Scale Investors

Scale Investors is Australia's first women-led venture capital fund, dedicated to backing women-led startups. The firm operates with a core mission to generate both strong financial returns and positive social impact by investing in high-growth, early-stage technology companies founded or co-founded by women. They firmly believe that women-led startups consistently outperform their counterparts, yet remain significantly overlooked in the broader investment landscape. By focusing on these ventures, Scale Investors aims to capitalize on unmet market opportunities and empower a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Founded in 2013 by a group of visionary women, Scale Investors was established to bridge the entrepreneurial investment gender gap in Australia. The firm initially operated as an angel investor network, providing sophisticated investors with access to innovative, gender-diverse teams in early-stage businesses. Over the years, Scale Investors has evolved, transitioning into a fund management model, including the launch of initiatives like the Scale Venture Fund 1 and the Scaling Women's Fund. This evolution underscores their commitment to creating a world where gender does not limit access to capital.

The firm's diverse portfolio showcases its investment focus across various innovative sectors. Notable portfolio companies include Baymatob, which offers AI-guided solutions for mothers and babies; Beamible, focused on AI-powered workforce efficiency; and Handdii, an insurtech repair marketplace. Other investments span areas such as play-based speech therapy (TalkiPlay), smartphone food and fibre verification (Zondii), automated credential checks (Oho), and personalised vitamin subscriptions (Vitable), demonstrating a broad commitment to technology-driven solutions addressing diverse market needs.

The Scale Investors team is led by experienced professionals with deep backgrounds in investment management and financial services. Samar Mcheileh, the Managing Partner, has over 15 years of experience and is a co-creator of Equity Clear, a gender transparency initiative. General Partner Roo Harris brings expertise in commercial law and a passion for impact innovation, while General Partner Chelsea Newell specializes in founder-investor relationships, deal origination, and transactions, having previously worked in private wealth management in both Australia and London. Their collective expertise drives the firm's strategy to support and scale women-led businesses.