SEASON 2 - Episode 9

steve baxter

Listen: ON SPOTIFY

Watch: ON YOUTUBE

Entrepreneur, investor, and ‘Shark’ on Shark Tank Australia

This week, we chat with Steve Baxter, a pioneering tech entrepreneur and investor whose journey from rural Queensland to the forefront of Australia’s startup ecosystem is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born in the remote town of Cloncurry and raised in Emerald, Steve left school at 15 to join the Army, where he developed expertise in electronics and telecommunications. At just 23, he risked his life savings to launch SE Net, an internet service provider he built from his spare room.

Steve went on to co-found PIPE Networks, a groundbreaking telecoms infrastructure company, which he and his partner sold for $373 million in 2008. Along the way, he also worked with Google in California on high-speed telecoms systems.

As Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur in 2018, Steve travelled the state, championing innovation and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. He founded River City Labs, Startup Catalyst, and the RiverPitch programs, creating a lasting legacy in the Australian startup ecosystem.

Today, Steve is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of TEN13, a leading investment platform, and the Founder of Beaten Zone Venture Partners, supporting early-stage Australian tech and defence innovations.

Join us as Steve shares his unfiltered insights on risk, resilience, and what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving world of startups. This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.