Derek Handley is a New Zealand-based entrepreneur and founding general partner of Aera VC, a global venture capital investor backing deep-technology startups tackling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across the future of climate, carbon, food, health, work and learning.
For over ten years, while based in New York, Mr Handley co-created companies and platforms delivering social impact and environmental transformation. He co-founded the sustainability alliance 'The B Team' with Sir Richard Branson, and helped build NY-based start-up studio 'Human Ventures'. He also created the Aera Foundation, a charitable studio advancing new models that fuse social and financial goals.
Mr Handley was previously named in the 'Silicon Alley 100' most influential technology people in New York.
He is an Adjunct Professor at AUT University in Auckland, was a formative member of the Air New Zealand Sustainability Advisory Panel, and is an aspiring civilian astronaut with Virgin Galactic.
