Growing up in South Africa was an ongoing lesson in humility and gratitude. From a young age, my eyes were wide open to the ranging diversities in life – and ultimately the choices we have in how we can help others.

My first exposure to entrepreneurship was through my grandfather, who successfully built the biggest toy business in the country. This may have inspired a brief cameo for an entrepreneurial seven-year-old selling our pantry items to people passing on the street.

He built this empire grounded on “the old principles of growing a business” – trust, honesty and hard work. This work ethic, also championed by my dad, is core to how I show up each day at work and more broadly in life.

Joining evp has been a truly pivotal moment in my career. It’s allowed me to apply my technical finance background to my interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. As the Finance and Operations Manager, I look after investor relations, portfolio management, finance, compliance and ensuring the business operates smoothly so that we can continue to fund the most exciting software companies in Australia.

To me, investment in an early stage technology business is ultimately about enriching the future. It’s something I feel strongly about having grown up in a country where growth drives meaningful change and improvement. I see venture capital as a key enabler for this to take place – I am exceptionally proud to be part of a team that helps others move forward.