Pete Cooper
Founder at A Coco Project · Former at The Start Society
Pete Cooper is a seasoned innovator and investor with over 20 years of experience in the technology, internet, and finance industries across more than a dozen countries. He is the founder of A Coco Project, a volunteer initiative aimed at creating a global community collaboration platform, starting with medical records for billions in developing countries. Pete has a proven track record in aligning business strategy with technology, tech startup investing, and international business development. He has held leadership roles in various organizations, including Cooper & Co, The Start Society, and KBZ Bank, where he contributed to significant digital transformations and financial inclusion initiatives. Pete is also an award-winning mentor, actively involved in mentoring tech startups through organizations like the Founder Institute and Startmate. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computing Science from the University of Technology Sydney and has completed executive courses at Harvard Business School and the University of Oxford. Pete is based in Thailand and is passionate about leveraging technology for social impact and financial inclusion.
In their own words
From Pete Cooper discusses Universities’ role in the ecosystem · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesIf we don't create, we are going to be doomed to consume other people's products.
Career
- Now Founder · A Coco Project
- From 1999 Founder · The Start Society
- 1996–2000 Co-founder of margin lending/equities lending division; head · Macquarie Bank
- 1989–1996 Funds management / merchant banking (registry and retail tec · Rothschild
Sources: startsoc.wordpress.com
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Pete Cooper discusses Universities’ role in the ecosystem you want.
- 0:24 Meet Pete Cooper
- 0:31 Early Contributions to the Australian Startup Ecosystem
- 1:21 Pete's Early Experiences with Programming
- 2:17 The Role of Universities in the Startup Ecosystem
- 3:01 Importance of Independent Accelerators and Mentoring Groups
- 3:23 Groundwork for Cultural Change in Universities
- 4:37 The Influence of Major Players like Startmate
- 6:09 The History of Financial Technology in Australia
- 7:30 The Emergence of the Australian Startup Ecosystem
- 8:10 The Concept of the Aussie Mafia
Connections
Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 25 September 2026
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