Unreasonable inventors are combining cutting edge scientific discoveries with the world's biggest challenges to build the next generation of global companies. These are the companies we create and invest in at Main Sequence.
Deep tech inventors need more. We have custom built Main Sequence to be ready to help you solve some of the world's greatest challenges with science.
We are hands-on and have built a services offering to support founders alongside our capital.
Main Sequence was founded by CSIRO in 2017 to bridge the valley of death for research commercialisation in Australia by investing venture capital in spinouts, startups and SMEs connected to Australia’s publicly funded R&D sector. Main Sequence’s origins within CSIRO reflect its commitment to amplifying connections between industry, research and infrastructure to accelerate deep technology development, and reinvesting economic returns from commercialisation back into science.
The $240 million first CSIRO Innovation Fund, built on a cornerstone investment by the government and CSIRO, and the $310 million Fund 2, raised entirely from private capital have completed their portfolios by investing in 51 companies.
The acquisition of Fund 1 portfolio company Cylite in 2024 realised the first material return for investors. Recognising the success of government cornerstone investment in drawing private sector capital to the table and commercialising Australian investment, the Government provided CSIRO with $150 million for a commitment to Main Sequence Funds 3 and 4 through the University Research Commercialisation Action Plan. A successful $450 million Main Sequence Fund 3 raise brought funds under management to over $1 billion.
Fund 3 commenced investment in 2023 and continues to build its investment portfolio, with 16 investments made so far. Main Sequence expects to launch its Fund 4 raise towards the end of 2026.
We collaborate with a global community of co-investors who work with us to help our companies scale.
We love companies that solve one or more of these challenge areas. Explore each one below and get to know some of the companies we have already backed.