Salus Ventures

# Salus Ventures: High-Level Overview

Salus Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm focused on supporting mission-driven founders solving critical problems at the intersection of enterprise and national security.[1][2] Founded in 2022 and based in Sydney, Australia, the firm invests primarily in early-stage deep technology companies addressing challenges in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, defence, and related fields.[2][4]

The firm's investment philosophy centers on backing innovators who build sovereign capabilities and resilience for nations and their allies.[2] Salus brings decades of combined experience in venture capital, having previously raised and invested more than USD $600 million into deep technology enterprises across the US, Europe, and Australia.[2] The firm is committed to deploying more than USD $250 million over the next five years and has already invested in 12 startups after reviewing over 1,000 companies in its focus areas.[2]

Origin Story

Salus Ventures was established in 2022 by a team of experienced venture investors and operators.[4] The founding partners include Dan Bennett and Marten Peck, both General Partners and Co-Founders, alongside Archie Judd and Nina Hooper as Founding Partners and Investors.[4] The team's collective background spans decades of experience in venture capital and deep technology, with particular expertise in navigating markets at the intersection of commercial innovation and government applications.[2][3]

The firm emerged at a time of growing focus on national security, sovereign capability development, and the strategic importance of advanced technologies. This timing positioned Salus to capitalize on increased government and institutional interest in funding dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and defence purposes.[2]

Core Differentiators

• Dual-use technology expertise: The team possesses unique access and understanding of both industry and government engagement, enabling portfolio companies to navigate procurement and capability requirements.[3]

• Elite advisory network: Salus maintains strong connections with government initiatives and a network of elite advisors providing significant insights into defence and national security landscapes.[2]

• Operator-first approach: The fund emphasizes data-driven, operator-first strategies that align with emerging market trends, supporting portfolio companies across operational excellence, governance, and lifecycle strategy.[1][3]

• Comprehensive support ecosystem: Beyond capital, Salus provides guidance, mentoring, access to an extensive network of local and global leadership, talent, customers, and investors.[3]

• Focused investment thesis: By concentrating on seed-stage investments in specific sectors (AI/ML, cybersecurity, defence, automation, supply chain), the firm develops deep domain expertise rather than pursuing broad diversification.[2][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Salus Ventures operates within a broader geopolitical context emphasizing technological sovereignty and resilience. As nations increasingly recognize the strategic importance of domestic deep technology capabilities, venture capital firms focused on defence and national security have gained prominence. Salus positions itself at the intersection of commercial innovation and government needs—a space where venture capital traditionally played a limited role but is now expanding rapidly.

The firm influences the Australian startup ecosystem by channeling capital toward founders addressing critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and defence challenges. By building bridges between commercial entrepreneurs and government procurement processes, Salus helps create pathways for Australian deep tech companies to scale while contributing to national strategic autonomy.[2]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Salus Ventures is well-positioned to capitalize on sustained government investment in defence technology and cybersecurity. As geopolitical tensions drive demand for sovereign technological capabilities, the firm's focus on dual-use technologies and government relationships provides a structural advantage. The commitment to deploying USD $250 million over five years signals confidence in market opportunity and suggests the firm will likely expand its portfolio and potentially increase fund sizes.

The key question for Salus's evolution is whether it can maintain its focus on mission-driven impact while scaling capital deployment. As the firm grows, balancing the interests of commercial returns with government-aligned objectives will shape both its portfolio composition and its influence on the broader Australian tech ecosystem. The appointment of advisors with deep defence backgrounds indicates the firm is doubling down on this positioning rather than diversifying away from it.