Dr Andrew Barnes

“Education is one of those areas where a small amount of change can create a really big impact – particularly when addressing our world’s biggest social challenges.”

Dr Andrew Barnes is an entrepreneur, Rhodes Scholar and the founder of two successful start-ups focused on educational tools and resources.

Barnes is the co-founder of Libromat, a social enterprise that combines access to laundry services for low-socioeconomic families, with early-education literacy programs in South Africa. 

Barnes is also the co-founder and CEO of GO1, a platform that provides online learning solutions to some of the world’s largest organisations, training staff at companies such as Google and Telstra, as well as large government organisations and not-for-profits.

In 2016, GO1 has secured $4 million (AUD) in funding from investors including Shark Tank's Steve Baxter to support their global expansion. The company has helped train more than 500,000 people and employs more than 70 staff internationally.

Barnes is passionate about helping his local community and sits on the board for two not-for-profits as a Director for Epilepsy Queensland and Director for Cannon Hill Anglican College Foundation.

Forbes Magazine recognised Barnes in 2016 as one of the top 30 under 30.