Sling & Stone launches deep tech specialism, appoints Australian lead
Mumbrella can reveal Sling & Stone has launched a new ‘deep tech’ specialism to be led by Tara Pereira.
After years of helping startups, investors, and government organisations translate complex technologies into impactful narratives, the comms agency is now doubling down on “deep tech” — defined as innovations that are built on significant scientific advancements.
It follows recent client wins including NZ-based venture capital company WNT Ventures and one of the world’s leading space conferences, the International Astronautical Conference 2025 (IAC).
The new deep tech specialism will provide bespoke services including messaging and branding, funding announcements, and global market expansion.
Deep tech is a rapidly growing segment in Australia’s startup ecosystem. According to the 2024 Startup Muster Report, 22% of sampled startups are now classified as deep tech.
Sling & Stone has promoted Tara Pereira to lead the offering in Australia. She has been with the agency for nearly seven years, most recently servicing some of its existing deep tech clients including CSIRO, Space Machines Company, and MGA Thermal.
Now associate director of deep tech and science, Pereira will lead the development of the specialised services.
“The deep tech landscape isn’t just a professional interest for me, it’s a genuine passion,” Pereira told Mumbrella.
“I thrive on the energy of working alongside the brightest minds who are literally inventing the future. These are the technologies that will solve the seemingly unsolvable, propelling us to new heights — from feeding a growing population to reaching for the stars.
“My role is more than just PR — I want Sling & Stone to be the vital link that helps these incredible innovators tell their stories with maximum impact, fostering the understanding and support needed to bring their visions to life.”
Tara Pereira
James Hutchinson, CEO of the agency, said: “For us, nothing is more critical than accelerating the innovations that will define our future, both here on Earth and beyond. Our team has a proven track record of taking complex technologies and help them resonate across government, academia, investors and the public.
“While many talk about deep tech, we’ve been in the trenches building it with the pioneers for years,” he told Mumbrella.
“We’re now doubling down on our expertise to provide deep tech companies, from stealth mode to global domination, with the rocket fuel they need to win big and transform industries.”
Pereira’s promotion follows the appointment of Stefanie Safahi late last year, also designed to strengthen the agency’s startup portfolio. She joined from Icon Agency, and is also a co-founder of VC Women Down Under, a 200+ strong community of female partners in Venture Capital.
Sling & Stone has performed strongly under the new leadership of Hutchinson. He succeeded founder and CEO, Vuki Vujasinovic, at the start of this year. Vujasinovic stepped away from the business to “spend time with family and plan for the future”.
Its client roster includes LUSH, RMIT Online, 4Pines, Rothy’s, Domino’s, Boody, waterdrop, Nourish Ingredients, and Moonpig, among others.
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
Got a tip?
Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the agency beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
Linkedin
topics
agency
comms
deep tech
James Hutchinson
PR
Sling & Stone
specialism
startup
Tara Pereira
tech
Have your say