Annie Parker

Executive Director - Tech Central, Greater Sydney Commission
Annie is a globally recognised innovator in startup cultivation, and a distinguished community leader. She has built multiple startup programs that have invested in thousands of founders. A firm believer in the importance of paying her knowledge forward, Annie is also an active angel investor, mentor, keynote speaker and an advocate for inclusion and public interest technology. 

In 2018 Annie joined Microsoft as Global Head of their Startup program. Most recently, she took on the challenge of leading Equity, Inclusion and Social Impact for the Startups team. In this role, she designed dedicated programs for under-represented founders around the world, giving them the skills and help they needed to succeed.  

Prior to Microsoft, Annie held a number of ecosystem leadership roles. She co-founded Telstra’s startup accelerator program, muru-Dand she was Head of European Operations for Wayra, Telefonica’s accelerator. 

Annie has co-founded various not for profits including Code Club Australiaa charity teaching coding to kids in after-school clubs. Code Club is now operating in thousands of schools, serving over 75,000 youths every week across the country. 

She also co-founded Techfugees Australia, a global movement connecting the technology ecosystem with newly arrived refugees, helping to solve the problems they face as they begin their lives in their new country. Many of the participants from Techfugees events have gone on to create incredible businesses, creating jobs and wealth for the community. 

In recognition of her leadership, in 2018 Annie was chosen by the Australian Financial Review as one of the 100 Women of Influence, and won the award for Most Progressive Workplace leader by Talent Unleashed in 2017. 

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