SafetyCulture taps chair of Tesla’s board of directors as KC-rooted scaleup eyes new growth phase

March 27, 2023  |  Startland News Staff

SafetyCulture, Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City

Robyn Denholm brings a wealth of senior-level tech experience, leadership, and advocacy to SafetyCulture’s board of directors, the company said Monday, noting Denholm’s role as a leading voice calling for more diversity in the sector.

SafetyCulture, a $2.2 billion Australian scaleup, houses its U.S. headquarters in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, where it has been repeatedly voted one of the best places to work.

Robyn Denholm

In addition to Denholm’s responsibilities as operating partner of Blackbird Ventures, Denholm is taking on the SafetyCulture role alongside her position as chair of the board of directors of Tesla. 

She joins Luke Anear, CEO and founder of SafetyCulture, Jan Hammer, and Craig Tiley on the SafetyCulture board, and already has a close relationship with the SafetyCulture leadership team, having been an advisor since late 2021.

“I’m delighted to join the SafetyCulture board as the company looks towards its next phase of growth,” said Denholm. “What Luke and the team have already accomplished is remarkable, and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this incredible story.”

The company’s mobile-first operations platform leverages the power of human observation to identify issues and opportunities for businesses to improve every day. More than 70,000 organizations use SafetyCulture to perform checks, train staff, report issues, automate tasks and communicate fluidly.

Click here to learn more about SafetyCulture’s app-based team improvement products. Customers include the likes of JetBlue, Waldorf Astoria, and Lowe’s.

RELATED: How this homegrown leader is steering a $2B Australian startup’s KC HQ (and 100+ workers) deeper into the Americas

“SafetyCulture’s mission is something that aligns with my personal values,” said Denholm. “I’m a firm believer that technology is the key to unlocking a more sustainable and safer future and from what I’ve seen, if SafetyCulture continues to evolve its platform and products at the same rate, then it has the potential to change the way that people go about their work.”

Luke Anear, SafetyCulture

Denholm fills a board position recently vacated by Rick Baker, co-founder and partner of Australia- and New Zealand-focused venture capital firm Blackbird, who has been a strategic advisor and SafetyCulture board member for the past 10 years. 

“I’d like to thank Rick Baker for his contribution to SafetyCulture over the last decade,” said Anear. “I’m incredibly grateful to have met him and been on this journey with him. As one of our first investors, he has always believed in our potential and what we are trying to do. I can safely say that we wouldn’t be where we are today without him on our side.” 

“At the same time, we’re thrilled to have someone of Robyn’s caliber on our board,” Anear continued. “Her expertise and guidance will help ensure we continue making sound strategic decisions and stay focused on achieving our mission. Robyn is also an incredible role model and the opportunity for our team to work closely with her is invaluable.”

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2023 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        First came baby, then the boutique; 18 years later, this owner is the mother of retail survivors

        By Tommy Felts | May 10, 2025

        Opening her storefront at the age of 23 with a newborn daughter, Meagan Doyle faced double duty as a first-time mother and budding entrepreneur. Eighteen years later, her baby is now grown — and Mom is coming into her own as a retail survivor and seasoned business owner. “It’s been a fun adventure,” said Doyle,…

        Nick the Greek reset: Reinvigorated owner reopening locations, launching new spot after facing his own test

        By Tommy Felts | May 9, 2025

        When Nick the Greek abruptly closed two area locations six months ago, fans on and off social media were distraught, fearing they were closed for good. Now there’s a surprising update: two reopenings, one new opening. All this month. Area franchisee Arthur Gilbreath previously placed “closed for renovation” signs at his Nick the Greek restaurants…

        Kauffman earmarks $32M in grants to boost entrepreneurship, workforce, education efforts

        By Tommy Felts | May 9, 2025

        Just-announced Kauffman Foundation funding for a cohort of 27 organizations — each focused on advancing economic mobility in Kansas City — reflects the grantees’ “relentless commitment to innovation and equity,” said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya. “Rather than being defined by the challenges our communities face, they’re defining what’s possible — building on the brilliance and resilience…

        Brothers behind Session Taco launching ‘destination Mexican spot’ in upscale JoCo dining district

        By Tommy Felts | May 8, 2025

        Just weeks after closing Session Taco in Leawood’s Park Place, the owners expect to revamp the prominent spot for a new destination Mexican restaurant. Lapez Mod Mex is scheduled to open this summer at 11563 Ash St.  Brothers Adam and Jason Tilford first opened Mission Taco Joint in the space in June 2023. It rebranded…