What we’re about
The Startup Network is Australia’s largest network for entrepreneurs, with over 75,000 people in the community.
Building a startup can change your life and the lives of others. It’s a complex endeavour, but The Startup Network is here to guide you along the way.
We are a non-Government not for profit entity. We are funded by our members to remain independent & founder focused.
Being a member is not just about what you get, it’s what you give. Learn more and sign up today at www.thestartupnetwork.com.au
Upcoming events (4)
See all- The Startup Network Presents: Pitch Night!The Commons QV, Melbourne
Join us for an exciting evening where innovation knows no bounds at our 2025 Open Pitch Night. This competition invites founders from all industries and stages to take the spotlight and showcase their groundbreaking ideas. From tech to creative ventures, anything goes in this celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation.
### Why Join Us?
This is your chance to witness a diverse lineup of ideas and solutions from a wide array of industries. Whether you're an investor, a fellow founder, or someone passionate about supporting startups, you’ll be inspired by the creativity and drive on display.
### What to Expect on the Night:
Our Open Pitch Night is a vibrant event designed to celebrate and support founders across all sectors. Guests will:
- Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers, and startup operators.
- Cheer on four incredible founders as they pitch their ideas to the audience and judges.
- Vote for their favorite pitch of the night.
### Event Timeline:
- July 18th, 2025: Applications close
- July 21st, 2025: Shortlisted applicants announced.
- July 23rd, 2025: Pitch training for shortlisted applicants.
- July 24th, 2025: Finalists announced.
- July 29th, 2025: Pitch Night!
### Attendee Information:
Secure your spot to discover the bold ideas and unique ventures shaping the future. This Open Pitch Night celebrates the breadth and diversity of the startup ecosystem, providing a platform for founders from all backgrounds and industries.
Reserve Your Seat Today - GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE! 🎟️
- Startup Secondaries: Demystifying Liquidity for Founders & TeamsLink visible for attendees
🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE SLOTS - REGISTER NOW! 🎟️
Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Time: 12pm to 1pm AEST
Location: ONLINESecondary sales are one of the most debated topics in the startup ecosystem. While some investors are concerned that founders and team members may lack commitment and motivation when selling down shares, others recognise them as a crucial tool for founder wellbeing and team retention in today's extended funding cycles. This webinar cuts through the controversy to explore how secondary sales can be strategically implemented to benefit all stakeholders.
Join us for an exclusive webinar where we’ll explore:
- The mechanics of secondary sales - Understanding how these transactions work and when they may make sense for your startup
- Balancing stakeholder perspectives - Why some investors embrace secondaries while others resist, and how to navigate these dynamics
- Building sustainable equity incentive programs - How providing liquidity options can strengthen team commitment and motivation
- Real-world case study - Upcover's approach to incorporating team liquidity into their Series A funding round
Who should attend?
• Startup founders considering secondary sales options
• Early-stage employees curious about liquidity opportunities
• Investors wanting to understand founder and team perspectives • Legal advisors working with startup equity structuresSkills and knowledge you’ll gain from attending?
