Australian communications agency Sling & Stone has expanded its specialist offerings with the launch of a dedicated Frontier practice, aimed at supporting startups, venture capital firms and deep technology businesses. The agency has appointed Stefanie Safahi as Associate Director, Frontier, to head the new division.
The initiative comes as Australia's startup and venture capital ecosystem continues to attract increasing global attention. Industry data cited by the agency indicates that Australia has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing venture-backed innovation hubs, with a strong track record of producing high-value technology companies relative to venture capital investment.
Safahi, who joined Sling & Stone in 2024, will lead strategic communications for founders, investors and frontier technology companies spanning sectors such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, energy, healthtech and advanced innovation.
Before joining the agency, Safahi led communications and brand at Australian venture capital firm Folklore Ventures, where she launched the widely referenced State of Australian Startup Funding report. She also co-founded VC Women Down Under, a professional network supporting women working in venture capital across Australia and New Zealand. Earlier in her career, she held communications roles with global technology companies including Salesforce and Schneider Electric.
According to Sling & Stone, the Frontier practice has been established in response to growing demand from deep-tech companies emerging from Australia's universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystem. The agency aims to help these organisations communicate effectively with investors, policymakers, customers and prospective talent while accelerating international growth.
Nichole Provatas, Managing Director, Australia at Sling & Stone, said frontier technology companies require communications partners with a strong understanding of both complex technologies and the investment landscape. She added that placing the practice under Safahi's leadership would enable the agency to provide specialised strategic counsel to clients operating in emerging technology sectors.
Commenting on her appointment, Safahi said Australia's innovation ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past few years and that the agency intends to help locally developed frontier technologies gain stronger international visibility and commercial opportunities.
The new practice builds on Sling & Stone's growing work with startup and innovation-focused organisations, including Main Sequence, MGA Thermal, Neara, Samsara Eco and UNSW Founders. Over the past year, the agency says it has supported more than 20 startups and venture capital firms with communications around company launches, funding rounds and global expansion initiatives.
