Defined Project
Clear deliverables, fixed fee structure, typically six to twelve weeks duration
About Phil Delaney
The short version
I have spent 20 years working at the intersection of geospatial technology, research, and commercial strategy. I have led national industry transformation programs. I have designed innovation programs for defence and government agencies. I have run a research organisation's commercial portfolio across $50M+ in active projects. And I have stood up an AI startup from zero, raised $2.3M, won national awards, and eventually moved on to lead a specialist aerial data company through a technology-led strategic transformation.
None of those experiences are especially common on their own. The combination is, I think, genuinely unusual. And it is what makes me most useful as an adviser: I have been on both sides of the research-to-commercialisation journey, I understand what a CRC board is actually worried about, I know what a mining executive needs from a compliance evidence conversation, and I have stood in front of an investor trying to explain why an AI startup is worth backing.
I set up Parallax Advisory because the kind of advisory I do best is not well served by a corporate firm structure. The work is personal. The relationships are personal. Clients should work directly with the person who holds the knowledge, not get handed down to a junior team.
How I work
Every engagement starts with a conversation. I am not going to try to sell you a solution before I understand your situation, and I am not going to commit to work I do not think I can add genuine value to.
If the fit is clear, we scope the engagement together: what the work involves, what a useful outcome looks like, how long it will take, and what it will cost. I do not use opaque pricing structures. I do not stretch scopes. I do not hide behind a firm brand.
Fractional Advisory
Ongoing support on an agreed number of days per month, working directly with you
Strategy Sessions
Half-day or full-day focused review delivering sharp external perspective on specific questions, coupled with an actionable summary for your team
To deliver strategic advisory that is personal, transparent, and genuinely useful to clients navigating complex commercial decisions
Background, briefly
Leadership
CEO, Outline Global — aerial data and geospatial intelligence, 2025-2026
CEO, MapAI — AI geospatial analytics startup, 2023-2025
Deputy CEO / Chief Growth Officer, FrontierSI — national R&D and innovation organisation, 2014-2023
Education
MBA, Melbourne Business School — Foundation Award of Distinction (top 10%)
Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering (Hons), University of Melbourne
Adjunct Senior Fellow - City Futures Research Centre, UNSW
Research publications across urban planning, spatial data infrastructure, hydrology, and agriculture
Impact
Led commercialisation and fundraise of Generative AI Startup
Led commercialisation and strategic sale of Property AI Startup
Commercialisation, excellence, environmental, community and industry awards across Australia
Led national transformation programs and managed $50M+ research portfolio
Start a conversation
I am based in Melbourne and work with clients across Australia and occasionally internationally.
If you are working on something where deep experience matters, let's have a conversation.