Martin Karafilis

A little on Martin

Martin Karafilis is a widely renowned founder, speaker and best selling author with over a decade of experience building companies, scaling teams and driving innovation globally.

His work spans technology, product, operations, culture, partnerships and early-stage growth, and his journey has been profiled in publications such as Forbes, TechCrunch, Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal and the AFR.

Across multiple ventures, Martin has taken products from idea to market, led global teams and guided companies through scale, operational discipline and strategic clarity. He’s known for cutting through noise, solving complex problems and helping founders build real momentum. With hands-on experience across product development, go-to-market, customer acquisition, people and culture, branding, capital raising and commercial strategy, he has built a reputation as someone who can take a company from the early chaos into structured, sustainable growth.

In addition to founding and operating businesses, Martin has advised CEOs, founders and investors ranging from early stage through to large-scale growth and even publicly listed organisations. His strength lies not just in guidance, but in his ability to roll up his sleeves, implement frameworks, reshape operating models and set companies up for the next level. He is trusted for his clarity, practicality and willingness to focus on what actually drives outcomes.

Through his leadership roles, he has been involved in advisory work around technology, innovation and science, helping shape programs, policy direction and industry-government collaboration. His ability to bridge founders, corporates and government stakeholders has made him a trusted voice in conversations about Australia’s innovation ecosystem and the future of emerging technology.

As an angel investor, Martin backs teams he believes in across software, AI, health and consumer, leveraging a strong global network of founders, operators, VCs and syndicates. His investment philosophy is grounded in long-term thinking, strong relationships and genuine support for the people behind the products.

Outside of tech, Martin has a growing interest in sport and lifestyle brands, creating content and projects that blend creativity, community and performance - though this plays a complementary role to his core work in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Today, Martin continues to help founders and teams navigate growth, sharpen strategy and scale with discipline. He remains committed to building companies, communities and products that create real impact.

Keynote Speaker

Martin Karafilis is an internationally recognised keynote speaker, delivering sessions across the globe for some of the biggest events.

He is known for cutting through noise and speaking honestly about what it actually takes to build and scale, from early traction through to real growth. Presenting with a strong motivational presence.

Martin is a trusted voice for professional sporting organisations, governments, corporates, universities and startups alike, valued for his practical insights and real-world experience.

BOOK NOW

Bestselling Author

Martin Karafilis is the author of Crazy or Genius?, a best-selling book that captures his journey through entrepreneurship and the mindset required to build, scale and sustain success.

Rather than a technical playbook, the book shares practical philosophies shaped by real experience, focused on taking action, making decisions and building momentum. From early-stage chaos to scaling businesses, Crazy or Genius? has resonated with founders, operators and leaders alike, earning best-seller status and positioning Martin as a voice on what it actually takes to turn ideas into outcomes.

BUY NOW

Common Player

Common Player is Martin Karafilis’ latest venture with Anna Valova, inspired by his passion for sport. Focused on women’s apparel, the brand brings together performance and style through considered design.

At its core, Common Player celebrates the everyday athlete, those who show up, put in the work and push to go further, blending Martin’s appreciation for both fashion and sport into a brand built for how people actually play.

CHECK IT OUT

World Leading Entrepreneur

World Leading Entrepreneur

A little on Martin

Keynote Speaker

Bestselling Author

Common Player

World Leading Entrepreneur

World Leading Entrepreneur

A little on Martin

Keynote Speaker

Bestselling Author

Common Player

Subscribe

This website uses cookies.