Internationally acclaimed Queensland businesswoman Leanne Kemp has been appointed Queensland’s new Chief Entrepreneur.

Ms Kemp’s ground breaking blockchain start-up, Everledger was listed as one of the World Economic Forum’s most promising technology pioneers of 2018.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the tech world Ms Kemp has forged a successful career as an entrepreneur. In just three years she has built her company into a global power player with offices in five countries, including her largest tech workforce right here in Brisbane

Everledger raised more than $10 million in venture capital earlier this year and now employs 72 people.

Ms Kemp said a global focus was an important attribute she would bring to the job.

“The key to having a successful start-up is to seek and solve very real problems. Challenge yourself to think and transact globally from the outset,” she said.

“One of my aims in taking up this role is guiding Queensland entrepreneurs in that approach and passing on my experience in running a company that spreads across the globe.  

“We are all living in an incredible time with the convergence of exponential technologies:  AI, blockchain, robotics, machine vision, nano-technologies, precision medicine all within an arm’s reach of every Queenslander.”   

Outgoing Chief Entrepreneur Steve Baxter said that Ms Kemp’s global focus and international reputation provides a fantastic opportunity for Queensland businesses, particularly in the growing tech sector, to make connections in new markets and continue to think big.

“A key theme during my 12 months in the role has been to remind entrepreneurs to have a global focus from day one,” he said.

“We’re in a global marketplace and as I’ve travelled around the state, it’s been encouraging to see the wide variety of businesses that are performing on the international stage.

“Ms Kemp’s achievements put her at the cutting edge of innovative technology and this appointment reinforces that with a global mindset, Queensland entrepreneurs can take on the world.”

The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur’s office is in The Precinct, Queensland’s start-up hub in Fortitude Valley. Ms Kemp will serve in the position in a part-time capacity for the next 12 months.