Frontier Series

Conversation with Frontier Tech Builders & Enablers

A monthly conversation with the people building and enabling frontier technology — and a chance for you to ask them anything.

Next session14 August 2026 · 12:00 PM (AEST) · Online

From Technology to an Investable Venture: How VCs Really Evaluate AI & Deep-Tech Ventures

Building impressive technology doesn't automatically make it an investable venture.

Two of Australia's leading frontier investors — Dr. Callum Benson (Monash Ventures) and Sid Kasbekar (Airtree) — share how they really evaluate early-stage AI and deep-tech ventures.

Bring your questions to this Ask Me Anything session.

Meet the panellists

Dr. Callum Benson

Investment Director, Monash Ventures

Callum invests in and supports research-driven deep-tech ventures at Monash University's investment fund. He built deep expertise in technology commercialisation through Cambridge Enterprise and as Senior IP Strategist at Echion Technologies, a Cambridge spinout. With a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge, he brings a perspective spanning frontier research, intellectual property, venture creation and early-stage investment.

Sid Kasbekar

Principal, Airtree

Sid is a Principal at Airtree, a leading Australian venture capital firm with $2B+ under management, backing early- to growth-stage technology companies across ANZ. He leads Airtree's Frontier program, a residency supporting ambitious founders at the earliest stages of company building. With prior experience as an early team member at fintech startup Deferit and a background in finance at Blackstone, Sid brings both an operator and investor perspective.

Past episodes

Episode 1 · 17 July 2026

Building & Exiting an AI Deep-Tech Venture

Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy

Director, Monash AI Institute

Former Co-founder of AiDA Technologies (acquired by one of Asia's largest insurers)

Professor Krishnaswamy is a rare combination of inventor, entrepreneur and educator — someone who has helped shape how AI research translates into real-world systems and companies. We explored her journey, her insights on AI and frontier technology, and what it really takes to move ideas from research into impact.

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