Dr. Alick Lau brings over 15 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience to the Arion Venture team, offering a diverse background in early-stage ventures. His journey in investment began as an intern at the venture capital unit of the Queensland state government’s Smart State initiative in the late 2000s, where he contributed towards the team in fostering the early developments of the country’s angel investment and venture capital industry. He later co-founded New Ventures Australia, a boutique consultancy and trading house with an ex-Austrade Officer that facilitated Australian businesses entering Asian markets, which subsequently evolved into an innovation investment firm.
Alick possesses a unique understanding of the Australian startup ecosystem, cross-border investments, and strategic partnerships, as well as the challenges faced by early-stage companies. His expertise is complemented by his work with universities, where he designed and hosted foreign direct investment and small business investment programs for government delegates on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Currently, Dr. Lau is the co-founder of The Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum Australia (DELFOz), an initiative aimed at attracting industry thought leaders and investors to Brisbane, Queensland, in support of economic development leading up to the city’s hosting of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Academically, Alick holds a Doctorate in Biotechnology from the University of Queensland, specializing in technology transfer and finance. This unique blend of scientific insight and financial acumen is essential for evaluating high-growth ventures. Additionally, he served as Project Manager and Resident Entrepreneur at the MultiMedia Lab, a digital media commercialisation center at the School of Design, Polytechnic University of Hong Kong. And organised the city’s first TEDxHongKong and TEDx Youth Day in 2010.
Fluent in English and Cantonese, and currently learning Mandarin, Alick effectively navigates the diverse startup ecosystems across Australasia. His extensive professional network, built through a career spanning both Asia and Australia, enhances his ability to connect investors with opportunities and drive strategic growth for portfolio companies.