Venture Capital Explained: Founders, Dragons & Returns with OneVentures Dr Michelle Deaker

What does it really take to pick the next billion-dollar company and what separates a great idea from a great investment? In this episode of Talk Money To Me, Felicity Thomas and Candice Bourke sit down with Dr Michelle Deaker, Founding and Managing Partner of OneVentures, for an inside look at the world of venture capital, Australian startups and investing in high-growth companies. Michelle brings a rare perspective to venture capital. Before becoming an investor, she was a technology entrepreneur herself, giving her experience on both sides of the table raising capital as a founder and later deciding which founders and businesses are worth backing. Since founding OneVentures in 2010, Michelle has helped grow the firm to more than $1 billion in funds under management, investing across technology, healthcare, growth equity and venture credit. In this episode, we discuss: • What venture capital actually is and why everyday investors should understand it • How VC differs from investing in listed shares • Liquidity, investment timeframes and the risks investors need to understand • How Australia’s venture capital market has evolved since 2010 • The investment themes and technologies attracting attention today • Whether venture capital really is about finding the “next unicorn” • How much of successful VC investing comes down to the technology versus the founder • What Michelle looks for when a founder walks into the room — and the red flags that can stop an investment • What investors should realistically expect from venture capital returns • The characteristics shared by some of the most successful companies Michelle has backed • Michelle’s work supporting women in venture capital and the role of WinVC It’s a fascinating look behind the curtain of venture capital from identifying emerging technologies and backing exceptional founders to understanding risk, liquidity and the long journey required to turn an ambitious idea into a valuable business. If you want to better understand venture capital, startup investing, private markets and how professional investors search for the companies that could shape the next decade, this episode is for you. Follow or subscribe to Talk Money To Me wherever you get your podcasts. GENERAL ADVICE WARNING & DISCLAIMER The information discussed on Talk Money To Me is general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information discussed in this podcast, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Shaw and Partners. Any companies, investments, sectors or investment strategies discussed are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any particular investment. Information discussed in this episode is based on facts and circumstances known at the time of recording on 16 September 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.