Holly Board of Directors

David Shein Chairman

David Shein established Dimension Data Australia (formerly Com Tech Communications) in July 1987 as a specialist supplier of networking and communications products. Today, Dimension Data is recognised as a leading provider of IT distribution, networking, i-commerce and learning solutions and services to the Australian marketplace.

David emigrated from South Africa to Australia in November 1986 to take up the position as National Sales Manager of Ozisoft. Prior to joining Ozisoft, David, on completing an Accounting degree, was employed by Price Waterhouse in South Africa where he was responsible for establishing a micro computer division within the Small Business Department of Price Waterhouse.

Com Tech re-branded in July 2001 as Dimension Data, a company that had originally invested in Com Tech in 1996. Today, Dimension Data Australia is a national company, with offices in all the major states of Australia and New Zealand, employing over 1400 staff, more than half of which are committed to providing technical service and support. The company has no external debt and has annual revenues in excess of $700 million. David firmly believes that the sole reason for Dimension Data’s growth is ensuring exceptional levels of both customer and staff satisfaction.

Lance Berks Executive Director & CEO

Lance is CEO, Executive Director and Founder of Holly Connects. Lance was responsible for raising capital and securing business with Holly's key customers and strategic partners. He has also played a lead role in recruiting key management and technical personnel to Holly.

Lance began his career in telecommunications as Business Development Manager for Teljoy, a GSM service provider, and Internet Solutions. Moving to Australia, he was subsequently responsible for the development of strategic partnerships for the OzEmail Interline VoIP Network and was instrumental in building the OzEmail Interline VoIP affiliate program leading up to the acquisition by MCI WorldCom in 1999.

Lance has 14 years experience in Internet and telecommunications industries and is well-connected through-out North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Ivor Frischknecht Director

Ivor Frischknecht joined Starfish Ventures as Investment Director in 2005 after 15 years of hands-on management and investing experience. Prior to joining Starfish, Ivor was a Director of the New Ventures Group at Idealab, a California-based firm that incubates and invests in early stage technology companies. Preceding Idealab, Ivor was a senior operating executive, including CEO, of several Silicon Valley startups in the energy technology, enterprise software and the Internet sectors.

He co-founded a software company, Angara Database Systems, built it from zero to sixty employees over five years, raised US$40MM of top-tier venture capital and debt, and eventually merged it with a public company. Ivor has a strong international network of co-investors and potential employees, particularly in the USA. Currently he is overseeing three other companies that are either based in, or are expanding aggressively into, North America. He has helped companies grow as an independent investor, consultant and advisor, from incorporation through several rounds of financing and eventually to exit.

Prior to becoming a technology entrepreneur and investor, Ivor worked as a strategic management consultant with Bain & Company and with the law firm Minter Ellison. Ivor holds an MBA from Stanford University and Bachelors of Economics (Hons) and Law from the University of Sydney.