Founder Groups Melbourne

Founder Connect!

️ \*\***TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT --** **[CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/founder-connect-tickets-1990615078285)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/founder-connect-tickets-1990615078285)\*\*️ Join us for another TSN gathering designed to bring the startup community together! Whether you’re a founder, operator or ecosystem builder, this event is a chance to connect with peers, learn something new and be part of a supportive network. Each edition highlights different voices and topics, but the goal remains the same, community, collaboration and meaningful conversations. Date: 11th August 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM AEST Venue: Grevillea Room, Darebin Arts Centre 401 Bell Street (corner Bell St & St Georges Rd), Preston 3072 [Joe Blanck](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-blanck-48473418/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-blanck-48473418/") spent 20+ years mastering his craft before founding [A Blanck Canvas](https://ablanckcanvas.com/ "https://ablanckcanvas.com/") in 2013, growing it into a world-class studio designing, building and performing unforgettable, immersive experiences for audiences of all ages, all over the world. In this keynote followed by a Q&A Joe shares candid lessons on the leap from artisan to business leader, scaling a team without losing creative integrity, and navigating high-stakes client relationships. For founders and businesses growing their own ventures, it's a grounded look at what scaling really takes. Joe Blanck is a creature designer, maker, artist and Creative Director with more than 20 years of experience creating immersive entertainment experiences. As the founder of A Blanck Canvas, he leads a Melbourne-based studio specialising in large-scale puppets, props, illuminated installations and live event spectacles for film, theatre and major public events. Beginning his career in scenic art and theatre, Joe later worked with Creature Technology Company on acclaimed productions including Walking with Dinosaurs, How to Train Your Dragon and King Kong. In 2013, he founded A Blanck Canvas, bringing together his passion for scenic art, creature-making and live performance to create world-class experiences and handcrafted spectacles. In 2024, he was honoured as a TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Master, joining a distinguished global network of industry leaders. Through A Blanck Canvas, Joe continues to combine artistry, craftsmanship and innovation to create extraordinary experiences that inspire connection, wonder and imagination. 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. 🍔🍷 Whether 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 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! See you there! 🎉

Founders Running Club :: Melbourne

📢 Founders Running Club :: Melbourne — the first Australian chapter of a global community bringing together founders, investors, operators, and creators. Whether startups are your whole career or just a curiosity, that’s our common ground. Come run, grab a coffee, make some friends. When? 8am every Saturday. We start gathering around 7:50am (some of us are there from 7:45). Where? Parkville parkrun: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WcaekGkh6S1DVK9Q7 🏃 First time? We run alongside parkrun, a larger event with 500+ participants, so there’s a first timer’s briefing. No sign-up needed, but you can grab a free barcode at parkrun.com.au to track your time and stats. It’s a 5K, but run your own lap of 3K or whatever you like. We don’t all run as a group (some do), and we meet after. We hang in the park until \~8:45, then grab ☕🥐 at a nearby café. 🤝 How do I find you? We gather in the park after the run. Join our WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KJRG8JnP1OF5Fw6Psfa72m) 👯 Bring a friend? Always. +1s very welcome! 📸 instagram.com/frcmelbourne

Startup Networking Melbourne: Founders, Investors & Talent Mixer

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in Melbourne.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-melbourne-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987629760118?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment. **💡 Why This Event Is Different** Most networking events end with exchanged LinkedIn profiles. This one focuses on real conversations and real opportunities. We bring together founders, investors, engineers, operators and talent in a curated environment designed to create meaningful connections. Through interactive networking rounds, open conversations and pitch opportunities, participants can share challenges, exchange insights and build relationships that last beyond the event. 🤝 What to Expect * **Interactive Networking** Structured networking rounds where participants briefly introduce themselves, share current challenges and explore collaboration opportunities. * **Talent Corner** Recruiters and hiring managers can briefly share open positions, while engineers and operators can introduce their skills and interests. * **Startup Conversations** Open discussions about fundraising, product development, growth and startup challenges. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Startup founders • Investors and angels • Engineers and builders • Operators and product managers • Recruiters and HR professionals • Sales and business development professionals • Job seekers interested in startups • Newcomers to the Melbourne tech ecosystem

