Frank Tonkin(Opens in a new tab/window) has been with the NRFC since its inception, helping with the development of the National Reconstruction Fund before joining the organisation when it launched. As the NRFC's Director, Investments (Stakeholder Engagement), Frank is the "front door" of the NRFC, engaging with companies to assess their investment proposals.
We sat down with Frank to find out more about his role at the NRFC and what he enjoys most about working with Australian manufacturing businesses and founders.
Can you tell us about your role as Director, Investments (Stakeholder Engagement)? What are your key responsibilities and focus areas?
My role is sometimes described as the “front door” to the NRFC, sitting at the intersection of industry engagement and investment. I'm often one of the first people companies speak with when they're considering whether the NRFC could be the right partner to support their growth ambitions.
A big part of my role is helping businesses understand the NRFC's investment mandate and assess whether they're investment ready. Where there appears to be strong alignment, I help connect them into the NRFC’s investment process. Where the NRFC may not be the right fit, we can help them better understand other pathways or other sources of capital or support that may be more appropriate for their stage of growth.
I spend much of my time engaging with founders, management teams, investors, industry groups, and other stakeholders across Australia's manufacturing ecosystem. This includes helping businesses navigate what can be a complex funding landscape, while also building connections across industry, government, and the investment community.
Ultimately, my role is about connecting great Australian businesses with the capital and support they need to scale, create jobs, and strengthen manufacturing in Australia.
You're often the first point of contact for companies seeking investment from the NRFC. What do you enjoy most about working with Australian manufacturing businesses and founders?
I often joke that I have the best job in the NRFC (sorry, David). I get to spend most of my day speaking with passionate founders and management teams who are solving real-world problems and building the innovations that will shape Australia's future.
It's incredibly rewarding to hear their stories, understand the challenges they're tackling, and learn what drives them. Many of these businesses have developed world-class technologies, products and capabilities, often with relatively limited resources, and are now looking for ways to scale.
I get a front-row seat to some of the most exciting things being designed and manufactured in Australia. It's hard not to come away impressed every day.
What advice do you have for companies looking to submit an investment proposal to the NRFC?
We regularly meet businesses with compelling technologies, products, and ideas. However, what often separates a good idea from an investable opportunity is a clear understanding of the commercial pathway. Businesses should be able to clearly articulate:
- Who are your customers?
- What problem are you solving for them?
- What evidence is there that the market wants what you're offering?
- What are the key risks, and how do you plan to manage them?
I'd also encourage businesses to spend some time reviewing the information on our website to understand our investment mandate and eligibility criteria. If it looks like there may be alignment, engage with us early through our webform. Our team will review the information and get in touch to discuss your proposal.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career journey so far?
I've spent most of my career with the Commonwealth Government developing policies and programs supporting commercialisation, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and Australia's start-up ecosystem.
A large part of that work has involved working directly with businesses, investors, and industry to understand what companies need to commercialise, attract capital, and scale. Over time, that has given me a deep understanding of both the opportunities Australian businesses create and the challenges they face running and growing their businesses.
More recently, I worked on the development of the National Reconstruction Fund before joining the NRFC when it launched. That felt like a natural progression, bringing together my experience in commercialisation, venture capital, and industry development with an investment-focused approach on helping Australian manufacturers grow and scale.
The common thread throughout my career has been helping Australian businesses turn good ideas into successful, sustainable companies.
What's a fun fact about you that most people wouldn't guess?
Few people would guess that I'm a big fan of hard rock and heavy metal music. Over the years, I've even done a bit of music journalism, including interviewing bands and writing album reviews. Music is a big part of my day and a great source of energy whether it is discovering new bands or revisiting the rock classics.
When you're not working at the NRFC, how do you like to unwind and recharge?
Spending time with my family is my favourite way to recharge. Beyond that, I'm usually counting down to the next concert or finding time to watch sport, especially my beloved Liverpool Football Club. Whether it's music, sport, or family time, those are the things that help me switch off and reset for the week ahead.
If you'd like to connect or learn more, you can reach out to Frank via LinkedIn(Opens in a new tab/window).