#123 David Shein: Influences of South Africa + Australia, founding a billion $ company with young family & unpacking investing in the best at OIF

The High Flyers Podcast with Vidit Agarwal

In this episode #123 w David Shein, learn about:

David’s memories of growing up in South Africa during a divided time for the country, the influences of his father, a businessman and mother, a piano teacher — and his 2 older brothers.

I asked Dave about his move to Australia in the 80’s or “gods country” as he calls it. You may be aware that he founded ComTech, Australia’s first unicorn but what you may not know is the story behind this, especially having a young family and being new in Australia.

Dave was candid about his biggest regret, how’s he made career decisions, the meaning of success, how he’s managed to build a knack of understanding people quickly and maintaining high quality relationships with leaders in business, sport, politics and more.

And I couldn’t release this episode without asking Dave some of the hard questions about his fund, OIF, best in class investor relationships, and his unfiltered advice to founders in this uncertain climate.

It’s now time to explore your curiosity. Please enjoy!

(Timestamps below)

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02:15 - Secrets to looking young

02:52 - Where were you born and live now?

03:18 - What was your first job and now?

05:00 - High Flyer in David’s life

07:25 - Growing up in South Africa during a divided country

11:52 - Chartered Accounting family

13:05 - 3 brothers

15:42 - Moving to Australia in 1981

19:34 - Founding ComTech with a young family

22:01 - Sitting on a gold mine

25:00 - Financial success

27:22 - Career decision making hierarchy

34:55 - VC as a career path today

38:00 - Judging people in 5 minutes

41:00 - Cultivating high quality relationships

44:37 - OIF and US connection

48:26 - Best in class investor relationships

52:02 - Hall of fame

54:10 - Advice to founders in today’s market

57:40 - Balance between growth and profitability

01:00:22 - Success, respect, reputation

01:02:28 - Rapid fire