The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal

#139: (First ever public interview) w the combined $400B+ Telstra Super and Australian Super - powering your retirement growth through Venture Capital ft Amy Waite and Sheetal Cicutto

Aug 15, 2023

Private equity managers from Telstra Super and Australian Super discuss how super funds impact the Australian VC industry, exploring career transitions, professional journeys, and the impact of super funds on society through VC investments. They also discuss interactions with founders, evolution of Australian VC investments, managing expectations during startup failures, and the benefits of Superfunds investing in venture capital for innovation and retirement growth.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring a Career Transition from Science to Private Equity Investments

02:24 • 4min

Career Journeys to Australian Super

06:22 • 3min

Impact of Super Funds on Australian Society Through Venture Capital Investments

09:22 • 26min

Exploring Interactions with Founders and Reflections on Venture Capital Investments

35:16 • 2min

Evolution and Strategies of Australian VC Investments

36:47 • 12min

In this very special and rare episode, we're joined by Amy Waite and Sheetal Cicutto, the private equity managers for two of Australia’s premier superannuation funds in Telstra Super and Australian Super respectively, to discuss how super funds are powering your retirement growth through venture capital and driving innovation for the world.

Please note: This podcast is general in nature and any general advice has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision in relation to any Telstra Super or AustralianSuper product, please assess your own financial situation and needs and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available on their respective websites, www.telstrasuper.com.au and www.australiansuper.com. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

It’s now time to explore your curiosity. Please enjoy!

(Timestamps below)

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💥 This episode is brought to you by Fullstack Advisory, Australia's top tech accounting firm, designed specifically for innovative tech founders and investors. They provide founder-friendly support across Accounting & Tax, R&D Tax Incentives, Bookkeeping, and CFO Advisory -- so you can focus on what you do best, innovating and growing your business. Get in touch with Stuart and the team today!

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03:50 - Context on Sheetal and Amy

10:12 - Introducing Australian Super + Telstra Super, how they operate and their impact on Innovation in Australia

15:07 - Relationship between Limited Partners, Venture Capitalists and Startup Founders?

17:20 - Flow of capital from a super fund member’s account to the next Google and Facebook

19:50 - Fund sizes and time frames

22:37 - What startup founders should know about taking capital directly from a super fund

29:00 - Ways of working on a co-investment and examples

36:10 - Learnings and reflections from investing in Venture Capital

41:30 - core and growth funds

42:32- Behind the scenes on reporting expectations

44:30 - Returning capital to LP’s

46:40 - Clarity of communication

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