Why Boring is Beautiful: Venture Capital Lessons with Matthew Browne (Black Nova)

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In this episode of The Exchange, EW&L Associate Adviser, Charles Troian, sits down with Matthew Browne, Founder and Managing Partner of Black Nova Venture Capital, to explore the evolution of Australia’s start-up ecosystem and what it really takes to build - and back - world-class technology companies.

From launching his first business at 13 to founding and exiting two successful enterprise software companies (including Y Combinator–backed Whispli), Matthew shares lessons learned from both sides of the venture table. He unpacks what separates resilient founders from the rest, why “boring” B2B software often outperforms hype-driven tech, and how Australia’s venture market has matured into one of the most efficient ecosystems in the world.

The conversation dives deep into Black Nova’s investment philosophy - a by founders, for founders model - and the firm’s focus on mission-critical, enterprise-grade software with strong fundamentals and global potential. Matthew also reflects on the future of AI, capital flows, and the importance of reinvesting in Australia’s innovation economy.

Whether you’re an investor, founder, or adviser, this episode offers a rare look inside the mindset of one of Australia’s most disciplined venture capitalists, and what it takes to identify the next generation of enduring businesses.

Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.