Early Life and Education
Fred Schebesta is an influential figure in Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape, known for his innovative approaches in digital marketing and fintech. Born in Sydney, he pursued a Bachelor of Finance degree at Macquarie University, where he developed a keen interest in business and finance.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Fred’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 22 years old, when he co-founded Freestyle Media, a digital agency that rapidly gained traction in the competitive online marketing space. The success of Freestyle Media led to its sale to a publicly-listed company in 2007, marking Fred’s first significant achievement in the business world.
Co-founding Finder.com.au
In 2006, Fred and his business partner Frank Restuccia launched finder.com.au, one of Australia’s largest comparison websites, which has since grown to receive millions of visits monthly. The site specializes in comparing various financial products and services, establishing itself as a leader in Australia’s competitive comparison market. In 2015, they expanded the brand internationally, launching finder.com in the United States, followed by a UK launch in 2017.
Innovations and Contributions
Fred’s vision for Finder didn’t stop at comparison services; he spearheaded the development of the Finder App in 2020, which integrates personal finance management with product comparison. This app has positioned Finder as a pioneering fintech, reflecting Fred’s commitment to facilitating financial literacy and empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
In 2018, he also established Finder Ventures, a venture capital arm designed to incubate new business ideas. The first initiative was the launch of HiveEx.com, a cryptocurrency brokerage that further showcased Fred’s forward-thinking approach to finance.
Awards and Recognitions
Fred has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was honored as the ADMA Australian Young Direct Marketer of the Year at 22 and was listed in Australian Anthill’s 30 under 30 at just 23. In 2019, he was recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year at the Blockchain Australia Industry Awards, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the entrepreneurial community.
Media and Mentorship
As a respected media commentator, Fred contributes to major publications like news.com.au, The Huffington Post, and Fairfax Media. He regularly appears on television and radio, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and digital marketing. Beyond media, Fred dedicates time as a mentor at various organizations, including the University of Technology Entrepreneur Program, where he guides students in developing business concepts.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Fred is passionate about enhancing financial literacy across Australia. His commitment to social responsibility is evident in his efforts to support community initiatives and empower individuals to adopt a frugal mindset, thereby making smarter financial decisions.
Recent Ventures
In addition to his work with Finder, Fred launched Schebesta Ventures in 2020 to support emerging startups. He also established Hive Empire Capital, a blockchain investment fund, and co-founded Balthazar, an NFT gaming platform aimed at creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for gamers.
Conclusion
Fred Schebesta continues to be a driving force in the digital marketing and fintech industries. His innovative spirit, commitment to community, and impressive portfolio of achievements establish him as one of Australia’s most respected entrepreneurs. Through his various ventures and mentorship roles, Fred is dedicated to shaping the future of finance and entrepreneurship in Australia and beyond.
