure). A candid and insightful conversation for founders, LPs, and anyone with an interest in the future of Australian innovation and venture capital.
Important disclaimer
Emanuel Whybourne & Loehr Pty Ltd (ACN 643 542 590) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of EWL PRIVATE WEALTH PTY LTD (ABN: 92 657 938 102/AFS Licence 540185).Unless expressly stated otherwise, any advice included in this email is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your investment objectives or financial situation.
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The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.
Emanuel Whybourne & Loehr Pty Ltd (ACN 643 542 590) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of EWL PRIVATE WEALTH PTY LTD (ABN: 92 657 938 102/AFS Licence 540185).Unless expressly stated otherwise, any advice included in this email is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your investment objectives or financial situation.
There has been an increase in the number and sophistication of criminal cyber fraud attempts. Please telephone your contact person at our office (on a separately verified number) if you are concerned about the authenticity of any communication you receive from us. It is especially important that you do so to verify details recorded in any electronic communication (text or email) from us requesting that you pay, transfer or deposit money, including changes to bank account details. We will never contact you by electronic communication alone to tell you of a change to your payment details.
This email transmission including any attachments is only intended for the addressees and may contain confidential information. We do not represent or warrant that the integrity of this email transmission has been maintained. If you have received this email transmission in error, please immediately advise the sender by return email and then delete the email transmission and any copies of it from your system. Our privacy policy sets out how we handle personal information and can be obtained from our website.
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