Breakthrough Victoria appoints Rod Bristow as its new Chief Executive Officer

Breakthrough Victoria have announced the appointment of Rod Bristow as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Bristow joins with the fund in a strong position having secured an impressive portfolio of 33 companies, totalling over $300 million of direct investment, and attracting $1.06 billion in co-investment.

Breakthrough Victoria is also the founding funder of the highly successful Jumar bioincubator labs at CSL as well as the $100m University Innovation Platform, now supported by five Victorian Universities.

Bristow has more than 30 years’ experience encompassing the stockbroking, asset management, wealth management, agribusiness and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Breakthrough Victoria, he was CEO of Sydney and Singapore-based Venture Capital firm Investible, where he led the growth of the firm in Australia and internationally.

Breakthrough Victoria’s investments are fuelling economic growth across the state, with its portfolio companies collaborating with over 1,200 local suppliers to bring innovations to market. The impact of these investments extends globally, as 57% of portfolio companies are already exporting, with 83% planning to do so within the next year. Additionally, 88% have commercialised Victorian IP or innovations.

These achievements highlight the growing impact of the portfolio, but as the VC landscape remains challenging, the focus continues to be on long-term investment to drive sustained innovation and global success. 

Commenting on his new appointment as Breakthrough Victoria CEO, Rod Bristow said, “My focus will be building on the strong foundations the team and the Board at Breakthrough Victoria have laid and, on behalf of all Victorians, contributing to its ongoing growth and success.”

Breakthrough Victoria Chair, The Hon John Brumby, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Rod to Breakthrough Victoria, with his proven track record in Venture and leadership, we are confident that he will build on our strong foundations, continuing our work investing in innovation and delivering positive and sustainable environmental, social and economic impact for Victorians.”