From Scotland to Sydney: Andy Watt on Leading Nearmap’s Global Growth

Mar 19, 2026

Andy Watt, CEO of Nearmap, talks about moving from Scotland to Sydney and leading a technology-driven global company rooted in Australia. He discusses scaling a global team from Down Under and the importance of in-person leadership and customer travel. The conversation also touches on the partnership with investors and a playful lightning round on culture and preferences.

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INSIGHT

Australia's Geographic Distance Drives Deliberate Global Competitiveness

Australia deliberately works twice as hard to be relevant on the global stage because of its geographic remoteness.
Andy Watt explains Australia is 'a long way from everything' so it cultivates strong talent pools and openness to global discussion to stay competitive.

INSIGHT

Maintain Local DNA While Scaling Globally

Leading a global tech company from Australia mixes pride in local roots with worldwide scale.
Andy Watt says Nearmap remains 'passionately Australian' at its core while half the exec team and much of the business operate globally.

ANECDOTE

Frequent Travel Keeps a Global Team Connected

Andy travels frequently between Australia and the US to connect with employees and customers.
He visits five or six times a year, often stays two weeks, and splits the executive team across locations to maintain in-person relationships.

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In this episode of Beyond the Deal, Thoma Bravo Senior Partner A.J. Rohde and Principal Peter Hernandez sit down with Nearmap CEO Andy Watt for a candid conversation about leadership, culture and building a global technology company from Australia.

Andy shares the story of how a move from Scotland to Sydney turned into a decades-long journey with a leading Australian technology company. The group reflects on Nearmap’s growth, the experience of scaling a global company from Australia and the behind-the-scenes moments that helped Thoma Bravo win the trust of the Nearmap team.

The episode closes with A.J.’s lightning round — covering everything from Scottish traditions and Australian sports to rock bands and Vegemite.

It’s a lighter look at the relationships, personalities and moments that happen beyond the deal.

For more information on Thoma Bravo's Behind the Deal, visit https://www.thomabravo.com/behindthedeal

Learn more about Thoma Bravo: https://www.thomabravo.com/

Learn more about Nearmap: https://www.nearmap.com/

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