Alex Scandurra
Managing Director at AlexCo Innovation Advisory · Former at Stone & Chalk
Alex Scandurra is managing director of AlexCo Innovation Advisory, a consultancy he founded to help businesses, governments and universities prepare for innovation. He was the founding chief executive of Stone & Chalk, growing the fintech and emerging-technology hub from a single Sydney co-working space in 2015 into a national network of more than 1,000 residents, before stepping down in August 2021. Earlier in his career he held roles at Lendlease, Nokia Networks and Barclays Group, and he was a commissioned officer in the Australian Army. On the Australian Startup Ecosystem history series, Scandurra discussed the sector's growth.
In their own words
From Alex Scandurra discusses the Australian startup ecosystem’s exceptional growth · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesThe Australian market is small and it's just an initial stepping stone to achieving greater success, greater relevance for your business.
Career
- Now Managing Director · AlexCo Innovation Advisory
- 2015–2021 · Startup Founding CEO · Stone & Chalk
- Earlier Construction division leader · Lendlease
- Earlier Head of Partner Management, ANZ then Middle East · Nokia Networks
- Earlier Commissioned Officer · Australian Army
Sources: dayone.fm
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Alex Scandurra discusses the Australian startup ecosystem’s exceptional growth you want.
- 0:33 Meet Alex Scandurra
- 0:44 Alex's Current Projects: Stone Chalk and Spark Festival
- 2:11 Alex's Journey to Entrepreneurship
- 3:22 First Impressions of the Startup Ecosystem
- 4:49 Transition from Corporate to Startup
- 6:11 Reasons for Returning to Australia
- 7:26 Differences Between London and Australian Startup Ecosystems
- 9:44 Growth of FinTech in Australia
- 10:54 Catalysts Driving Growth in the Australian Startup Ecosystem
- 12:36 Importance of Global Perspective for Founders
Heard on
▶ 
▶ AlexCo Innovation Advisory on Day One
AlexCo Innovation Advisory, founded by Alex Scandurra, is a consultancy firm specialising in preparing organisations for innovation. 1 person · 2 episodes → Connections
Adam SpencerHost, Documentary: The History Of The Australian Startup Ecosystem 
Simon ThomsenEditor, Startup Daily 
Tim BoyleCEO, LifeSciences Australia, LifeSciences Australia 
David BurtDirector of Entrepreneurship, UNSW Founders 
Rachel YangPartner, Giant Leap Fund 
Sarah PearsonFormer Chancellor, University of New England, University of New England (UNE) 
Bruce TullochDirector of Intelligent Systems, Mayman Aerospace, Mayman Aerospace 
Cheryl MackCEO & Co-founder, Aussie Angels, Aussie Angels Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 25 September 2026
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