Company Interview / How Scalare turns startups into standouts

Key points:

Acquisition of Tank Stream Labs to expand startup supportProfits reinvested into Australian tech ecosystemStrong returns reported from early investments like FrankieOne and WithUOngoing focus on diverse sectors and profitable growth

Carolyn Breeze of Scalare Partners (ASX: SCP) outlines a strategy focused on expanding the tech ecosystem through targeted acquisitions and comprehensive support for startups. Breeze highlights the recent acquisition of Tank Stream Labs, describing it as integral for nurturing founders during their formative years and increasing exposure to high-potential startups. Tank Stream Labs, with 12 years in the sector, is seen as a critical asset providing connections to founders and alumni across Australia’s tech community.

Breeze states that Scalare Partners reinvests 100% of its profits back into the startup ecosystem. With earlier acquisitions such as Tech Ready Women and in-house ventures, and collaborations with Silicon Catalyst, Scalare Partners delivers services—like virtual CFO offerings—designed to accelerate growth and enhance revenue generation for startups. The approach seeks to create a meaningful impact on founders and helps position Scalare Partners as a key early-stage investor, often deploying the first professional capital into emerging tech companies.

Performance-wise, Breeze notes a robust track record, pointing to investments in companies like FrankieOne (regtech) and WithU (healthtech). She indicates that Scalare Partners has outperformed many early-stage funds, achieving over threefold returns on invested capital. Looking ahead, Breeze sees continued acquisition, a diversified investment strategy across healthtech, agritech, fintech, and edutech, and an ongoing focus on profitability.