How This Started
Back in early 2019, a couple of finance professionals were sitting in a Canberra café, frustrated. Not with the coffee—that was excellent. With how unnecessarily complicated financial advice had become.
Every client meeting felt like translating ancient texts. People deserved better. So we started dorivaneliq with one straightforward idea: explain money stuff like you're talking to an actual human being.
Six years later, we're still doing exactly that. Just with more clients and significantly more coffee consumed.
What Actually Matters to Us
Plain Language
Financial jargon exists, sure. But you shouldn't need a translator to understand your own money situation. We skip the fancy terms unless they genuinely matter.
Real Context
Australian tax law is different. Super rules are specific. Housing markets vary wildly. We focus on what applies to your actual circumstances, not generic advice from overseas.
No Assumptions
Everyone's financial situation is different. We ask questions instead of assuming we already know your story. Turns out that approach works better.
The Timeline So Far
We've been around for a bit now. Here's what that journey looked like, minus the dramatic music and slow-motion shots.
Foundation Year
Launched dorivaneliq in March with three team members and way too much optimism. Spent most of the year figuring out which software actually worked and which was just expensive disappointment.
Education Focus
Realized people wanted to understand finance, not just be told what to do. Started running workshops and creating resources. Response was surprisingly positive—turns out education beats condescension.
Team Growth
Expanded to eight people. Moved into our current Canberra office space when the old one got too cramped. Finally got a proper meeting room instead of huddling around someone's desk.
Current Chapter
Still refining how we work with clients. Still learning what actually helps people versus what just sounds impressive. Still avoiding unnecessary complexity whenever possible.
Who's Actually Here
Small team. Everyone knows what they're doing. No hierarchy charts or corporate titles that require translation.
Kieran Halvorsen
Co-founder
Started his finance career in 2012 at a major Sydney firm. Quickly realized the industry had a communication problem. Moved to Canberra in 2017, spent two years planning dorivaneliq's approach before launch.
Outside work, he's weirdly into long-distance cycling. Currently training for a 400km event in late 2025 that sounds absolutely terrible but he insists will be "character building."
His approach: listen more than you talk, explain things twice if needed, and never recommend anything you wouldn't use yourself.
Our Workspace Reality
Want to Talk?
We're based in Canberra but work with people across Australia. First conversation is always straightforward—no sales pitch, just understanding what you need.
Get in Touch