Sling & Stone appoints Stefanie Safahi to lead new Frontier practice – Campaign Brief
Sling & Stone, the global communications agency built for the world’s best challengers and disruptors, has today announced that Stefanie Safahi will step into a new role as Associate Director, Frontier, overseeing the agency’s startup and deep tech offerings.
The move comes as Australia cements its position as a significant venture ecosystem on the global stage. According to the latest Outliers report from Side Stage Ventures, Australia has become the fastest-growing VC-backed ecosystem globally since 2016 and produces more decacorns per VC dollar than any other country.
As more of Australia’s frontier companies emerge from labs, universities and research institutions, the challenge has evolved to effectively sharing their stories to connect them with customers, policymakers, capital allocators and talent as they scale.
Says Nichole Provatas, Managing Director, Australia, Sling & Stone: “Sling & Stone was built to champion the challengers, and the next wave of world-changing disruptors are emerging from research labs, climate tech hubs, and advanced AI platforms. Communicating the value of frontier tech requires an intricate understanding of both deep tech nuances and the investment landscape. Bringing these specialisms under Stefanie’s leadership ensures our clients have a partner who truly speaks their language.
“Stef has been an absolute force since joining us. Her unique background bridging venture capital and growth tech communications makes her the perfect leader to spearhead this next chapter for our agency and the ambitious founders we support.”
Safahi, who joined Sling & Stone in 2024, brings deep experience in startups, scale-ups, VCs and large enterprise technology companies like Salesforce and Schneider Electric across the US and ANZ. She previously led communications and brand at Australian venture firm Folklore Ventures, where she launched the State of Australian Startup Funding report and co-founded VC Women Down Under, the largest community for women working in venture across Australia and New Zealand.
The expanded role comes off the back of recent client wins and existing clients, including Main Sequence, MGA Thermal, Neara, Samsara Eco, UNSW Founders and more. Safahi will focus on partnering with frontier tech companies, founders and investors across key industries such as AI, energy, climate and healthtech.
Says Safahi: “I came into this ecosystem from the US, and after several years working within it – in venture and agency roles – I’m incredibly proud of how much it has evolved. Australia is finally getting the global recognition it deserves.
“I feel privileged to step into an expanded remit, working with even more of the founders and investors shaping tomorrow through emerging industries, new technologies and scientific breakthroughs. This isn’t just about PR in Australia; it’s putting these frontier companies on the global stage so they have their best chance at success and generational impact.”
The new specialism builds on the agency’s hands-on expertise and success supporting startups, investors and government agencies working at the cutting edge with tailored offerings designed to support companies across their entire journey, including launching, messaging and branding, funding milestones, market expansion and exits. In the past year alone, Sling & Stone has partnered with over 20 startups and VCs to drive their milestones from launches to funding and market expansions.
Register for FREE HERE and receive the Campaign Brief Daily Bulletin and/or the global Best Ads Best of the Week Bulletin. Subscribe to Campaign Brief Magazine.
#More Creative News #No paywalls #No annual membership fees
Subscribe to Portfolio & Reel for current listings of Australian and NZ ad agency and production company leadership and key personnel
