Martin Martinez

I'm a passionate entrepreneur with extensive experience in building businesses from inception or in early stages to successful exists.

One of my biggest achievements has been the launch of the
Australian Poker League, a company which I founded in 2005 and managed as CEO for 7 years.

The firm grew from virtually an idea to becoming the world's largest poker franchise, with over 120 franchisees in Australia and New Zealand.

With a combined operating income in excess of $50 million per annum, we hosted over 4,500 events per month in over 800 pubs, bars and clubs and grew our customer base to more than 500,000 members. Ultimately, the company was partly sold to WIN Corp in 2009 and still is the industry leader.

Apart from investing in several different businesses, I'm also the Editor in Chief of
Ventures Magazine, dedicated to showcasing amazing entrepreneurs and their unique business ideas as well as author of 'Freeconomics - Make Millions Giving it Away',
focused on using the power of FREE to profit and grow your business.

Specialties: Business development, financing, franchising, mergers and acquisition, government liasion, brand building, thinking outside the box and freemium business models.