Neal Prowse

With experience working in both the KPMG Australia and KPMG UK tax teams, Neal has deep links to a wide range of delivery specialists within the firm, as well as a strong understanding of expanding internationally and scaling finance functions. He uses this knowledge and network to help navigate founders to the right resources they need to support their growth ambitions. Neal spent the first six months of his career at a start up in London sat on a founder’s kitchen table. Cricket, football (the English version) and travelling keep Neal busy outside of work.

I'm most proud of...

I jumped out of a plane over Queenstown. I didn’t want to do it, but got some good photos and a Fergburger, which made it absolutely worth it.

The most valuable lesson I've learned was...

Put yourself forward for opportunities. Think Jim Carey in Yes Man. I’ve done stints in 3 different countries and 4 different teams in my 8 years at KPMG, including a 2-month stint in the Brexit team advising multinationals. 

In the startup ecosystem, I'm most passionate about...

People doing interesting things. Climate tech and medtech are the obvious ones as we get a front-row seat to amazing founders looking to change the world. There is a real community feel about Australian startups which can only benefit Australian innovation in the long run.

I believe the most important thing for founders in today's environment is...

Understanding of their key business drivers and the obvious: cashflow. A lot of ratios get thrown around but really understanding how much it costs to get a customer and how long they are going to stay with you. Sales and marketing is the other area - don’t lose sight that you actually have to sell your product. Capital efficiency is all very well but you should be wary of sabotaging your pipeline in achieving that.

My words to live by

My Dad used to drill into me around preparation. Holds true for everything you do in sport, life and work.

" There is a real community feel about Australian startups which can only benefit Australian innovation in the long run."