Síobháine Slevin – Realta Logic

This week, we spotlight Síobháine Slevin, Founder and CEO of Realta Logic. The Sydney-based startup provides end-to-end compliance tooling for modern organisations through real-time assessments, full traceability, & live monitoring so that companies can spend less on compliance and growth.

In a candid interview, Síobháine talks about:

• Her unique enthusiasm for making compliance and regulation innovative and value-generating drove her to start Realta Logic.
• Securing a term sheet with the Australian National Science Agency (CSIRO), which provided 20 years of research and IP, a pivotal moment that turned Realta Logic from an idea into a real-life business.
• The challenge of starting a business without an established network in a new country.

Here’s a quick peek at how Síobháine got over the doubts about launching a tech startup in her forties while being a mother to three children:

Síobháine Slevin’s Snapshot 🤳

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Tell me about yourself, where you are from, and why you moved to Australia and now the States.

My name is Síobháine Slevin, and I’m originally from Drogheda, Ireland. I moved to Australia in 2018 with my husband and two of our three children due to his job managing the APAC region. Initially, the move was for four years, but the pandemic extended our stay.

Recently, we relocated to the US for a year because my husband had business commitments there. This move also presented an opportunity to accelerate the launch of Realta Logic in the US market.

Can you share a bit about your journey with Realta Logic?

Realta Logic, named after the Gaelic word for star, was born from my frustration with legacy IT systems and the stifling nature of compliance in financial services. I spent my career at large organisations like AXA and Prudential, where I constantly faced limitations in innovating due to outdated systems and regulatory hurdles.

After moving to Australia, I reconnected with the Australian National Science Agency (CSIRO) and met my co-founder Stephen Mc Gowan (also Irish 😀). Together, we developed Realta Logic to digitise regulatory compliance using advanced technologies like AI and knowledge graphs to transform how businesses handle compliance and regulation.

Regulation and compliance are not typical areas for most people. What has driven you to do what you do?

I’ve always found compliance and regulation innovative, though they are often misunderstood. My career in financial services highlighted how legacy IT systems and regulatory constraints hindered innovation. Realta Logic emerged from my desire to turn compliance into a digital, transparent, and value-generating process. I believe rethinking compliance can help businesses innovate more freely without being bogged down by outdated systems and processes.

You’ve been going for nearly four years. What are some of your most memorable milestones to date?

Securing the term sheet with CSIRO was a significant milestone, providing 20 years of research and IP. This pivotal moment validated our efforts and opened up new possibilities. Another memorable moment was signing our first contract, which we celebrated by printing the receipt and having a beer. Getting accepted into Stone and Chalk, a prestigious startup hub in Sydney, was also a proud achievement. It was particularly special to bring my children there and see their pride in our accomplishments.

What are your plans for Realta Logic in the next few years? What are your biggest priorities?

Our main priority in the next 12 months is to secure four or five founder-led sales with globally impactful clients. This will help establish Realta Logic as a standard in compliance technology. My focus is on building our network in the US, securing important logos, and solidifying our presence here. We also aim to maintain our base in Australia and ensure a smooth transition back when the time comes.

What were the biggest challenges in starting a business abroad after emigrating from Ireland?

The biggest challenge was not having an established network. Moving to a new country where I knew no one in the industry was daunting. Additionally, self-doubt and being away from familiar support systems added to the difficulties. The lack of familiarity and support made it challenging to navigate the business landscape.

Who are some of the people/organisations who helped you on your Entrepreneurial journey abroad?

As I mentioned earlier, the CSIRO, especially Rajiv Cabraal was instrumental in our journey. The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce, especially Marie Holmes, provided crucial support. Austrade and Investment NSW, from a government point of view, were also incredibly supportive. Their assistance during Fintech Week in New York was invaluable, helping us connect with key players in the financial services sector.

What’s one bit of advice you wish you could tell yourself when you first emigrated?

Be proud and confident in your Irish heritage. Trust your instincts and take more chances. Irish people tend to be self-deprecating, but we are smart and capable. Embracing my identity and leveraging it earlier would have helped me advance further in my journey. I should have listened to the voice in the back of my head sooner and taken those chances without fear.

Síobháine Slevin

What advice do you have for founders in the earlier stage of their journey?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Believe in your vision and stay persistent, even when faced with setbacks. My father always told me, “Never be the smartest person in the room, or you’re in the wrong room.” This advice has guided me to seek growth and learning opportunities continually.

Finally, what does being an Irish Founder Abroad mean to you?

It means everything. My identity and values are deeply rooted in my Irish heritage. Being abroad has amplified my pride in being Irish. Realta Logic reflects this heritage while embracing a global vision. The move abroad was a catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey.

The support from the Australian startup community has been invaluable, and my Irish roots remain a core part of who I am and how I approach my work. Being an Irish founder abroad has shaped my journey and success in ways I couldn’t have imagined.