Neil Stanford
Managing Director, V-Ignite
Neil Stanford is the Managing Director of V-Ignite. V-Ignite was appointed
by LaunchVic to run the Victorian Startup Capital Fund (VSCF) on behalf of
the Victorian Government. The fund is focussed on addressing the shortfall
in funding for early-stage startups in Victoria, as well as catalysing the
broader early-stage venture ecosystem.
Neil was the former head of the Private Equity and Venture Capital at the
$82 billion superannuation fund, Hostplus. Neil led the investment team
that successfully backed and supported more Australian venture managers
over the past decade than any other group. Neil was instrumental in
introducing venture capital to Hostplus when he joined in 2014. Hostplus is
now a recognised leader in venture investing. In 2015, Neil also
established the highly successful $400 million direct co-investment program
at Hostplus.
Prior to joining Hostplus, Neil was an asset consultant at JANA Investment
Advisers where he had a range of consulting, research and portfolio
analytical responsibilities. Neil’s other prior experience included a range
of technical and financial areas, in electronic engineering, IT management,
consulting, and alternative investments.
Neil holds a Bachelor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and a Master
of Business Administration.