The NSW government just put some heavy hitters from tech and VC on a new panel for investment advice

Tesla chair and Blackbird operating partner Robyn Denholm is among three heavy hitters from the tech and VC scene on a new voluntary panel charged with advising the NSW government on local and international investment opportunities.

Denholm, who’s also chair of the Tech Council of Australia, has been joined by AirTree Ventures founder Daniel Petre and Tyro and Xero chairman David Thodey.

Investment Attraction Council (IAC), chaired by Greater Cities Commission chief commissioner Geoff Roberts, also includes Bega Cheese chair Barry Irvin, Macquarie Group CEO, Shemara Wikramanayake, Business Council boss Jennifer Westacott and former Liberal MP Warwick Smith.

The group met for the first time today and will gather on a bi-monthly basis to help identify, connect and advise the NSW Government on investment opportunities.

Investment NSW CEO Amy Brown said it will help her organisation focus on high value opportunities to drive economic growth.

“A laser-like focus on pursuing the strongest investment opportunities will boost our economic recovery and drive job opportunities across the state,” she said.

“These eminent leaders bring globally significant reputations and relationships, expertise in investment across focus industries and sectors, and are internationally connected, with experience in key investment and trade markets.”

The move comes nearly three years after the government off the David Thodey-led board tasked with investing $190 million in startups and SMEs when it had $70 million worth of funds still unallocated.

The Jobs for NSW board was meant to provide a quick response to a rapidly changing economy to 2020, and set a path to job creation over the next 20 years.