About Matthew Rockman
Matthew Rockman is a prominent Australian investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known as one of the co-founders of SEEK Ltd., one of Australia’s most successful online businesses. Through his visionary leadership, Rockman helped transform SEEK into a global company listed on the ASX with a market capitalization of $5.5 billion, with operations across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, China, Brazil, and Malaysia.
Now a partner at Square Peg Capital, Matthew focuses on venture investing, particularly in the tech start-up space. He is also deeply committed to philanthropic work, running the Rockman Foundation alongside his wife, supporting community-based projects that improve the lives of children in need.
Early Life & Education
Born in Melbourne in January 1968, Matthew Rockman hails from a family with a strong business background. His father, Irvin Peter Rockman CBE, was a prominent Australian businessman and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, while his mother, Yvonne Rowe, was a successful model and restaurateur. Rockman’s maternal and paternal grandparents both emigrated from Eastern Europe, fleeing anti-Semitic persecution, and later establishing successful businesses in Melbourne, including a chain of clothing stores, Rockman’s, which was sold to Woolworths in the 1960s.
Rockman attended Wesley College in Melbourne and later graduated from Monash University with a degree in Banking & Finance. In 2014, he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in the School of Business, further cementing his role as a respected figure in the Australian business community.
Career & SEEK
Matthew Rockman’s career began in real estate, working with firms such as CBRE Group, before he joined his family’s business, Northrock Group, in sales and marketing. However, it was his involvement in the founding of SEEK Ltd. in 1997 that would mark a turning point in his career.
The idea for SEEK was born when Rockman’s business partners, Paul and Andrew Bassat, saw a gap in the market for online job listings. Paul, frustrated with traditional newspaper classifieds, suggested launching a website focused on job searches. Rockman came on board as the company’s head of Sales & Marketing, and the trio quickly turned their vision into reality. The company officially launched in 1998, and within a few short years, SEEK grew into a leading online platform for job seekers and employers.
In 2003, SEEK attracted major investment when Kerry Packer’s PBL Media acquired a 25% stake, valuing the company at over $132 million. By the time Rockman exited SEEK in 2005, he held 11 million shares worth over $40 million. Despite his departure, Rockman remained a long-term shareholder in the company, and his contributions in the early days of the business were widely acknowledged by industry figures, including James Packer, who praised his persistence in helping SEEK establish itself.
Post-SEEK Ventures
Following his successful exit from SEEK, Rockman turned his attention to new ventures. He became the Chairman of Nitro PDF, a software company, in 2007. This marked his first hands-on role after SEEK, where he had the opportunity to apply his entrepreneurial skills to the tech sector once again. Rockman also became involved in over 10 tech start-ups, investing in and advising emerging companies with growth potential.
He currently works with Square Peg Capital, a venture capital firm, where he manages a portfolio of investments across various sectors, ranging from technology to more traditional businesses. Rockman is deeply passionate about the start-up ecosystem, particularly in the tech space, and remains active as a mentor and advisor to budding entrepreneurs.
Philanthropy & Social Impact
In addition to his business ventures, Matthew Rockman is committed to giving back to the community through his philanthropic work. He and his wife established the Rockman Foundation, which focuses on supporting projects aimed at improving the lives of children in need. Their foundation works on community-based initiatives and provides financial support to organizations that enhance the social sector and promote positive social change.
Public Speaking & Media Engagement
As an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, Rockman regularly speaks at key industry events, including for Fortune 500 companies, and is involved in producing content that shares his insights on entrepreneurship and tech innovation. He is currently co-producing a video series with Private Media Group, which further highlights his expertise in business and technology.
Personal Life
Rockman is married and has two children. In addition to his business ventures, he is passionate about family, education, and giving back to society. His background in finance, combined with a deep understanding of the tech and startup worlds, has helped him build a diversified career, where his influence spans beyond business into areas of social impact.
Legacy & Vision
Matthew Rockman’s journey from co-founding SEEK Ltd. to becoming a prominent investor and philanthropist demonstrates his vision, persistence, and belief in the power of technology to drive change. With his focus on start-ups, venture investing, and philanthropic endeavors, Rockman continues to shape Australia’s business landscape and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
