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David Parfett

David Parfett

Operating Principal @ AirTree | Growth Investor & Operator | NED

Sydney, Australia
Joined March 2025

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2.2K connections
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Summary

David Parfett is a seasoned investor and operator with extensive experience in the venture capital landscape, specifically as an Operating Principal at AirTree. His role involves actively supporting early and growth-stage companies by guiding them through scaling challenges, assisting with capital raises, and strategizing for successful exits. He leverages his background in corporate venturing and investment banking to drive growth and value creation across a diverse portfolio. theorg+1
With a strong foundation in corporate strategy and innovation, David has been instrumental in establishing and leading corporate venture capital units for major Australian entities. At Qantas, he founded and led Qantas Ventures, overseeing investments in technology startups. Similarly, at Scentre Group, he was tasked with building their corporate venturing arm, focusing on retail tech, proptech, and construction, demonstrating his ability to drive strategic innovation within large organizations. globalventuring
David holds numerous Non-Executive Director and Board Observer positions across a wide range of companies, including Employment Hero, HotDoc, Design.com, Edrolo, Spaceship, Qwilr, Expert360, Open, Prospa, Brighte, 90 Seconds, and Brosa. This extensive board involvement highlights his expertise in governance, strategic oversight, and his commitment to nurturing growth within the Australian tech and startup ecosystem. theorg+4
His professional journey spans investment banking at Gresham Partners, management consulting at EY, and various leadership roles in strategy and innovation at Qantas Group, culminating in his current role in venture capital. This diverse background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of finance, strategy, and operational excellence, making him a versatile and impactful leader in the investment and startup communities.

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Notes

DCDan Coughlansaid they've seen
DPDavid Parfett
provide especially helpful advice or support to founders.

Dec 16, 2025