_SOUTHSTART is Australia's community offsite for founders, investors, and those who champion and create change. Designed to help you pause, connect, and embrace serendipity in a world that never stops. You'll uncover meaningful insights, genuine connections, and a glimpse of what’s next - while expanding your surface area of success - for today and the future.
Our sessions are led by trailblazers and thought leaders across diverse sectors who bring real-world experience, cutting-edge knowledge, and forward-thinking perspectives. From hands-on workshops to in-depth conversations, you’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from those driving innovation and change, equipping you with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a deeper understanding of the trends shaping the future - and our today.
At _SOUTHSTART, we believe that building meaningful connections can be transformative. Our festival brings together a unique mix of founders, investors, creatives, executives, and thought leaders from across the globe, providing countless opportunities to foster valuable partnerships, collaborations, and friendships. Join us to build connections that could become the foundation of your next venture, support your professional growth, or simply inspire fresh perspectives.
_SOUTHSTART brings together a diverse network of Australia's top investors, ready to share their expertise and explore new opportunities. Whether you're a founder seeking funding, or simply looking to understand the investment landscape, this is your chance to engage directly with the people powering Australia’s most exciting ventures. Through curated office hours, discussions, and networking sessions, you’ll gain access to valuable insights, build meaningful connections, and discover what investors are looking for in the next big idea.
We are giving 10 x founders the opportunity to pitch at the festival! This is your opportunity to share your vision, gain valuable feedback, and connect with key players who can help take your business to the next level. With a dynamic and supportive environment, our pitch sessions offer a unique platform to amplify your ideas, attract potential partners, and make your mark in the innovation ecosystem. Applications close on 20 Dec—don’t miss your chance to shine!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to pause and rejuvenate is essential. At _SOUTHSTART, we’ve designed moments for just that. You'll find space for mindful practices like sound baths and breathwork to restorative conversations in spaces that prioritize calm and clarity.
Founded in 2013, _SOUTHSTART is Australia’s most loved festival for startups as recognised by Startup Muster 2023. Every year, we come together to create a program where you can hear from, learn from, and connect with people who are specifically curated to help open the doors you need. We spend a disproportionate amount of time sweating over locations, venues, vibes and attendee experiences. On the surface, this may look like just fun ‘bells and whistles’, but it is so much more than that. Relaxed settings promote genuine social connections and collaborative learning, and creating these spaces for is where a lot of our energy goes.
