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Aaron McNeilly
Connecting the philanthropic sector
Professional Background
Aaron McNeilly is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with over 22 years of experience in founding, scaling, and advising businesses focused on creating impactful solutions for global challenges. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he opened eight retail outlets across Sydney and Singapore. Driven by a mission to make a positive difference in the world, Aaron transitioned from retail to health food and founded RioLife, a health food company that exemplified the triple bottom line principle—addressing social, environmental, and economic needs while donating 1% of its revenue to support a charity school for local communities.
As he evolved in his career, Aaron took on prominent leadership roles and excelled as a business advisor, mentor, and investor. His impressive portfolio includes reputable organizations where he has significantly contributed as a Managing Director at Third Hemisphere, overseeing media relations for climate tech and finance innovators, and as a Non-Executive Director at Parents for Climate. Aaron’s commitment to fostering startups led him to publish the book "From Idea to Startup" and play an instrumental role as President in Australia for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (G20 YEA), through which he emphasized the necessity for access to smart funding and global markets to enhance innovation and job creation across early-stage companies.
His entrepreneurial insights and passion for social impact have enabled him to collaborate closely with UN agencies, leading initiatives that promote sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on climate change and diversity. Today, he continues to invest in impactful tech startups and venture capital funds, creating pathways for their founders to thrive and make significant contributions to society.
Education and Achievements
Aaron's commitment to education is reflected in his impressive academic background. He studied a Graduate Diploma in Finance, Investments, and Securities at Griffith University, followed by RG 146 training in financial product advisers at a Private College, which is an authorized AFSL provider. He earned a Bachelor of Business in Business Studies (Management) from Monash University, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of business dynamics and management practices. Adding to his accomplishments, Aaron completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at Shore, achieving an impressive UAI of 95.65. His educational achievements have equipped him with a well-rounded skill set that he has effectively applied throughout his career.
Aaron has held numerous notable positions within various organizations, reflecting his extensive expertise and influence in the entrepreneurial landscape. He has served as Executive Director at Third Hemisphere and founded SDGx to further bridge the gap between startups and their potential investors. His work spans multiple international platforms, including his role as a member of the B20 SME Development Task Forces for Argentina, Germany, China, and Turkey, thereby influencing global discussions on entrepreneurship and sustainable market practices.
Achievements
Aaron McNeilly's achievements are a testament to his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering others to make a difference. His leadership role with the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance has positioned him as a catalyst for change, advocating for young entrepreneurs and highlighting the critical role they play in global economic development. The insights gained from his collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as an investment and networking expert have helped shape entrepreneurial finance policies internationally.
Through his co-founding of CP Ventures, he created a platform for innovative startups to access the funding and networking opportunities essential for growth. Notable investments through family investment vehicles and angel investing have allowed Aaron to contribute to a diverse range of impact tech companies, all while pursuing the ambitious mission of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition, Aaron has taken on speaking engagements, sharing his experiences on youth entrepreneurship and innovation at various global forums, including the United Nations and Australia’s Global Entrepreneurship Week. His multifaceted career is characterized by a strong commitment to making every step count towards solving the world’s most pressing issues, reflecting the wise words of mentor Dr. John Anderson.
With a collaborative spirit and a forward-thinking mindset, Aaron McNeilly continues to pave the way for aspiring entrepreneurs, driving sustainable innovation and ensuring that the next generation of business leaders have the support and resources they need to succeed.