Jost Stollmann

Jost Stollmann is a serial entrepreneur, fintech pioneer, and advocate for entrepreneurial culture, with a career defined by building businesses that challenge entrenched systems and deliver meaningful economic impact.

His entrepreneurial journey began in Germany in 1984 with the founding of CompuNet, a network integration company that rode the early wave of the personal computer and networking revolution. Under his leadership, CompuNet grew into a billion-dollar enterprise before being acquired by GE Capital in 1996.

Following this milestone, Jost embarked on a two-year circumnavigation of the globe with his wife and five children aboard their custom-built 130-foot sailing yacht. A chance stop in Australia led to a permanent move, and in 2004 he settled in Sydney.

In 2005, he joined forces with three Australian engineers to launch Tyro, which commenced operations in 2006 as Australia’s first digital business bank. Built as a cloud-based, mobile-first platform, Tyro secured a full banking licence and successfully challenged Australia’s long-standing bank oligopoly. The business now employs hundreds of people, serves tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, and generates substantial recurring revenue—proving that so-called “mission impossible” ideas can be realised with vision and execution.

Jost is a strong proponent of the API economy, open banking, and open ecosystems where innovation thrives and the best ideas can compete on merit. He is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurial culture, driven by the belief that entrepreneurial talent is not the privilege of a few but exists everywhere when people are trusted, empowered, and encouraged to create.

Whether founding and scaling companies, advising start-ups, contributing to education initiatives, or serving as Shadow Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, Jost’s focus remains constant: enabling individuals and organisations to take ownership of their future and unlock their creative potential.

He believes there has never been a more powerful moment for entrepreneurs—and that entrepreneurial and creative talent will be the most valuable asset class of the future.