Kanopy founder joins Curtin

Kanopy founder Olivia Humphrey will mentor and guide emerging Western Australia-based startups in her new role as entrepreneur in residence at Curtin University.

Ms Humphrey, who founded the streaming service in 2007 as a DVD rental store based out of Subiaco, moved to the US in 2013 to seek investment and executive leadership for her startup.

She has served as the company's executive chair since she returned to Perth in October last year.

As part of her new role, Ms Humphrey will serve as a keynote speaker at the university’s annual Ignition event, which this year will run from August 30 to September 4.

She said she was excited to participate in the event and help the aspiring entrepreneurs to further develop their ideas.

“I am excited to inspire them to undertake what is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow and help fast-track their vision into commercial ventures,” Ms Humphrey said.

In addition to her appointment, former Yahoo director and executive Marvin Liao will also join Curtin as an entrepreneur in residence.

Mr Liao spent a decade with the US-based search engine provider before leaving in 2012, and has held a variety of executive and board positions in the intervening years.

Curtin’s faculty of business and law pro vice-chancellor Nigel de Bussy welcomed the appointments this morning, saying they would aid the university in its ambition of becoming a world leader in developing entrepreneurialism.

“Ms Humphrey and Mr Liao will be outstanding ambassadors for innovation,” Professor de Bussy said.

“They will be able to help connect Curtin entrepreneurs and form relationships with global experts in technology entrepreneurship and investment as part of the pipeline of entrepreneurial activity at the university.”