Invest in the future of cyber. Join us!

By Kirstin McIntosh

Scott Handsaker and I have always been adamant that we would continue to support cybersecurity startups beyond CyRise, and Something Real Ventures is it.

Five months since we launched, we are now ANZ’s leading community and angel syndicate for cyber security founders — a place for founders to learn, share and thrive.

Why Something Real Ventures exists

We’ve talked about this a lot.

We are here to invest in the future of cyber.

We exist to provide investment and support for the best and brightest of our ANZ founder community.

We back local cyber talent and help it flourish.

Cyber security is a growing sovereign concern globally and a rich market for innovation, yet cyber security startups in Australia and New Zealand simply do not receive the same levels of funding from traditional VCs as other sectors do.

Too often, we see great cyber founders with great product struggle. When this happens, the opportunity cost is multiplied — innovation, jobs and economic growth are all impacted.

Our first unicorn is coming and it won’t be the last. The most ambitious founders in cyber security today are building generational companies. We believe in their potential.

How does the angel syndicate work?

We only bring you deals that we are investing in ourselves with our own money. We use our deep knowledge, experience and networks to source and select companies that we truly believe are game changers.

As syndicate leads, we intend to bring forward 3–4 deals each year from the best ANZ founders raising capital.

The Something Real angel syndicate is a way to co-invest alongside others who are first believers. Essentially, you will get exclusive access to our dealflow and then make your own decision if it’s right for you. Minimum investment into a deal is $AUD 5K. There is no obligation to invest in any or all of our deals, even as a syndicate member — the choice is entirely yours.

Why join our angel syndicate?

• Track record — We have a 6 year track record at CyRise for investing in the best cyber, with a multiple of 3.2x on paper and a gross IRR of over 50%
• Gain access to the best deals — Through the 70+ founder community we have created, and the trust they hold in us, we have unparalleled market access to the best early-stage funding rounds in cyber security
• Enjoy the intellectual challenge — you utilise and grow your own knowledge to angel invest in companies in which you believe, and potentially gain upside in their success
• Co-invest and learn with your peers — You are investing alongside cyber security experts and experienced technologists, and you can learn from the different perspectives within our syndicate community
• See innovation first — We intend to hold quarterly dinners with our angel investors and founders where you can see new innovations and discuss the latest trends.
• Help our portfolio grow — We have deep connections with Aussie and US VCs who can help Something Real Ventures portfolio companies to reach the next stage of investment and growth

Click to sign up today to invest in the Something Real founders who are building the next generation of security tooling.