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§ Venture Capital · Dallas, TX, USA
Venture capital firm investing in pre-seed and seed-stage ANZ technology startups, focused on a community-led model.
AfterWork Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Sydney, Australia, that invests in pre-seed and seed-stage technology startups across Australia and New Zealand. The organization operates a community-led investment model leveraging a network of tech operators who co-invest and provide hands-on support to portfolio companies. Operating with an estimated 21 to 50 employees, the firm manages a $20 million AUD venture fund and coordinates a community of over 100 active co-investors. The firm specifically targets ambitious founders building businesses with the potential to reach over $100 million in annual revenue. Its industry-agnostic portfolio features investments in several recognizable regional startups, including Cover Genius, Eucalyptus, Car Next Door, Onfido, and Tracksuit. AfterWork Ventures was originally established as a micro-fund before being formally founded in 2020 by Alex Khor and Adrian Petersen.
Key people at AfterWork Ventures.
Key people at AfterWork Ventures.
AfterWork Ventures is an early-stage, community-powered venture capital fund based in Australia and New Zealand that invests primarily in seed and pre-seed technology startups with ambitions to exceed $100 million in revenue[1][3]. Their mission centers on backing next-generation tech companies by providing not only capital—ranging from $100k to $500k per investment—but also access to a network of over 100 tech operators who offer operational support and expertise to portfolio companies[3][4]. They are industry agnostic, focusing on startups that demonstrate strong teams and bold ambitions to make significant impacts in their markets. Their investment philosophy emphasizes empowering founders to transition their “after work” projects into full-time ventures, fostering creativity and imaginative problem-solving[3].
Founded to serve the Australian and New Zealand startup ecosystems, AfterWork Ventures has evolved into a community-driven fund that leverages the collective experience of its network to support early-stage founders. While specific founding year and key partners are not detailed in the available sources, the firm’s evolution highlights a shift towards a model that combines capital with active community engagement and mentorship[3][4]. This approach reflects a broader trend in venture capital towards more hands-on, founder-centric support, particularly in the seed and pre-seed stages.
AfterWork Ventures rides the wave of increasing startup activity in Australia and New Zealand, regions gaining momentum as vibrant tech hubs. Their timing aligns with a growing appetite for early-stage capital and operational support in these markets. By focusing on community-driven support, they address a common gap in early-stage investing where founders often need more than money—they require mentorship and network access. This approach helps accelerate innovation and scale within the local ecosystem, contributing to the maturation of the tech startup landscape in the region[3][4].
Looking ahead, AfterWork Ventures is well-positioned to deepen its influence by continuing to leverage its community model and expanding its portfolio of high-potential startups. Trends such as generative AI, sustainability tech, and digital transformation are likely to shape their investment focus, as indicated by their backing of companies like Velveteen (Generative AI) and Avarni (decarbonization)[4]. Their ability to combine capital with operational expertise will remain a critical differentiator, potentially enabling them to punch above their weight in a competitive venture capital environment. As the Australian and New Zealand tech ecosystems grow, AfterWork Ventures’ role as a catalyst for early-stage innovation is expected to strengthen, helping founders turn ambitious ideas into impactful businesses[3][4].
AfterWork Ventures has more than 26 tracked investments across 24 companies. The latest tracked deal is $67.0M Series C in Lyka Pet Food in March 2026.
