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A former director-general of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and a former US ambassador are among the appointees.
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Venture capital firm Salus Ventures has announced a new Strategic Advisor Program, alongside the appointment of three high-level advisers to its team.
Joining the program are former director-general of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and deputy chief of Army, Paul Symon; one-time ambassador to the US and chief of staff to John Howard, Arthur Sinodinos; and former head of Operation Sovereign Borders, member of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Austal director, Rear Admiral Lee Goddard.
The three appointments will help Salus Ventures conduct due diligence and work with portfolio companies, boosting Australia’s national security landscape and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the areas of artificial intelligence, cyber security, defence, and automation.
“We’re delighted to have three highly influential and respected individuals join our advisory, each providing a unique pathway to further our mission to support deep technology in Australia,” Dan Bennett, Salus Ventures’ general partner and co-founder, said in a statement.
“These critical appointments add to our connective tissue in Canberra and Washington DC, to our ability to provide unique portfolio company support, facilitate AUKUS specialised opportunities and enable Salus to marry public and private sector efforts to achieve better outcomes for founders and Australia as a whole.”
Salus has already made 10 investments in Australian start-ups after reviewing more than 1,000 companies in 2024.
“We’re focused on building key technology competency with speed to capability,” said Marten Peck, Salus Ventures’ general partner and co-founder.
“There has never been a more important or impactful time for founders and private sector investors to contribute to and uplift capability in Australia and for our allies, which is why we are looking forward to the unique contributions that each of these strategic advisors can make.”
