This Fireside Chat webinar features Duncan Ferguson, a LES industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in the agrifood tech sector. Duncan, who also served as the President of LESANZ, will take us on a journey through his career, focusing on his expertise in spinning out startups from research organisations and effectively managing their relationships with industry.

During this engaging session, we will delve into the startup model and explore how it contrasts with other commercialisation pathways for R&D organisations. Duncan will draw from his experience as a Director on startup boards, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of these ventures.

Duncan will also shed light on his recent involvement with early stage, founder-led agrifood startups through his current roles with Farmers2Founders and Dex Asperis. By contrasting these experiences with spinouts from research organizations, he will offer valuable insights into the different dynamics and strategies at play.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and learn from Duncan's experiences as a seasoned professional in the agrifood tech industry and former LESANZ President.

Topics in this interactive session will cover:

  ~ Tips on how to successfully spin-out a start-up
  ~ Examples of tech transfer and licensing models
  ~ How to approach capital raising

Presenter: Duncan Ferguson | Director | Dex Asperis Ventures
Duncan has 20+ years of global experience in commercialisation, IP management, research collaboration, and investment in the agrifood industry. He began his agribusiness career working in studstock, before establishing a career in agrifood commercialisation and research collaboration that has covered technologies across the supply chains of most animal and plant industries.

He has established new commercial roles and teams in research and investment organisations including CSIRO, UniQuest at University of Queensland, Sugar Research Australia/BSES, and Meat & Livestock Australia.  At CSIRO, he established a team that built agrifood ventures with industry partners and investors – including FutureFeed and v2food – that raised over $225 million, and held founding board roles on these and other start-ups.

Duncan has delivered training and mentoring to the commercialisation sector, including through the Licensing Executives Society, where he served as ANZ President and on the International board and several international committees.

He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland, is a RegisteredTechnology Transfer Professional (RTTP), a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has completed postgraduate qualifications in various business fields.