Director Spotlight: David Ireland – Scaling Deep-Tech with Discipline, Passion and Purpose
From CSIRO breakthroughs to game-changing venture investments and environmental leadership with WWF-Australia, David Ireland’s governance track record is as impressive as it is impactful. A champion of Australian innovation, David is helping shape the future of sustainability and technology through rigorous governance and strategic leadership.
“Governance roles let me bridge innovation and impact.” David Ireland
What first drew you to governance in deep-tech and sustainability?
I’ve always been passionate about turning breakthrough research into real-world solutions. These board roles are where impact meets commercial potential. And today, with Australia pouring investment into renewables, batteries, and EVs, the timing couldn’t be more critical.
You sit across startups, funds, NFPs, and government. What drives your board choices?
Purpose and potential. I go where I can create a meaningful impact. At Significant Ventures, we back high-growth deep-tech, while WWF-Australia lets me contribute directly to environmental stewardship and ESG transformation.
“It’s about alignment of purpose, impact potential, and my ability to add value.”
What’s your role at Significant Ventures, and how do you pick winners?
I shape investment strategy and governance. We invest in scalable tech with standout teams. Our portfolio includes Liquid Instruments, Vantari VR, and DragonFly Thinking all great examples of deep-tech with commercial edge.
“We balance vision with discipline—backing tech that can go global.”
What has been most rewarding about your role with WWF-Australia?
The opportunity to influence national environmental policy and corporate ESG efforts. WWF’s work on the Great Barrier Reef, for example, shows how boards can drive real-world outcomes.
How did CSIRO shape your approach to commercialisation and governance?
CSIRO taught me how to move science into the market. Think of their legacy Wi-Fi, polymer banknotes, extended wear contact lenses. Structured commercialisation and governance made those global.
You’ve had multiple successful exits. What’s the formula?
Deep-tech founders often obsess over the product. But without a solid commercial model and governance, they stall. It’s about scaling smart, raising capital strategically, and hiring high-calibre leadership.
“You need to make sure you’re building something the market wants.”
What principles guide your governance, especially in fast-moving sectors?
Transparency. Accountability. Strategic foresight. And passion. A good investor doesn’t just provide money, they roll up their sleeves and help build.
“You’re forming a relationship that could last years. You have to care about the mission.”
How should boards lead on ESG?
Move past box-ticking. Boards need to embed ESG into core strategy and culture. My co-founder at TGD helps boards do just that, it’s tough without top-down support.
You’ve worked as founder, investor, director, educator – how does that shape you?
It gives me empathy. I understand the tension between wanting to scale fast and needing governance rigour. That balance is key.
Advice for directors navigating AI, climate tech, and disruption?
Stay curious. Keep learning. Build flexible governance frameworks that respond to change but never lose oversight.
Which initiative has had the biggest impact?
WWF-Australia for national influence. But our deep-tech deals at Significant Ventures are shaping Australia’s future in medtech, AI, and sustainability.
Do advisory boards matter in capital raising?
Absolutely. They offer credibility, expertise, and crucial networks. If you’re an early-stage founder, form one. It can make or break your capital raise.
What excites you most about the future of governance?
The convergence of innovation, ESG, and strategic capital. That’s the future. And I want to help Australian ventures lead the charge, responsibly and at scale.
Connect with David Ireland
David is open to engaging with founders, directors, and impact-focused ventures.
📧 Reach out to David on LinkedIn or via Tiger Boards for board and advisory opportunities.
About Tiger Boards
Tiger Boards connects Australia’s most forward-thinking directors with board and advisory roles in high-impact ventures. From private companies and venture-backed startups to ESG-driven NFPs and public entities, we support next-generation leaders in making their mark.
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📅 Book a confidential discussion with Kylie Hammond: calendly.com/kyliehammond/tigerboards
