SKMG Launches Deep Tech Division led by Gabrielle Dunbar
Executive advisory and communications consultancy SKMG today announced the appointment of Gabrielle Dunbar as Associate Director, Deep Technology
Gabrielle will lead a new division helping founders and disruptors translate complex solutions into messages that unlock capital, attract top talent and influence policy.
Gabrielle joins SKMG from London, where she was a Director at Commplicated, a specialist deep tech communications firm. There, Gabrielle worked with university spinouts and early-stage startups in quantum, AI, advanced materials, defence and biotech, shaping their stories around what makes the science different, how it becomes a business and why investors should care. She led announcements for funding rounds, VC fund launches, partnerships, technical milestones and scientific publications.
Before that, Gabrielle spent eight years at Champion Communications, a London-based B2B tech consultancy, rising from Account Executive to Managing Partner. She ran campaigns for global cloud, data centre and SaaS companies across EMEA, North America and APAC, and launched several businesses into new markets, including a hospitality tech company into Australia and New Zealand.
Gabrielle has completed Imperial College London’s Venture Capital program and Mark Ritson’s MBA in Marketing. She also holds an MSc in Public Relations from Manchester Metropolitan University and a BA in History from Newcastle University.
Gabrielle said:
“Australia has an exciting opportunity to turn its deep tech research into globally significant businesses. Having worked with ambitious founders across the UK and Europe, I’ve seen how much clear communication matters, whether that’s winning over investors, landing a first customer or hiring the right team. SKMG is built on sharp messaging and strategy, and I’m looking forward to bringing that approach to deep tech and working with the founders and investors taking these technologies to market.”
SKMG co-founder Neil Shoebridge said:
“The deep tech sector is growing rapidly in Australia and already has the highest rate of turning out unicorns for comparatively low capital investment in the world. Deep tech founders require specialised expertise to tell their story and fund expansion. With her extensive experience and great track record in the UK, plus an impressive understanding of the Australian market, Gabrielle is the perfect person to do that. We are delighted that she agreed to join the SKMG team.”
SKMG co-founder Andrew Knowles said:
“The founders and changemakers we work with have already done the hard part: creating something that works. We’re proud to be growing the business they trust to ensure investors, hires and policymakers understand the value in what they are building. We’re currently working with clients tackling the Australian housing crisis, delivering renewable solutions to energy security in Africa, protecting Australian copyright against AI and leading the science of word of mouth. Gabrielle is a remarkably adept operator who understands how founders think, what they need and how to maximise value. We’re so excited to have her on board.”
Gabrielle’s appointment follows the addition of Tess O’Brien as Associate Director, Property and Place, in May 2025. Tess has since built a thriving practice, with clients spanning Australia, the UK and Dubai. Eliza Livingstone joined SKMG as Account Executive in March this year.
