The Meliora Company, founded by entrepreneur Clive Dickens, has launched a new specialist investment fund aimed at early-stage artificial intelligence startups. Meliora Ventures Fund One (MVF1) is raising $3 million USD to back CTO-led companies that are leveraging AI for practical business advantages. The fund will focus on pre-seed ventures that demonstrate a clear path to accelerated growth and improved product adoption through technology.
A Strategic Focus on Differentiated AI
The fund's investment thesis centers on startups where AI serves as a distinct competitive advantage. Meliora will target companies in Vertical AI, Generative AI, and SaaS technology that possess a strong AI differentiator. Managing Partner Clive Dickens emphasized the goal is to support ventures that can achieve faster build cycles and tighter unit economics through innovative AI applications.
Meliora Ventures combines capital with direct operational support through its established advisory arm. This "capital plus execution" model provides portfolio companies with strategic and commercial guidance to accelerate their growth trajectories. The firm’s approach is designed to deliver disciplined entry, concentrated support, and transparent governance, creating a foundation for durable investor returns.
Building a Portfolio of AI Innovators
The firm has already established a track record with investments in leading startups such as IV.AI, Relevance AI, and Source. Building on this momentum, Meliora Ventures confirmed it will participate in upcoming funding rounds for Australian innovators Springboards.AI and StoryDesk.AI. These moves signal the fund's commitment to identifying and nurturing promising CTO-led companies within the burgeoning AI landscape.
Partner Jack Lonergan highlighted the immense market opportunity, noting a wave of startups turning AI's potential into tangible products. These innovations are not only transforming business operations but also simplifying daily life for a rapidly growing global user base. MVF1 aims to be at the forefront of this movement, empowering entrepreneurial teams to solve real-world problems.
Bolstering Expertise with Industry Veterans
To enhance its strategic capabilities, MVF1 has appointed two seasoned technology entrepreneurs as advisors. Shazam co-founder Chris Barton and former Singtel Optus and Seven West Media executive William Hedberg will lend their expertise to the fund. Both advisors have extensive experience mentoring ambitious founders and guiding them through critical early growth stages from pre-seed to Series A.
The addition of Barton and Hedberg is expected to provide invaluable guidance in identifying and nurturing high-potential investment opportunities. Their involvement underscores Meliora's commitment to offering more than just capital by providing portfolio companies with access to world-class mentorship. This expertise will be crucial as the fund explores ventures both within Australia and on the international stage.
Fund Operations and Timeline
Meliora Ventures has commenced investor presentations for the new fund, with an ambitious timeline for deployment. The firm is targeting a first close before Easter and aims for a final close by June 2026. All fund management, compliance, and investor relations will be handled through GXE.com, an advanced investment administration platform.
The launch of Meliora Ventures Fund One marks a significant new entry into the AI investment space, distinguished by its focus on CTO-led innovation. With a clear strategy, a hands-on support model, and the backing of experienced industry advisors, the fund is strongly positioned. MVF1 is set to empower the next generation of startups using AI to create practical, scalable, and transformative solutions.