School operations software
Paperly builds AI-native operations software for schools. It replaces the disconnected admin tools stitched around student information systems, handling forms, consent, excursions, compliance and parent communication in one platform.
Dan began as a software engineer at Gentrack in Auckland. He then worked inside Perth schools, in application support at Aquinas College and as a business analyst at St Hilda's. Dan founded Paperly in 2019 to cut the paperwork he had watched school staff navigate. He won Business News WA's 40under40 in 2025.
Jak co-founded Boodjara, a contractor delivering electrical, civil and mechanical services to sites across Western Australia, and ran it for five years. He joined Paperly in 2023 and was later formally recognised as a co-founder. Jak now runs strategy, operations and commercial growth. His stated aim is helping schools move from reactive processes to designed systems. He advocates publicly for neurodiversity and for unconventional paths into business.
As a business analyst inside a high school, Dan watched parents and teachers lose hours to tasks that should take minutes. He got tired of watching. So he built the fix.