About us

Critterpedia’s journey began with a visit from our English mum/mother-in-law, Barbara, who was afraid of the local wildlife during her 2015 visit. She questioned us relentlessly about every animal she encountered, and we couldn’t find easy, instant, and accurate answers. This frustration led us to create Critterpedia, a “Shazam for Animals” that provides quick and reliable information on wildlife.

We recognized that our disconnection from nature was not unique and was only getting worse. Our kids were glued to their devices, and their desire to go outside was diminishing. We knew this was a growing problem on a global scale, as our disconnection from nature was affecting the health of the planet. Our lack of knowledge and care for nature has led to the Sixth Mass Extinction, with species and biodiversity disappearing at an alarming rate.

To combat this, we partnered with the CSIRO and the Data61 team in 2020 to develop Critterpedia’s proprietary critter identification technology, which we own all IP. With this technology, we can help people connect with nature in new and meaningful ways.

Now, in 2023, we are thrilled to have joined forces with Wisdom Gaming, who share our vision of merging the real and virtual worlds. Together, we are creating a platform that has significantly elaborated on our Shazam for Animals to now enable people to connect with nature and the environment like never before. This project is exciting and groundbreaking, and we are eager to see what the future holds.

At Critterpedia, we are passionate about making a difference in the world. We believe that individuals and businesses must shift their mindsets and take action to protect the planet and humanity’s future. Our platform encourages immersion in nature, and studies show that this leads to more pro-environmental choices.

We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and nature-connected future. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.

Murray and Nic Scarce

Co-founders | Critterpedia

Nic has more than 20 years’ experience in international product development and office-based environments, working for global organisations such as Twentieth Century Fox, Watermelon Creative and Haven Licensing. Managing the merchandise development of mutli-million-dollar programs such as The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Nic’s role within Critterpedia is driving day-to-day operations. Cultivating a high-performing team culture, managing all marketing activities, nurturing relationships with users, and ensuring the [users’] product vision stays on track.

“When I became a mum and the world didn’t revolve around just me anymore, I realised that I needed to contribute to saving the health of our planet so our children have a world left to enjoy as we do.”

First and foremost, Lisa is a legend! 

Lisa is an exceptional person who stands out for her kindness, compassion, and dedication to creating positive change for both humanity and the planet. In addition to her admirable personal qualities, she is also a highly skilled and accomplished businessperson who has earned widespread respect and recognition in her field. We are truly fortunate to know and work with Lisa, and feel confident in saying that she is among the very best in her profession.

Lisa has a financial, data and engineering background and is working on the question ‘how to give everyone a fair start in life and maximise human potential at each stage throughout life’.

Lisa is currently working on projects with organisations such as Singularity University, the United Nations, ACTAI, the Extreme Tech Challenge, EO and many others. All with a focus on solving the worlds greatest challenges with exponential technologies. As a future maker and planner – she sees the first step being achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the second creating a vision for the world in the next 100 years, the third, how we can all have a 10,000 year legacy.

A serial entrepreneur, in 2018 she won the Hunter Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of the Year, is a founder / part owner / investor in several companies that all focus on profit with purpose.

Ian is a visionary leader and a recognised figure in the world of tech and blockchain innovation. As a 10x Founder and someone who holds a position on the ’40-under-40′ list, Ian brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the Web3 space. His expertise in Bitcoin mining and his strategic advisory roles have cemented his status as an influential voice in digital currency and decentralized technology. His approach combines a deep understanding of market dynamics with a creative edge, driving forward-thinking projects towards new heights.

We are super excited to have Ian as our advisor, watch this space for amazing things!

Critterpedia has been successful in securing CSIRO Kick-Start funding for this project. CSIRO’s Data61 are excited to be collaborating with Critterpedia on a machine learning engine that underpins the automated species identification embedded within the Critterpedia app. 

This application of artificial intelligence enables Critterpedia’s identification feature to rapidly and seamlessly classify, sort, and certify large volumes of complex information.

 The team who developed this critical piece of artificial intelligence are experts in their field, and we will continue to collaborate with them to develop more exciting features for the Critterpedia platform. Together, we are forging ahead to unleash a new era of cutting-edge technology. The future has never looked brighter!

Empowering communities for global impact

The WAVIA Fund is a Venture Capital Fund investing in global impact and sustainable startups with compelling financial returns. The WAVIA platform removes the friction of financial, human and community capital, focusing on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) identified by the United Nations.

The fund invests directly in start-ups at early stage of development (Seed to Series A) in Australia, Asia, the USA and globally, sourcing deals from various sources but also uniquely from the WAVIA global platform of syndicates and angel investors (which are supporting 500+ impact startups per year).

Ignite brings to Critterpedia a pre-formed management team, aiding in high level consulting with strategy and implementation plans, finance services (management accounting, and tax compliance) and innovation services (R&D).