If you’re reading this, it means I’ve worked out how to schedule send. Phew.

But more importantly, it means the first edition of this digest is live 🎉

Welcome to the FNDN newsletter, a digest that explores the increasingly interesting world of startup compensation — the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

So what is this and who is it for?

Compensation is notoriously under-discussed. But the taboo is subsiding and now people are not only openly discussing pay, they’re expecting more resonant responses from their employer. Something many Heads of People are feeling unequipped to provide.

But worse, compensation is also one of the most under-skilled areas within the incredibly broad remit of the People function. 

We’re focused on changing that.

So if you’re a current or aspiring Head of People interested in startup compensation, this new series is designed with you in mind.

You can expect the following kinds of content to slide into your inbox on a monthly basis:

• We’ll be showcasing the people in and around startup compensation.

• We’ll be exploring the practices that work, and how you, too, can leverage them to become a commercial leader.

• We’ll be sharing all the resources, tips, tricks and funnies that bring insight and entertainment.

We want to help every Head of People feel confident in owning their company's biggest line item, its people.

Wait, who is the person behind this newsletter?

Hi, I’m Matt 👋

I’m based in Brisbane, Australia ☀️🌴🦘 with my partner, Kathleen 👫 and 16-year old spoodle Delilah 🐶

I’m a former startup/scale-up Director of People who now pursues a passion for enabling all startups to get comp right, to allow them to build and scale effectively.

I’ve always owned the comp strategy and practice of the companies I’ve worked for, so I understand not only how it can be done effectively, but how it fits within the broader people function and business.

I think of comp as the ‘foundation’ of any company’s People practice (bonus: now you know what FNDN stands for). It’s critical to get this right before you can focus on all the other value add that a People team brings.

With that out of the way, what’s on the menu for today?

Today is but an entrée designed to whet your appetite for the main course — kicking off in our August edition. But keep reading to see what’s in store.

UPCOMING INTERVIEW WITH

Jessica Blomfield
Head of People and Culture at Airtree

DROPPING IN OUR AUGUST EDITION

You know how serious I am about chatting comp when I only go and get the Head of People & Culture at Australia’s largest venture capital firm as our first guest — Jessica Blomfield.

You’re welcome.

With 7 funds and $1.3 Billion under management across 100+ startups, including name brands like Canva, Linktree and Employment Hero, Airtree is arguably the premier VC when it comes to Australia’s startup ecosystem.

Jess’s background is just as impressive, with her experience at Airtree preceded by a stint at startup multi-unicorn, Go1 — suffice to say, she’s seen her fair share on the topic of startup comp.

Tune in to the next edition for Jess’s hot takes on:

• How comp differs between startups and VC’s, 

• How VC’s can help their startups get comp right, and 

• Some of the trends seen across portfolios, to name a few!

If there’s a specific topic that tickles your fancy, or your would like to nominate a guest, hit reply and let me know.

TOOLS & RESOURCES

The Complete Playbook: Embedding Pay Transparency in Your Company

Transform your startup’s compensation strategy with our comprehensive Pay Transparency Playbook, designed with the Head of People in mind. This guide empowers you to build a culture of trust, equity, and openness, ensuring your organisation is both compliant and stands out in a competitive talent market.

Here’s some of the stuff we found interesting this month.

Seen something startup + comp you find interesting? Hit reply to share it.

That’s all for this week.

Sure, this is technically the end of the newsletter, but we don’t have to end here! I’d love this to be a two-way chat, so let me know what you found helpful, any successes you’re seeing, or any questions you have for me.

Sharing is caring. If you are enjoying our newsletter, others might too — forward this on to them and get their endless appreciation.