The Funding Strategies Team
Dr Mark Rainbird
Executive Director & Founder
Dr. Mark Rainbird has more than 30 years’ experience in senior executive roles, including Chairman and at board level in private equity, ASX-listed, both government and non-government and unlisted organizations. He assists founders and investors with navigating the complexities and challenges of operating, growing and exiting profitable businesses.
Dr. Mark Rainbird has extensive experience in capital and debt raisings, mergers and acquisitions. He founded Funding Strategies and its sister company BlueMount Capital (Investment Banking), a Brisbane-based corporate advisory and capital raising company. He has specialized in small-scale offerings ($1-5 million) as well as special private placements ($5-50 million). He has a proven track record in the mining and resources, technology and start-up sectors, providing capital advisory and introduction services to companies seeking capital in the unlisted, pre-IPO and listed capital markets. With an extensive business network, he has been able to help companies to develop their funding strategies, raise equity and debt capital and provide an exit for the company and their investors. Dr. Mark Rainbird is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a PhD and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours and is an Australian Financial Services Authorised Representative 001235684.
Flora Mok
Director M&A
Flora Mok has more than 20 years of professional M&A, tax and accounting experience in Hong Kong, China and Australia. She is a qualified accountant and has proven track record of successfully and efficiently advising on complicated global M&A deals. Flora is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (UK) and a Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HK) and CPA Australia.
Kelvin Mak
Director, Corporate Finance
Kelvin has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking focusing on IPOs, M&As, divestments, takeovers and privatisations, restructuring and rescue transactions as well as capital raising exercises such as share placements, rights issues and open offers, convertible notes and debt financing etc.
Kelvin has led, managed and executed new listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a deal size ranging from approximately US$80m to US$2bn. He has advised both listed and unlisted clients in a spectrum of businesses and industries including technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), power and energy, pharmaceuticals and biotech, property development and management, retail and consumer staples, agricultural, industrial and mining. Kelvin specialises in advising on corporate strategy, deal structuring, financial and business due diligence, financial modelling and project execution. He works closely with the big four accounting firms, reputable international law firms, professional valuers, private equity firms, corporate and institutional investors as well as public relations experts.
Before joining Funding Strategies, Kelvin worked as Managing Director at Haitong International and was Managing Director and Deputy Head of Corporate Finance at BOC International. He has also worked in Corporate Finance at Ernst & Young and the Listing Division of Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Kelvin holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of New South Wales majoring in accounting and finance. He is also qualified as a CPA (Aust) and a CFA charterholder.
Steve Hartley
Senior Associate
Steve is a seasoned entrepreneur, public company director and business owner with over 25 years’ business experience. He has successfully advised and raised capital for start-up and high growth companies in the resources, retail, technology, media, and manufacturing sectors and has been personally involved in over 72 business and property investment/divestment transactions totalling over $150m in transaction value.
Steve has also previously held several commercial properties in his portfolio and is a past member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). He has an ability to bring people together on the right opportunity and inspire them to create outstanding results.
Adrian Bernard
Senior Associate
Adrian’s practical experience covers over 20 years as principal of a financial services advisory company, providing solutions to many clients in the areas of asset protection Insurance, superannuation, lending and financial planning. Adrian is currently completing a Certificate in ESG Investing through the CFA Institute.
Brent Wall
Senior Associate
Brent has over 20 years of experience in transaction analysis, funding, and execution across a wide range of industry sectors and markets. Brent commenced his career in the tax division of a Big 4 accounting firm before spending 15 years with a global investment bank in principal finance. During his investment banking career, Brent was part of a team that developed, acquired and listed businesses in the energy, renewable energy, infrastructure, property and mining services sectors. Recently, Brent has been providing virtual CFO support to a range of clients from small start-ups to ASX Listed entities and investment funds. Brent is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & NZ and is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
Shirley Li
Senior Associate
Shirley has over 15 years experience in accounting, business and tax advisory in both public practice and business corporate. She is passionate about providing solutions to improve the accounting and financial position for her clients.
Shirley is a qualified accountant, being a member for CPA Australia and a Fellow of the National Tax & Accountants' Association.
Shirley holds a Bachelor of International Finance and a Master of Commerce major in Professional Accounting from Griffith University. She is also a registered Tax Agent.
Eugenia Arrarte
Investor Relations
Before joining Funding Strategies, Eugenia was a Government Relations Coordinator for a multinational company in Venezuela for almost ten years, acquiring experience in international trade, customs, trademark registrations, and import/export. In addition, she gained experience teaching at University and has completed the Small Scale Offerings Board Sponsor training. Eugenia has completed her RG146.
Shreyans Gulati
Associate
Shreyans is a Business Management graduate from the Queensland University of Technology. He assists connecting businesses with investors through capital raising, client management and market research. With a background in Business Development and Marketing overseas, he is passionate about supporting growth and creating value for clients.
Ella Edwards
Client Services
Ella is currently completing a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) at The University of Queensland, pursing a major in Finance. She has over three years of retail experience and has completed her RG146 certification. Ella has competed in the state heats for the Future IM/Pact investment competition and received an Australian Institute of Physics Certificate for Excellence in Physics.
Ryan Logan
Client Services
Ryan is currently studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) at The University of Queensland and has also studied Alternative Investments at the London School of Economics. Ryan’s background includes previous internships at Suncorp Bank as a portfolio analyst and undergraduate programs at EY. He has also competed in the Future IM/Pact investment and Oliver Wyman Consulting competitions and is a director in the University of Queensland Business Association.
Birgit Rainbird
Office Manager
Birgit has over 35 years customer sales, service, project management, operational and scheduling experience in the airline, campervan and tourist industries. She has studied Business Administration and has completed the Small Scale Offerings Board Sponsor training. Birgit has completed her RG146. She is also an Australian Financial Services Authorised Representative 001308132.
Our Partners
Join The Team
We're always looking to expand our team and grow our skill & knowledge base of enthusiastic professionals. If you think you've got something to bring to the table and enjoy being part of a company committed to offering the best in all that you do then get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.