We have had an exciting start to June and are thrilled to announce two significant additions to the Beaten Zone Venture Partners team!

Mick Ryan, AM joins us as ‘Advisor at Large’. Mick is a retired Major General in the Australian Army with a distinguished 35-year career. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Marine Corps University, he has commanded at every level, from platoon to brigade and led Australia’s first reconstruction task force in Afghanistan. Mick’s deep knowledge and extensive experience will help connect us to the US market and enhance our strategic initiatives.

Mick is a fellow at the Lowy Institute and a non-resident fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.


Peta Ellis is returning to work with BZV Founder Steve Baxter after their successful collaboration at River City Labs from launch to acquisition. With over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, communications, PR, marketing, and media relations, Peta was the foundation CEO of River City Labs and played a pivotal role in fostering Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. After spending the past five years working with schools, universities, and private organisations in entrepreneurship education and business advisory.

Peta brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our team in our next growth phase.

Beaten Zone Venture Partners is thrilled to welcome Mick and Peta the team and look forward to their incredible contributions to our mission of supporting and advancing sovereign businesses that enhance the lethality and survivability capabilities of the Australian Defence Force and Australia’s allies.

Mick and Peta join the existing BZV team including:
Steve Baxter Founder and lead investor, Alexandra Grigg Investment Manager,  Max Quinlan-ward Investment Associate Jake Bostock  Capability Scout and Jade Kinshela Assistant to the Baxter Family office