After a setback with his first startup, founder Harry Lucas kept learning and leveraged his persistence into a new business making big change in manufacturing
We first profiled engineer and startup founder Harry Lucas back in 2015 when he was a uni student studying mechatronics.
Last year, Harry’s current startup, Phasio, raised $3.8 million in venture capital funding—a significant achievement in the Australian startup scene!
We caught up with Harry, now based in Singapore, to discuss his engineering career and the road to building a successful business.
What influenced your early interest in technology and engineering?
Well, my parents had a big part to play. They both worked in the public service and encouraged my constant ‘why?’ about tech. Growing up in the Adelaide Hills, I developed an interest in computers largely thanks to the support I received at my High School. The encouraging environment there really fueled my passion for technology, in particular, about all the industries around the Hills which seemed to lag in adoption of these new technologies.
How did your early career experiences shape your journey?
After closing my first startup, I landed an internship at the European Astronaut Center in Germany, working on lunar telecommunications with the European Space Agency (ESA). This experience was pivotal as it showed me the vast potential of “hard” software—software with real-world impacts on life and mission success.
Craving a more formal software background, I joined JPMorgan Chase in Switzerland as a software engineer. Living in Geneva, I worked on incredible technologies and transitioned from being “an engineer” to a “software engineer.”
What led you to your next venture?
Inspired by a company in Zurich that went through the Entrepreneur First accelerator, I decided to apply for their Singapore cohort. I was accepted and moved to Singapore in January 2021. There, I met my cofounder, Raman, online during my COVID quarantine. Raman, a 3D printing metallurgist from NTU Singapore, and I instantly connected and started Phasio together.
Can you tell us more about Phasio?
Phasio provides software tools to manufacturers to enhance their customer communication processes, enabling smaller firms to compete more effectively. For example, we recently developed an AI chatbot that advises customers on suitable technologies for their parts, durability requirements, and manufacturing processes—tailored even for extreme conditions like an Aussie summer car engine.
Engineer or founder – which comes first?
I’d say being a generalist has been my biggest advantage over the past decade. Bridging the gap between different fields has allowed me to come up with innovative solutions and inspire others to join the journey and look toward the future.
Any advice for those from rural areas looking to pursue careers in technology and engineering?
I feel strongly that people from rural and semi-rural areas often underestimate their potential. Industries like Agriculture and Manufacturing are familiar to them, and there’s so much opportunity there. I hope this article resonates with them and encourages them to explore and leverage their unique backgrounds.
Harry’s STEM study and career pathway to becoming a startup founder
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechatronics, University of Adelaide
- Co-founder, Seer Insights
- Software Engineer, JPMorgan Chase & Co
- Co-founder, Phasio
- Master of Science, Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology
Interested in engineering?
Check out these other role models
- Joachim Lopez-Valoa: Apprentice Marine Technician
- Stephanie Easton: Energy Trader
- Ahmed Naufal: Process Engineer
- Ethan Carter: Structural Engineer – Bridges
- Breanna Cameron: Underground Mine Manager
A version of this article first appeared in Careers with STEM: Engineering 2024
For more on exciting study and career paths, subscribe to the Careers with STEM e-newsletter.
