Naomi Simson

Overview

Naomi Simson is an Australian entrepreneur and angel investor renowned for her role in founding RedBalloon, an online experience gift retailer, in 2001. She began the venture with a personal investment of $25,000, operating from her home, and grew it into one of Australia's most recognized consumer brands. In 2017, she co-founded Big Red Group with David Anderson, which became the parent company for RedBalloon and other brands, including Adrenaline and Experience Oz. Naomi has also been a prominent investor on 'Shark Tank Australia,' where she supported numerous startups and shared her expertise in business growth and innovation. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Naomi is a prolific author and speaker. She has written two best-selling books, 'Live What You Love' and 'Ready to Soar,' and hosts the 'Handpicked with Naomi Simson' podcast, offering insights into business and leadership. Her philanthropic efforts include serving on the board of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation and being a director of the University of Melbourne Faculty of Business and Economics. Naomi's influence extends to social media, where she has a substantial following, sharing her experiences and advice with a wide audience. Naomi's investment focus is on early-stage companies, particularly in the technology and consumer goods sectors. She seeks innovative businesses with strong leadership teams and scalable models. Her investments typically range from $500,000 to $5 million, reflecting her commitment to nurturing growth in promising startups. Naomi's approach combines her extensive corporate experience with a passion for supporting the entrepreneurial community, aiming to foster sustainable business success and innovation across Australia and New Zealand.

Investment Focus

• Innovative business models
• Strong leadership teams
• Scalable operations
• Clear market differentiation
• Sustainable growth potential

Portfolio Companies