Strategic advice. Technology. Investment.

Carnelian Ventures is an Australian consulting and investment firm focused on technology, strategic growth and business transformation.

With a particular interest in

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cyber security
  • Sovereign technology capability

We combine technology expertise, corporate advisory and investment experience to help organisations navigate complex decisions, pursue growth and turn opportunities into commercial outcomes.

Our mission

To help organisations navigate technological change, unlock opportunities and build enduring businesses.

We believe the greatest opportunities emerge when strategic insight, technology and commercial execution come together.

Carnelian Ventures works to connect ideas, expertise and capital to help businesses adapt, grow and create long-term value.

What we do

Two distinct lines of work: strategic and technology advice for leadership teams, and corporate advisory and investment for businesses and investors.

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Consulting

For businesses, founders and leadership teams

Strategic consulting

We advise businesses, founders and leadership teams on strategy, growth opportunities, business development and complex commercial challenges.

Our approach combines strategic thinking with practical commercial experience to help clients evaluate opportunities, make informed decisions and execute their ambitions.

Technology and AI advisory

We help organisations assess emerging technologies, understand their commercial potential and identify opportunities to improve capability, productivity and competitiveness.

Our areas of interest include artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital infrastructure and strategically important technology platforms.

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Investment

For businesses and investors

Corporate advisory and investment

We support businesses and investors with strategic transactions, capital strategy, investment opportunities, partnerships and business growth initiatives.

We bring a commercially focused perspective to evaluating opportunities, structuring transactions and connecting businesses with the expertise and capital needed to scale.

Business building and growth

We work with selected businesses to identify opportunities, strengthen commercial foundations and accelerate growth.

This includes exploring strategic partnerships, complementary acquisitions and opportunities to bring together technologies and capabilities to create stronger, more competitive businesses.

Our vision

Building Australia’s technology future

Australia has an opportunity to develop globally competitive technology businesses while strengthening its technological independence and resilience.

Carnelian Ventures is committed to exploring and advancing opportunities across:

  • Sovereign artificial intelligence
  • Cyber security
  • Critical technology

We believe that combining proven technology, experienced leadership, strategic partnerships and disciplined investment can help create businesses that deliver lasting commercial value and meaningful national impact.

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Our approach

Our approach is relationship-led, commercially focused and grounded in practical execution.

  1. I

    Understand

    We work to understand the commercial context, strategic objectives and challenges facing each organisation.

  2. II

    Identify

    We evaluate opportunities, emerging technologies and potential partnerships that can create meaningful value.

  3. III

    Connect

    We bring together relevant expertise, industry relationships and capital to help advance opportunities.

  4. IV

    Execute

    We focus on practical outcomes, sustainable growth and building long-term value.

Our team

Our team brings experience across technology, cyber security, investment, corporate advisory and business transformation, spanning major technology companies, investment banking, professional services, government, defence and high-growth businesses.

Portrait of Jacqui Kernot

Jacqui Kernot

Technology and cyber security

Jacqui is an experienced technology and cyber security executive with nearly three decades of leadership across defence, intelligence, financial services and technology. Her career includes senior leadership roles at Tesserent, Thales Australia, Accenture, EY, Telstra and the Australian Army, with extensive experience in strategy, commercial leadership and business transformation.

Portrait of Michelle Price

Michelle Price

Technology, investment and strategy

Michelle is an Australian technology leader, investor and strategist with extensive experience in emerging technologies, innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory. She is the founder and CEO of Statekraft and has previously served as CEO of AustCyber, held a partnership role at EY Australia and worked in Australian Government national security.

Portrait of Kylie Leavitt

Kylie Leavitt

Corporate advisory and investment

Kylie is a corporate adviser with experience across investment banking and corporate advisory. Her background includes Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, alongside advisory roles supporting businesses and corporate advisory firms on strategic and commercial opportunities.

Portrait of Sarah Kruger

Sarah Kruger

Leadership and transformation

Sarah is an executive adviser and former Chief Human Resources Officer of Accenture Australia and New Zealand, with more than 30 years of experience in workforce strategy and transformation. She advises boards and executives on organisational capability, leadership, governance and AI-enabled transformation.

Advisory expertise

Our broader network brings experience across national security, public safety, technology, governance and organisational leadership. This includes Mick Willing, a senior executive and former NSW Police Force Deputy Police Commissioner with extensive national security and public safety experience, and Annette Kimmett, an experienced business leader whose background spans corporate strategy, governance, regulation and technology transformation.

Carnelian Ventures is continuing to develop its broader executive and advisory capabilities across technology, operations and finance.

Let’s explore what’s possible.

We welcome conversations with businesses, founders, investors and industry leaders seeking strategic advice, technology expertise, investment opportunities or support in developing and scaling new ventures.

Email
enquiries@carnelian-ventures.ai
Location
Australia-wide
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