Desmond John

Desmond John has accumulated extensive experience in community building, event management, and investment within the startup ecosystem. Currently serving as Director at Drinking History Tours and holding contract events and membership roles at The Startup Network, Desmond also acts as a Community Ambassador for The Community Collective, which supports community builders in Australia and New Zealand. As a pre-seed investor in ZILIO, a fashion-tech startup, Desmond has been active in the investment space, previously serving as an investor and campaign manager at Birchal. Additional roles include Ecosystem Lead at Hatch Quarter and a Member Partner at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where Desmond significantly expanded the member base. An early career included tour guiding and administration at I'm Free Walking Tours and Landing Pads Accommodation. Desmond holds a Bachelor of Arts from Swinburne University of Technology.