Derek Gerrard - Winner of ECU's 2025 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award

Investor and entrepreneur Derek Gerrard has built a career defined by visionary leadership, high achievement and a deep commitment to social and economic impact. As Co-Founder and Director of WA's largest venture capital fund, Purpose Ventures, Derek’s success and unwavering dedication to the local entrepreneurial community has led to being named the winner of the 2025 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award. A standout example of his entrepreneurial success was the founding of a sustainability-focused technology company that he led to a successful acquisition. This achievement became a launchpad for Derek to further support Western Australian startups, bringing new energy and structure to the local innovation landscape.