Your mind is like a parachute - it doesn’t work until it’s open.
A global leader in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategy, Tony Surtees, AM has extensive experience working with large multinational organisations, mid-sized companies, and early-stage ventures across the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
As Vice President and General Manager at Yahoo!’s Commerce Group, he managed 14 business units generating over $2.5 billion annually, demonstrating expertise in scaling operations and driving commercial success.
Recognised as one of Australia’s top digital entrepreneurs, he has also led transformative initiatives in media and technology, including founding iPrime and Zeetings, an interactive platform later acquired by Canva.
With experience as a director in both public and private companies, Tony played a key role in leading the first Nasdaq IPO of an Australian venture-backed start-up, pioneering the commercialisation of science in opto-electronic microprocessor design and fabrication.
Specialising in helping organisations navigate market changes, create new business models, and deliver market-leading outcomes, his mission is to foster growth by empowering leaders to embrace reinvention and innovation, even in high-pressure environments. With over two decades of experience across public, private, and government sectors, Tony has guided companies through disruption and helped them thrive in fast-moving markets. His work with the Australian Federal Government shaped innovation policies and funded over 640 businesses.
As a founder of multiple technology-driven ventures and an experienced investment committee Chair, he takes a hands-on approach to solving complex challenges. His leadership philosophy focuses on building risk-tolerant cultures that drive innovation, experimentation, and adaptability. Combining a global perspective with strategic insight and a proven track record, he continues to empower organisations and transform industries on a global scale.
In 2025 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of significant service to the support and advocacy of technological and charitable entrepreneurialism.
Talking Points
From Silicon Valley to Australasia: Lessons in Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Tony Surtees shares his journey from the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech boom to fostering innovation in Australasia. He unpacks the structural, cultural, and financial challenges faced by entrepreneurs and highlights how governments, industry, and academia can collaborate to create fertile ground for innovation.From Silicon Valley to Australasia: Lessons in Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the critical ingredients for a successful startup ecosystem.
- Practical strategies for fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
- Lessons from global success stories like Canva and Yahoo.
Innovation and Risk: Turning Curiosity into Competitive Advantage
Tony explores how curiosity, rather than passion alone, has driven some of the most transformative innovations of our time. Drawing on his own experiences, he reveals how embracing curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities, challenge the status quo, and spark meaningful change.Innovation and Risk: Turning Curiosity into Competitive Advantage
Key Takeaways:
- How curiosity drives innovation and opens new opportunities.
- Balancing risk-taking with strategic foresight.
- Applying a curiosity-driven mindset to business and personal growth.
The AI Revolution: Navigating Uncertainty and Opportunity
Comparing today’s AI boom to the internet revolution of the 1990s, Tony provides a compelling analysis of the transformative potential and challenges of AI. He discusses second-order effects, ethical considerations, and how organisations can prepare for this era of profound change.The AI Revolution: Navigating Uncertainty and Opportunity
Key Takeaways:
- Insights into AI’s impact on industries, jobs, and creativity.
- Strategies to embrace innovation while mitigating risks like cybersecurity threats and misinformation.
- A framework for adapting to and thriving amidst technological disruption.
Scaling for Global Success: Lessons from Yahoo and Canva
Comparing today’s AI boom to the internet revolution of the 1990s, Tony provides a compelling analysis of the transformative potential and challenges of AI. He discusses second-order effects, ethical considerations, and how organisations can prepare for this era of profound change.Scaling for Global Success: Lessons from Yahoo and Canva
Key Takeaways:
- Insights into AI’s impact on industries, jobs, and creativity.
- Strategies to embrace innovation while mitigating risks like cybersecurity threats and misinformation.
- A framework for adapting to and thriving amidst technological disruption.
Video
Tony Surtees | Digital Survivor
Tony Surtees - What marketing will look like in the future
Tony Surtees - Introducing Zeetings
CNBC interview with Tony Surtees
Tony Surtees is one of the most brilliant Australian marketers on the scene today. Strike that. He's one of the most brilliant marketers period. His work on the net has demonstrated that he ... keep reading Seth Godin
I have been on a few panels in my time and it was a absolute relief to be sitting there with someone as seasoned as you running the show. Was a great experience seeing the Zeetings software being used for the program. Love the feedback loop from audience - I am sure this really keeps audiences on their toes even if the presenter has some dry content.
A rich background of startup founding, exiting and investing (including co-founding Zeetings - exited to Canva), Tony has also held a long list of critical advisory and board roles across the Australian innovation ecosystem.
I want to pay tribute to one of Australia's original Digital Entrepreneurs, Tony Surtees (Big T) one of the original Yahoos who helped birth the Internet before 2000, & Chair of the Entrepreneurs Program that 1st funded Canva, & founder of one of Canva's early acquisitions.
One of Australia’s Top Ten Digital Entrepreneurs
One of Australia's Best and Brightest who has gone to Silicon Valley
