Elaine Stead

Dr. Elaine Stead is a prominent Australian venture capitalist with a diverse background in science, entrepreneurship, and investment. She currently serves as a Principal at Main Sequence, a CSIRO-backed venture capital firm, where she focuses on the "Humanity Scale Healthcare" challenge.

Before joining Main Sequence in March 2024, Dr. Stead held several significant positions in the venture capital industry. She was the founder of Human VC, managing the South Australian Venture Capital Fund, and co-founder of Brisbane-based Tribe Global Ventures. Additionally, she served as the head of venture capital at the former ASX-listed Blue Sky Alternative Investments.

Dr. Stead's academic credentials include a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Adelaide. She began her career as a stem-cell biologist but transitioned into the commercial side of research science, founding her first venture, Reproductive Health Science, a medical device startup focused on developing a prenatal diagnostics tool.

Throughout her career, Dr. Stead has been involved in over 80 startup investments across Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asia. Notable companies in her investment portfolio include Go1, Tritium, Vinomofo, Lexer, Fluent Commerce, Hatchtech, Pet Circle, Myriota, Fivecast, and Parcel Point.

In addition to her investment activities, Dr. Stead has advised state governments on innovation policy, directed innovation initiatives, and served on boards in Australia and the U.S. She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity in the venture capital industry, highlighting the challenges faced by female founders and investors.

Dr. Stead's contributions to the Australian startup ecosystem are well-recognised, and she continues to influence the industry through her roles in venture capital and as a thought leader on innovation and diversity.