Phil Ireland
CEO at Carbon Neutral
Phil Ireland is a distinguished environmental strategist and policy expert, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Neutral, a leading organization in the CO2 drawdown and offset market. With a robust background in government relations, climate change management, and policy development, Phil leads global initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts. He co-founded Hone Carbon, a startup focused on soil carbon measurement, and has held significant roles at Oxfam and other prominent organizations. Phil holds a Ph.D. in climate change adaptation and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His leadership extends to governance roles, including Chair of the Board for GetUp and Vice-Chair for the Global Campaign for Climate Action. Phil is also an accomplished author and speaker, contributing to the global dialogue on climate change.
In their own words
From Phil Ireland discusses how he sees mission-driven companies as fitting into Australia’s startup ecosystem · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesFirst focus on your people, including yourself, then your product, and then your profit, in that order.
Career
- Now CEO · Carbon Neutral
- Until 2023 · Startup Co-founder & CEO · Hone Carbon
Sources: carbonneutral.com.au
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Phil Ireland discusses how he sees mission-driven companies as fitting into Australia’s startup ecosystem you want.
- 0:32 Meet Phil Ireland
- 1:24 Phil's Background and Mission
- 2:18 Transitioning from Non-Profit to Startups
- 3:48 First Impressions of the Startup Ecosystem
- 4:41 Finding Support in Newcastle's Startup Community
- 5:12 Discussion on Social Entrepreneurship
- 6:36 Gaps in the Australian Startup Ecosystem
- 7:53 Challenges with Government Grants
- 9:06 Issues in VC Funding for Social Enterprises
- 10:49 Measuring Impact in Australia
Heard on
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▶ Carbon Neutral on Day One
Carbon Neutral is a profit-for-purpose carbon solutions provider and carbon offset developer. We are motivated by our goal of reducing carbon emissions and addressing… 1 person · 3 episodes → Connections
Adam SpencerHost, Documentary: The History Of The Australian Startup Ecosystem
Simon ThomsenEditor, Startup Daily
Tim BoyleCEO, LifeSciences Australia, LifeSciences Australia
David BurtDirector of Entrepreneurship, UNSW Founders
Rachel YangPartner, Giant Leap Fund
Sarah PearsonFormer Chancellor, University of New England, University of New England (UNE)
Bruce TullochDirector of Intelligent Systems, Mayman Aerospace, Mayman Aerospace
Cheryl MackCEO & Co-founder, Aussie Angels, Aussie Angels Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 25 September 2026
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