Event Update & Winner Announced

Our Sharks Took The Bait!

This year’s Shire Shark Dive breakfast made a splash as contestants pitched
their ideas to a team of expert local Sharks!

Held at Club Central, Menai on Thursday July 31, Shark Dive promoted
innovation and entrepreneurship in the Shire. From inspiring pitches to
generous sponsorship, the morning was packed with energy, innovation and
collaboration.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who put their amazing business ideas forward!

And a special thanks to our courageous finalists:

Laetitia Andrac – Understanding Zoe
Gita Rahardjo – Red Blood Comic
Thomas Hayes – Kapow Seasonings
Andrew Lowy – AIR360RE

And the Winner Is…

Laetitia Andrac Founder of Understanding Zoe

Winner Shire Shark Dive 2025!

Understanding Zoe is an AI powered, neuroaffirming platform for families of autistic, ADHD and other neurodivergent kids, built by Zoe after her daughter received an autism diagnosis. A chat coach turns clinical reports into plain English daily tips and syncs parents, teachers, therapists and HR in one secure hub.

Connect with Laetitia
Understanding Zoe Webpage
Understanding Zoe LinkedIn

Thomas Hayes Founder of Kapow Seasonings

Peoples Choice Winner 2025

Frustrated by bland, over commercializes spices, Thomas, a qualified food scientist and ex chef began crafting his own blends – focusing on bold, natural flavors and gut health. By combining culinary passion with science, Kapow Seasonings was born: explosively tasty mixes that support the microbiome and elevate everyday cooking for those that are time poor and health conscious.

Connect with Thomas
Kapow Seasonings Webpage
Thomas Hayes LinkedIn

A huge Thank You to these fantastic local businesses for donating the
amazing $40,000 prize package and Lucky Door prizes!

Not forgetting our fantastic Sharks! Thank you for putting our finalists through their
paces and our MC for the day Jeremy Fleming of Stagekings for keeping the
morning on track!

Jade Spooner, Founder of Spooner Ventures & Advisory | Connect on: Instagram | LinkedIn
Brinley Meagher, Startup and Venture Capital Lawyer at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers | Connect on: Instagram | LinkedIn
Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia and Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University of Technology | Connect on: LinkedIn
Jeremy Fleming, Founder & CEO Stagekings | Connect on: Instagram | LinkedIn

Finally, Thank You to our supporters who made our
2025 Shire Shark Dive event possible:

Event Partner: Sutherland Shire Council

Social Media Partner: Socially Squared

Venue Sponsor: Club Central, Menai

Event Supporter: iAccelerate, UOW

MC: Jeremy Fleming – Stagekings

Photography Partner: Sophie B Photography