Back-office automation startup Collabra.ai nabs former Finder boss Chris Ellis as its CEO

Former Finder boss Chris Ellis has a new startup to lead as CEO of back-office automation engine Collabra.ai.

Ellis is also cofounder of the Sydney-based enterprise artificial intelligence startup, which is now moving into full commercialisation following two years of product build.

Collabra has developed AI agents for mid-market enterprises combine the reliability of robotic process automation (RPA) with the adaptability of AI to operate inside customer networks keeping sensitive data stays under control. It eliminates repetitive, busy work and deliversconsistent, auditable results at scale.

Ellis joins Collabra alongside cofounders Alon Novy, a technology leader with multiple ventures including BlueFire (acquired by Dimension Data), Immutable, ScalaMed and Kinela; and Neill Miller, a serial entrepreneur and investor whose company Zeetings became Canva’s first acquisition.

Early customer traction has come from sectors such as logistics, recruitment, IT service providers and property management, with plans to expand into retail and financial services in 2026.

Ellis, who previously cofounded GorillaStack, said C-suites want growth without bloated headcount.

“Too many AI projects stall before production. Collabra is built to change that. Our rule-following AI agents deliver consistent, auditable outcomes for mid-market enterprises, so leaders can reduce costs and redeploy capital and talent toward growth,” he said.

Novy said they believe the they’ve built is truly unique.

 “Chris joins us at a pivotal time as we shift from product build into go-to-market,” he said.

“His commercial edge and experience scaling companies will be critical as we help mid-sized businesses embrace reliable, intelligent automation that actually works in production – not just in pilots.” 

His cofounder, Miller, who’s also invested in Collabra.ai, said businesses are losing patience with AI hype.

“Collabra is built differently: reliable, auditable automation that delivers outcomes in production,” he said.

“With Chris leading commercialisation, the company is positioned to make a real impact.”