• Practical understanding of secondary sales
• Understanding when secondaries make sense for your startup
• Tips for implementing team-wide liquidity programs
• Insights into current market trends and investor sentiment around secondariesAbout Skye Theodorou:
Skye is the Co-Founder & CEO of upcover, an insurance tech business that has helped 100,000 Aussie businesses get mind blowing hassle free insurance that suits their business and stage of growth. Access to market leading insurance simply and easily online. They are democratising access to insurance too by helping brands or marketplace to offer business insurance that is simple, easy and affordable.About upcover:
Upcover is Australia's only platform for SME and Specialty lines insurance products, and trusted by 60,000+ small businesses, startups and scaleups. Founded by Skye and Anish, the platform offers business insurance (indemnity, liability, cyber etc.) drawing on underwriting capabilities of 30+ global and local insurance partners. upcover has issued more than 15,000 policies for 10,000 businesses and is looking to grow following their Series A fundarise in this year.About Cal Davidson:
Cal is the Head of Partnerships at Cake Equity, a leading equity management software that helps startup founders accelerate team motivation through equity ownership. With extensive experience in business development and partnership strategy, Cal drives growth by building scalable alliances that support Cake's mission to simplify and modernize equity management. He specializes in developing partnership programs and collaborative ecosystems that benefit startups, investors, and corporate partners. Cal regularly shares expert insights on equity management, startup growth, fundraising, and investor relations at industry events and webinars - a thought leader in the fintech and startup communities.About Cake:
Cake Equity is the best cap table and equity management software to help startup founders accelerate team motivation through equity ownership. We combine essential equity tools with an intuitive, modern interface and transparent pricing to make equity management straightforward. Our core differentiator: we're built to help teams understand and feel connected to their ownership stake, turning equity into a powerful motivator for company success. - Founder Connect with La Trobe & Northlink!Needs location
🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS - TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT 🎟️
### Melbourne’s North – Innovate and Collaborate!✨
Join us at La Trobe University's cutting-edge Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) in Bundoora, where you'll hear from guest speakers around game-changing co-design partnerships, rapid prototyping capabilities, and unlocking strategic collaboration opportunities with La Trobe University and dynamic businesses in Melbourne's North.🚀
💼 "Empowering Founders Through Connection and Insights!"
Date: August 12th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue: Digital Innovation Hub - La Trobe University
Level 2, Jenny Graves Building, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, BundooraWhether you’re growing your startup, brainstorming your next big idea, or simply exploring the ecosystem, Founder Connect is your chance to gain valuable insights, connect with like-minded individuals, and walk away with inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey.
### What to Expect:
🎤 Inspiring Speaker Session: Gain practical advice and insider knowledge from an experienced industry leader who will share insights to help you navigate your entrepreneurial journey.
💬 Interactive Q&A Session: Bring your questions! Learn actionable strategies from our expert speaker.
🤝 Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and startup enthusiasts over food and drinks. 🍔🍷### Who should attend?
This event is open to everyone in the startup community:
- Founders and Entrepreneurs
- Startup Enthusiasts
- Innovators, Dreamers, and Doers
Whether you’re a seasoned founder or just getting started, there’s something here for you!
### Why Attend?
Founder Connect is your opportunity to stay informed, network with a thriving community, and gain practical knowledge to strengthen your business. Together, we’ll explore ways to tackle common challenges and build a resilient, innovative future.
📅 Save the date and RSVP now to secure your spot! Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and impact. See you there! 🎉
- Health & Well Being Pitch Night!Needs location
🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS - TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT 🎟️
Health & Well Being Pitch Night at La Trobe University City Campus – Aug 26th, 2025
Apply here to pitch during the Health & Well Being Pitch Night!
Dive into the world of innovation focused on health and well-being at our 2025 Health & Well-Being Pitch Night. This event highlights founders creating transformative solutions to improve lives, promote wellness, and revolutionize health and well-being industries.
Why Join Us?
This evening is dedicated to showcasing startups tackling challenges in health, fitness, mental well-being, and beyond. Whether you're passionate about advancing wellness, investing in impactful solutions, or supporting startups in this critical space, this event is for you.What to Expect on the Night:
The Health & Well-Being Pitch Night is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and well-being. Guests will:- Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers, and startup operators.
- Support four incredible early-stage founders as they pitch their transformative health and wellness solutions.
Event Timeline:
- August 15th, 2025: Applications close
- August 18th, 2025: Shortlisted applicants announced.
- August 20th, 2025: Pitch training for shortlisted applicants.
- August 21st, 2025: Finalists announced.
- August 26th, 2025: Pitch Night!
###
Attendee Information:
Secure your spot to explore the innovative solutions shaping the future of health and well-being. This is your chance to connect with founders redefining how we think about wellness and discover transformative ideas with the potential for real-world impact.
