About FounderCo.
There are no shortcuts to building value, only better maps
We work with founders to create and realise life-changing value. We do this by advising, and architecting truly great companies, unlocking the potential for a first-class exit or to de-risk and double down.
We view the world from the perspective of equity growth. For most founders, the best way to become financially secure is to focus on equity growth over the long term. Some of the lessons we’ve learned are:
Make your company work for you: increase your salary or dividends where possible
Seek fair and transparent liquidity at the appropriate points in a company’s life
Create value for those who help you on the journey.
Our team have spent the last two decades founding, investing-in and advising software, service and ecommerce companies in APAC. We’ve helped founders with everything from equity and debt financings, venture capital and private equity investments, to acquisitions, trade-sales and IPOs.
From time to time we partner with founders of software, services and consumer focussed companies we believe can be leaders in their respective fields. We typically work with founders that have been on the journey for a while, want to work closely with an experienced team to level up and where we can see a clear path to help maximise the value of the founders' equity.
Team
Ari Klinger
Co-founder
Ari has helped create value for founders as a board member, advisor and investor. Ari is a founder and investor at FounderCo., No Brand Holdings, and Right Click Capital. Ari has been involved in companies including Hipages, Mwave, HotDoc, Practice Ignition and ListedReserve. Ari previously founded iMega acquired by Photon Group in 2006, Online Marketing Group (OMG) acquired by Fairfax Media in 2011 and Spring.me acquired by IAC/Match in 2015.
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
Analyst
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.