First Australians Capital Welcomes Back Co-Founder Adrian Appo OAM as Managing Director, Partnerships

First Australians Capital (FAC) is excited to announce that co-founder and inaugural Board Chair Adrian Appo OAM is rejoining the organisation as Managing Director, Partnerships. This marks a significant milestone in FAC’s evolution as it continues to empower Indigenous businesses through strategic relationships, innovative investment solutions, and community-driven growth.

Adrian’s return to FAC follows his impactful work at a large, private, anonymous Trust. As the First Nations Lead, he was instrumental in implementing the Trust’s 10-year spend-down strategy, unlocking critical philanthropic funding for Indigenous-led initiatives for economic parity. 

During this time, Adrian has grown his influence to champion collaboration and funding partnerships – unlocking over $250M of funding for First Nations projects over the last 4.5 years. His work bringing Foundations and Trusts together has shaped how philanthropy is granted in the First Nations space throughout the sector. 

Adrian’s deep expertise in First Nations investment strategies and his strong relationships in the philanthropic and business sectors will be instrumental in driving FAC’s next phase of growth. His return to FAC reflects a powerful recommitment to the values that FAC was founded upon: advancing Indigenous entrepreneurship with cultural integrity and creating lasting economic impact.

“For me, returning to FAC is a full-circle journey,” Adrian says. “As a co-Founder and as inaugural Board Chair, FAC’s mission and values have always deeply aligned with my own, and I’m excited to reunite with Jocelyn King to take our work to the next level. With the relationships I’ve built over the last few years, I’m eager to bring new energy back to FAC, to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that Indigenous businesses have the resources, partnerships, and support they need to thrive.”

Adrian’s leadership and deep network will play a pivotal role in expanding FAC’s ability to support First Nations entrepreneurs across Australia. Jocelyn King, another co-founder, inaugural FAC CEO and now Board Chair, added, “Adrian’s return brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight. His leadership will not only strengthen our commercial impact but also open new doors for partnerships and resources to accelerate the growth of Indigenous businesses.”

Adrian will work closely with Jocelyn and the team, and their combined expertise and shared vision will bring renewed focus on enhancing access to capital, fostering innovation, and honouring the heritage and aspirations of First Nations communities. 

The leadership team at FAC is confident that Adrian’s return will strengthen FAC’s role as a catalyst for Indigenous business growth and empowerment. Together, FAC and Adrian are committed to building a future where First Nations entrepreneurs can thrive, contributing to both their communities and the broader economy.

Previously, as the founding Chief Executive Officer of Ganbina, he helped over 500 young Indigenous Australians secure education and career opportunities, and received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to Indigenous youth. Adrian is also a recipient of the Centenary Medal and Defence Force Medal for service. 

Adrian is currently the first Australian and Board Member of the International Funders for Indigenous People, a coalition of global funders of First Nations’ projects. He is one of only three external board members on the Salvation Army board, was a founding Board member Children’s Ground and founding Board member Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE). He also serves as a First Nations advisor to the Maniferra collective – a group of funders that invest in civil society and First Nations-led organisation.