Bio
David Nelson is a consultant, strategic adviser, CEO, director and investor with experience in a wide range of fast-growth and established businesses across both Australia and internationally.
David is the Executive Director of Leapgen Australia/New Zealand with responsibility for general management of the business’ establishment and operations in the local Australian market.
Prior to Leapgen, David served as CEO of Techniche Ltd. – a listed micro cap software conglomerate – from February 2016 until November 2017. He previously served as CEO of inovia Holdings Pty Ltd from September 2008 until May 2015. He was responsible for the company’s overall corporate strategy, organizational structure, business development (including channel partner programs) and ultimately its successful sale in 2013 to translation services provider RWS Holdings (LON:RWS). Under his leadership the company became the acknowledged pioneer and global leader of the online foreign patent filing model with revenue growth of over 400% in this period.
From 2004 to 2016 David has also served as Managing Director for Divergent Capital Pty Ltd, a seed-stage VC focused on niche internet and enterprise software startups. He lead the fund’s investment into more than twenty early-stage companies including Visean (sold to Weatherford International [NYSE:WFT]) and Specialtys Direct (sold to Femsa [NYSE:FMX]).
David holds a Masters in Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management along with a Graduate Diploma, Applied Finance & Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia and a Bachelors of Economics from the University of Adelaide.
He now lives in Brisbane, QLD with his wife Paula, their three children Maya, Amelie and Fletcher and their beloved dog Henry.
Role & Areas of Expertise
Executive Director, Australia/New Zealand Strategy, General Management, Governance