David Kirk
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
David is the former CEO of Fairfax Media, where he led the successful investment into several internet businesses including Fairfax’s acquisition of Trade Me and Stayz. He has been a growth stage investor in technology-based businesses since 1999 and was an IPO investor in Xero.
David is Chair of KMD Brands [ASX:KMD, NZE:KMD], made up of iconic brands Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz, and Chair of Forsyth Barr, a privately-owned New Zealand investment firm. He is Chair of several charitable organisations, and recently retired as Chair of Sydney Festival.
David is Chair of Bailador investee company Rosterfy, Director of Bailador investee companies RC TopCo (made up of brands Rezdy, Checkfront and Regiondo) and DASH, and Board Observer for Mosh. He was previously on the board of Bailador's now exited investments, Instaclustr, Standard Media Index, DocsCorp and Viostream.
Prior to joining the corporate world, David enjoyed a highly successful rugby career. He captained the All Blacks to win the World Cup in 1987 and was awarded an MBE in 1988. He was also a policy advisor to the New Zealand Prime Minister.
David is a Rhodes Scholar with degrees in Medicine from Otago University, and Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).