Funds SA invests $5 million in Eastend Ventures' debut fund
South Australia's government investment corporation has put $5 million into Eastend Ventures' debut fund, lifting commitments beyond $25 million as the vehicle nears a final close.
Founder, Eastend Ventures
| Role | Organisation | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Non-exec Director (former) | WorkSafe Guardian | Startup Daily |
| Nitrosend | Startup Daily | |
| Founder | Eastend Ventures | Startup Daily (5 Aug 2026), Startup Daily (4 Jun 2026), Eastend Ventures |
| Partner (former) · Founder | Eastend Ventures | Startup Daily (30 Sep 2026), Startup Daily (5 Aug 2026), Startup Daily (29 Jun 2026), Eastend Ventures, Startup Daily (6 Oct 2025), Startup News (WA), Startup Daily (27 Jun 2025) |
Stories naming JD Sheard. Where several outlets covered the same round, they are bundled under whichever ran the fullest account.
South Australia's government investment corporation has put $5 million into Eastend Ventures' debut fund, lifting commitments beyond $25 million as the vehicle nears a final close.
Adelaide brothers Edward and George Hartley, who earlier sold SmartrMail to Relay Commerce, have raised US$500,000 in seed money for Nitrosend, their AI email marketing platform, with Eastend Ventures Fund 1 leading.
Eastend Ventures says Brad Feld, who co-founded Foundry and Techstars, will chair the LPAC of its Fund 1, alongside current committee members Sonya Brocklehurst and Dr Roger Voyle; first meeting May 2026.
Ideagen, a British software company focused on workplace risk, has bought Adelaide-based WorkSafe Guardian, whose app protects staff working alone, handing backer Eastend Ventures an exit three years on; terms undisclosed.
Eastend Ventures, a VC based in Adelaide, has locked in $10 million for its $50 million debut fund — South Australia's first ESVCLP — and has already backed three startups with it.
Also Startup News (WA)