OneTeam

A key differentiator between OneVentures and other fund managers is that the company is led by a team of executives who have had first hand experience in early stage high growth technology companies and successfully exited businesses as the business owners.

Our investee companies stand to benefit from the breadth of knowledge and business expertise of our team, led by a former successful entrepreneur, and encompassing over 70 years experience in the target investment sectors, 10 years in R&D and 20 years in venture capital.

Dr Michelle Deaker

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle established OneVentures in October 2006, coming into the venture capital industry as a successful entrepreneur. Her company, E Com Industries became the leaders in prepaid card and electronic voucher technologies in Australia and was acquired by a UK publicly listed company returning $30m cash to investors. Through her interest in high growth companies, Michelle has provided advice for, invested in and raised capital for emerging technology companies. She has extensive experience in the development of early stage companies, a strong background in Australian R&D and expertise in international business expansion.

Read more about Michelle >>

Michelle has worked in the IT Industry for over 10 years as a successful business owner and entrepreneur. The company she founded, E Com Industries, as the predominant provider of gift cards and owners of www.giftvouchers.com, serviced over 100 major Australian retail brands including Coles Myer and Woolworths expanding operations into the UK, South Africa and New Zealand. In December 2005, E Com was acquired for $30m cash, returning over 4.6 times investment to shareholders and achieving an IRR of over 30% despite the tech sector crash in 2000.

Post acquisition, Michelle was retained for 12 months to oversee further global expansion of the technology and to undertake new business development activities (off-shore and on-shore) for the acquirer, Retail Decisions PLC.

For three years prior to establishing E Com, Michelle was the Managing Director of Sydney-based computer and web design firm, Networks Beyond 2000. In addition to her obvious business acumen, Michelle has over 10 years experience in research and development with leading Australian Universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) where she not only worked in technical areas but also in corporate public affairs.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons First Class) Degree (University of Sydney) and, as a recipient of both Commonwealth and CSIRO Postgraduate Research Awards completed a Master of Science Degree (University of Sydney) and was awarded her PhD in Applied Science (University of Canberra). Michelle was the Vice-Chancellor’s nominee and subsequently selected as a Queens Trust representative, has lectured in the Faculty of Applied Science, guest lectured MBA marketing students, was a representative on Academic Board, Faculty Board and the Student Welfare Committee. She also established the Canberra University Postgraduate Association and Canberra Tertiary Tutoring College.

Michelle currently resides on the Boards of two non-profit organisations: McDonald College, Australia’s leading performing arts school, and Round It Up Australia, a retail based charity. She is also a member of the Australian Venture Capital Association (AVCAL) and the Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO).