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.
gET TICKETS_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.
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.
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!
APPLY NOWIn 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.
GET TICKETSXENON is a specialist in High Performance Computing, AI and data management. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Melbourne, XENON has offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Singapore. XENON specializes in delivering NVIDIA solutions to state and federal governments, medical research institutes and universities, and AI startups and enterprises.
Tank Stream Labs is the go-to coworking community, premium private offices and service provider for startups, scaleups and SMEs. We enable businesses to grow, evolve and succeed together and provide like-minded entrepreneurs with a curated community. With us, businesses gain access to all of the services needed to make their business thrive. From business operations being taken care of, to the services, networking and collaboration opportunities that will help their business on its growth journey. If you are looking for a new home in Sydney or Melbourne, Tank Stream Labs offers coworking and premium private office spaces that foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration. For more information on Tank Stream Labs or our private suites offering Tank Stream Suites head to our website: tankstreamlabs.com. Or contact us directly at: sales@tankstreamlabs.com. "
"Innovation Bay is a thriving community accelerating the success of visionary founders and investors in Australia and New Zealand through community, connection and education. Since 2003, Innovation Bay has been igniting the tech landscape, forging valuable connections and creating a dynamic ecosystem where founders, investors, and leaders come together to exchange experiences, knowledge, and inspiration. At Innovation Bay, we believe in the power of community, connection, and education to drive disruptive change. Our mission is to empower the disruptors of today and tomorrow, fueling their growth and success through the power of meaningful connections, collaborative learning, and unrivaled access to investment and deal flow. We understand that the journey of building a successful startup or making smart investment decisions can be challenging. This community offers the opportunity to never walk that path alone."
Vanta is the leading trust management platform that helps simplify and centralise security for startups. 9000+ companies rely on Vanta to build, maintain and demonstrate trust in a way that's real-time and transparent. For more information, visit www.vanta.com
MTPConnect is Australia's Life Sciences Innovation Accelerator – an independent, not-for-profit organisation established by the Australian Government to champion the continuing growth of Australia's vibrant medical products sector. MTPConnect forges stronger connections between research and industry to help maximize opportunities for Australians to not only make scientific and technological breakthroughs, but to see them developed through the proof-of-concept stage and successfully translated and commercialised. We achieve these outcomes with a focus on improving collaboration and commercialisation, funding cutting-edge innovations, improving management and workforce skills, optimising the regulatory and policy environment and improving access to global supply chains and strategic international markets. MTPConnect also operates accelerator programs to support the development of cutting-edge medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations, with more than A$180 million invested so far in 200 projects.
ThincLab is The University of Adelaide's business incubator supporting students, alumni, staff and startups. At ThincLab, we support founders and their innovative venture through tailored coaching and programs from a variety of industry experts to take your idea to the market. Being a part of ThincLab means you will be involved in a knowledge-rich and encouraging community where we embrace the entrepreneurial journey. ThincLab is powered by the Adelaide Business School.
"At Shepherd, we've handpicked our network of 300+ fractional leaders who've built and scaled teams from the ground up at some of the most iconic companies globally. The shift towards an alternative leadership model is real, and it makes sense: you get access to experienced leaders on startup-friendly terms that work for you. By bridging the leadership gap without the long-term commitments, you can accelerate growth and overcome challenges that often hold startups back. We're not just facilitating it—we're driving it forward, empowering startups to achieve success with the right leadership support early, without the need to justify full-time headcount."
Talent is everywhere — opportunity is not. Remote’s mission is to create opportunity everywhere, empowering employers to find and hire the best talent, and enabling individuals to build financial and personal freedom. Businesses around the world use Remote to hire, manage, and pay their globally distributed workforces, simply and compliantly. Remote was founded in 2019 by Job van der Voort and Marcelo Lebre, and is backed by leading investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Accel, Sequoia, Index Ventures, Two Sigma Ventures, General Catalyst, and B Capital.
LUNA. Backing the future of business since yesterday. The world and the world of business is moving fast. That’s why LUNA offers forward-thinking legal and accounting services in the one place. For over a decade, thousands of startups, venture capital funds, and corporate innovators have chosen us to help them see a better tomorrow. It is, and will always be, our mission to do the work behind yours so you can focus on what’s ahead.
Flinders New Venture Institute is Flinders University’s centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. Reflecting Flinders University’s vision, we strive to connect communities to create value and make a lasting positive impact on the world.
Tractor Ventures provides a flexible, revenue based financing alternative for founders who want to lead profitable technology companies. Our experienced team provide strong support to the founding teams in our portfolio. We give each business we invest in, the optionality to run profitably, to raise a VC round (on their terms), or to exit early and cement their personal wealth.
Airwallex is the leading financial technology platform for modern businesses growing beyond borders. With one of the world’s most powerful payments and banking infrastructure, our technology empowers businesses of all sizes to accept payments, move money globally, and streamline their financial operations, all in one single platform. Established in 2015 in Melbourne, our purpose is to connect entrepreneurs, business builders, makers and creators with opportunities in every corner of the world. Today, Airwallex has a global footprint across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
Eastend Ventures sets itself apart by embracing a model that is centered on value creation which nurtures early- and growth-stage companies to realise their potential. Our role is multifaceted. We are not only fund managers and investors but also mentors and connectors. This comprehensive involvement aims to foster success and generate value for our investors, portfolio companies and the markets where we have a presence. Like the companies we select for investment, success lies in the quality of our team, each member a fusion of expertise, experience and dedication. The team’s collective acumen is both broad and deep, ranging from early-stage tech investing to operational management, commercialisation strategies and rigorous due diligence.
Future Anything transforms young people’s passion and curiosity into innovative ideas that make their world a better place. We support educators to lead authentic learning experiences that are not only Australian Curriculum aligned, but also connect students to the real world. Our team provides unlimited coaching and support to our schools in the lead up to, and the delivery of, our programs. All participating students have the opportunity to apply for YouthX; our purpose-built youth accelerator that matches students with the funding and support to launch their idea out of the classroom and into reality. With supported educators, leading authentic ‘future ready’ curriculum that embeds entrepreneurship in schools, we really can bend the future; one youth-led idea at a time.
We are a global community of community builders that started in Australia. Our mission is to transform businesses through our gold standard community management training. We started as a meetup group for 17 community builders in Melbourne, Australia during the pandemic in 2021. Afterwards we went viral. Hundreds of community builders joined us through word of mouth referrals. Today we have 12.8k+ in our audience, with 700+ members across 18 countries, which continues to grow consistently.
AirTree is a venture capital firm with a mission to back the most ambitious Australian and Kiwi founders, building the iconic technology companies of tomorrow. We’re right by a founder's side, right from the start, providing support from the earliest stages of a startup’s journey. As one of the largest VC funds in the region with over a billion dollars under management, we invest pre-seed right through to later growth stages, across a range of different technologies.
The $50 million South Australian Venture Capital Fund exists to help build dynamic and innovative early-stage South Australian companies to accelerate their growth to a national and global scale, strengthen the competitiveness of the local innovation ecosystem, and attract private sources of co-investment from national and international investors.
Ambitious startups have grown into multibillion-dollar businesses on Stripe – scaling from pre-seed to post-IPO. Incorporate your company, test and accept payments with no-code tools, and automate financial operations to move faster.
Unleashing creativity with a touch of tech magic at Avonet! We're not just your average tech solutions company – we're the squad that turns your wildest creative dreams into digital reality. We're not just in the business of software, apps, and websites; we're in the business of making your jaw drop with our tech wizardry.
We work to enhance our agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries. We create new and maintain existing agricultural export opportunities, to provide gains for Australian agriculture. We manage biosecurity risks to Australia to protect our multi-billion dollar agricultural industries and our way of life.
The SA AgriTech Meetup brings together entrepreneurs, developers, farmers, and other stakeholders in the Ag industry - to collaboratively look at opportunities and solutions for technology to help make agriculture more productive, profitable and sustainable. "
ACS Labs is the ecosystem for Entrepreneurs and their Communities, solving global problems with technology 🚀 The Labs provides a virtual platform to connect our community of Entrepreneurs, Mentors, Talent, Partners and Industry. We provide networks and access to knowledge, news and talent to support growth for innovation in Australia. The Labs makes it more accessible for Australia's Emerging Tech companies and communities to find connection, empowerment and support. Starting its journey with River City Labs, the Labs continues to be a leading tech innovation enabler for Tech Startups & Scaleups since it was founded in 2012 by one of Australia's most successful tech entrepreneurs and Australian TV Series, Shark Tank investor, Steve Baxter.
_SOUTHSTART_ are accompanied by our very own Government of South Australia. They are the heart of what happens here in SA in the innovation and skills department. Come catch the excitement of what we have to offer during 2022.
Working closely with businesses, industry groups, state government agencies and other relevant organisations, AEDA delivers programs designed to stimulate the city's economic growth with a focus on investment attraction, growing the visitor economy, residential growth, marketing the city and promoting Rundle Mall as Adelaide's premier shopping destination. AEDA is a subsidiary of the City of Adelaide.
"ACS Labs is the ecosystem for Entrepreneurs and their Communities, solving global problems with technology 🚀 The Labs provides a virtual platform to connect our community of Entrepreneurs, Mentors, Talent, Partners and Industry. We provide networks and access to knowledge, news and talent to support growth for innovation in Australia. The Labs makes it more accessible for Australia's Emerging Tech companies and communities to find connection, empowerment and support. Starting its journey with River City Labs, the Labs continues to be a leading tech innovation enabler for Tech Startups & Scaleups since it was founded in 2012 by one of Australia's most successful tech entrepreneurs and Australian TV Series, Shark Tank investor, Steve Baxter. "
RAA's been around for 120 years, and we take pride in providing quality motor, home and travel services to our members in South Australia and Broken Hill. We’re also committed to delivering educational services for the next generation of drivers, as well as advocating on behalf of our members on matters of road safety, mobility, and fuel pricing.
Square Holes is a human-centered research agency working to optimise growth and innovation, through tailored market research and cultural insight. We are here to transform your strategic vision with human-led insights, creative out-of-the-box thinking and decades of experience. Make ‘research’ Step 1 of your strategic planning.
Mighty Partners was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2021 by a passionate team on a mission to support the Australian startup ecosystem to thrive and scale. We do this by providing tailored debt funding solutions, to meet the unique needs of every business and to help foster a more diverse funding environment. We’re proud to support companies on their growth journeys and passionate about helping founders and investors to realise their full potential, with greater equity upside. We get it. We’re founders ourselves, we understand the growth process, and that every business’ story is different. We're committed to building long-term relationships and being by our partners side for the full growth journey.
Entrepreneurs can change the world. At Stone & Chalk, we make it easier for you to bring your ideas to life. We remove the barriers so you can focus on building. Here, you’ll find the people, tools, and support to keep moving forward. Join a community that has your back—people who believe in what you’re doing and push you to go further, faster. From advice on growth to investment and partnerships, with us you make a real impact.
On 7-hectares in the heart of Adelaide, Lot Fourteen is a growing innovation district shooting for the stars. Here is a carefully curated and dynamic community working across space, defence, critical technologies and creative industries.
The City of Onkaparinga is South Australia’s largest metropolitan council. The region is a vibrant place with over 170,000 residents across 518 square kilometres. It has some of the best beaches in South Australia, a rich cultural landscape, world-renowned wineries and an abundance of places to explore and things to do. Onkaparinga’s economic strengths include agribusiness and food, health and medical devices, hospitality, manufacturing, tourism, wine and beverages. Home to a multiskilled workforce, property prices and leases are among the most affordable in Adelaide and continuing strong demand for industrial and commercial sites support this wonderful lifestyle location; the gateway between Adelaide and Fleurieu Peninsula. McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is where you'll find the good life! Only a short drive south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast boasts 31 kilometres of pristine coastline nestled alongside the internationally recognised wine region, McLaren Vale. The region is home to some of South Australia’s most inspirational and recognisable tourism experiences including the famous d’Arenberg Cube. A must visit destination offering world-class food & drink, beaches & villages, nature & adventure, arts & heritage. This spectacular region is the gateway to Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. It’s where the locals never leave and visitors always come back!
We support a community of 420 Australian Climate Tech companies with programs, events, and mentoring
Radium Capital is Australia’s market leader in R&D financing. We were formed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. That’s why we don’t think like a bank! We believe businesses with R&D should have access to capital when they need it. So, we created Radium Advances to provide quick, easy and early access to up to 80% of your expected R&D tax incentive refund - in just a few business days. Radium Advances are available as a one-off cash injection, or can be used strategically multiple times throughout the year to smooth cash flow. The more you use Radium Advances the more your R&D benefits. Under a quarterly model, for the same expenditure, you can; • boost your R&D spend by 50% or reduce your outlay by 33%. • reinvest up to 150% of R&D expenditure back into R&D. Since launching in 2017, Radium Capital has provided over $650m of funding to Australian innovation businesses. Find out how innovators across Australia are using non-dilutive R&D financing to accelerate growth, attract other sources of funding and smooth cash flow at radiumcapital.com.au
We foster collaboration between the technology sector and entertainment businesses to drive sustainable growth and success.