About FounderCo.
FounderCo works with founders and owners to create and realise life-changing value. We do this by advising and architecting truly great companies, creating the potential for a first-class exit or the chance to de-risk and double down. We focus on equity growth to help you build bigger, stronger and faster, with less risk.
We partner with a small number of founders in software, services and ecommerce, primarily in Australia and New Zealand. Through our Equity Growth Program, we work together over time to build a materially more valuable business and create better options for its owners: continuing to compound, taking some liquidity or pursuing a first-class exit. Taking some liquidity can allow founders to de-risk and double down.
Our team brings experience in founding, building, investing in and advising businesses. We combine that experience with disciplined methods, proven systems and close working relationships, helping founders make and implement the decisions that matter. As the business develops, we help prepare for and realise value when the timing is right.
How we think about equity growth
For most founders, the best way to become financially secure is to grow the value of their equity over the long term. That also means making the business work for its owners along the way:
Increase salary or dividends where the business can sustainably support them.
Seek fair and transparent liquidity at appropriate points in the company's life.
Create value for the people who help build the business.
We typically work with founders who have been on the journey for a while, want a close partnership with an experienced team, and share our conviction in the opportunity ahead.
Team
Ari Klinger
Co-founder
Ari is a founder and investor. He co-founded FounderCo and leads No Brand, a private investment company. He has helped create value as an investor, advisor or board member of companies including hipages, HotDoc (exited), Ignition, Kami (exited), Morse Micro and Mwave (exited). Ari previously founded and sold three businesses: iMega, acquired by Enero Group; Online Marketing Group (OMG), acquired by Fairfax Media; and Spring.me, acquired by Match.
Keven Chen
Analyst
Keven is a graduate from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). Prior to FounderCo, Keven worked as a management consultant and has advised a variety of large private and public sector clients in strategy and transformation. He is skilled in financial modelling, data analysis, deal structuring and advisory.
James Whalley
Co-founder & CEO
James’ career has been focussed on working with public and private technology companies. James’ track record includes helping founders across M&A, trade-sale and private equity exits, IPOs, venture capital and corporate development. He has sector experience across software (SaaS and on-premise), IT services, ecommerce, marketplaces, media, marketing and games.
Krishan Chauhan
Analyst
Krishan holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney. He brings a blend of strategic and commercial expertise from advising large private, public, and NFP clients as a management consultant, and from his experience as a financial analyst at a global legal firm. His core strengths include financial modelling, market analysis, and strategic planning.
Curtis Minasian
Director
Curtis is a graduate from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). His experience spans over five years in venture capital investing, M&A, and partnering closely with founders to grow the value of their equity and position businesses for successful exits.