Girl Founders Council - Focus Group - Founders and Builders Session 1

**Location:** East Melbourne Library - Booked Private Meeting Room ([Local Studies Room](https://bookings.melbourne.vic.gov.au/bookings/asset/4a01e0fe-5b8f-44b0-9be1-b5dbe63194fb/Local-Studies-Room)) **Spots:** 8 maximum *This is the first one. Come help us figure out what it becomes.* The Founders Council is a weekly gathering for women in Melbourne's south-east who are building something — a business, a side project, a creative practice, an idea that keeps coming back. It is not just a networking event. It is not a workshop. It is a council — a small room of women who show up weekly (or help out the one-off joiners to the group) to give and receive honest input from people who are in the same season of building but might be doing it alone. You will meet other girls who are building something too, let's help each other out with whatever each of us is working on. Share your inputs and ideas. Because I believe we have so many skills and pieces of knowledge that can help the person next to you. This can be your accountability group come when you can, touch base and keep yourself accountable with what you planned to build. **Session 01 will run like this:** We will start with a quick round of names and what everyone is working on — thirty seconds each. Then the council opens. Anyone who wants to bring something gets fifteen minutes — a problem, a decision, a pitch to test, something they need honest eyes on. (You can also treat this as your accountability group where in your 15 minutes you can share what your plan is for this week. Then come again next week to check in and plan the next week) The group responds. Not with prescriptive advice. With real honest reactions from people who get it. We close with each person naming one thing they are doing before next week. That is it. That is the accountability. Then the last thirty minutes are open — coffee, conversation, the kind of talk that only happens when the room is right. **You do not have to share anything.** Come and contribute to the group. Listen. Give your perspective on someone else's problem. That seat is just as valuable as any other. **Who belongs here:** Women aged roughly 20 to 40 in Melbourne who are actively building something. Early stage, side hustle, just an idea — all welcome. The only thing that connects everyone in the room is that you are building and you want to be around others who are doing the same. **What to bring:** Yourself. Coffee. Optionally — one thing you are working on or stuck on that you would like the group's eyes on. **Spots are limited to 8.** Small by design. The council only works when the room is small enough for everyone to have the time to share and get the response. *This is a weekly event. Come once or come every week — no commitment required. The door is always open.* Started by Veronika — Building an app for couples, and someone who started this group because she needed it and could not find it.

AI & Tech Networking Event in Melbourne by Ascent Valley

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in Melbourne.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-tech-networking-event-in-melbourne-by-ascent-valley-tickets-1990353678431?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)** **Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.** **🚀 Meet investors, founders, AI experts, operators, and immigrant entrepreneurs building the next generation of global companies.** * Share your project and get feedback. * Connect with capital. * Expand your network. * This is where conversations turn into partnerships. * Use our participant mini app to keep every contact and insight from the event — nothing gets lost. 👥 Who You’ll Meet • Startup Founders • Angel Investors & VC firms • AI Experts • Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia & the UK • Marketers, Sales leaders & Business Advisors • Builders & Game Changers Startup Pitch Session Selected founders take the stage for a focused 5-minute presentation in front of active investors and tech leaders. Each startup receives: ⚡ Professional evaluation ⚡ Investor feedback ⚡ Visibility inside our global ecosystem **Why You Can’t Miss It** • Meet Tech & Business professionals, founders, and active investors • Gain real feedback from venture capitalists and angel investors • Discover new opportunities in AI, Tech & early-stage startups • Build meaningful connections in a global entrepreneurial community If you’re serious about startups — you should be in the room. 📈 Want to Pitch? Send your deck to: 📧 events@ascentvalley.club or fill [form](https://forms.gle/u4pDA4GMmUZVJHwV7) Limited spots. Curated selection. 🏆 The startup recognized as “Most Investment-Worthy” will be featured across our social media and included in our investor newsletter. **🌟 About Ascent Valley** [Ascent Valley ](https://ascentvalley.com/infrastructure)is a global ecosystem connecting founders, innovators, and investors. We believe great ideas shouldn’t stay hidden — they deserve to be heard, challenged, and supported by the right people. Our mission is to create environments where ambitious builders connect, collaborate, and grow together.

📚 #InPursuit – A Book Club for Builders, Thinkers, and Doers

Tech & Business Networking in Melbourne

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/dmtkw72o 🚀 **Join our event in Melbourne!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/dmtkw72o) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 18:00–18:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 18:30–19:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 19:00–19:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 19:50–21:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 24 hours before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

Tech Networking Event by Startup Valley
in Melbourne

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/dmtkw72o 🚀 **Join our event in Melbourne!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/dmtkw72o) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 18:00–18:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 18:30–19:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 19:00–19:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 19:50–21:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 24 hours before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

FORGE Founders Walk & Coffee | Albert Park 5K

**Good coffee. A 5k walk. Better company.** FORGE is a social club for founders and operators actively building real businesses - and this is our very first event. We’re meeting at **9am at Space Cafe on Fitzroy Street** to grab a coffee before heading out for a relaxed 5k walk around Albert Park Lake. Along the way, we’ll mix things up a few times so you get the chance to meet and chat with plenty of people, without the awkwardness of walking into a room and trying to “network”. After the walk, we’ll finish back at Space Cafe, where anyone who wants to can stick around for brunch. ***Who's it for?*** People who are **actively building and running businesses** and want to meet others who understand the highs, lows and occasional chaos that comes with it. You don’t need to be running a huge company. But you should be in the arena; building, operating and taking your business seriously. This probably *isn’t* the right event if you’re looking for a job, exploring your first business idea, or primarily hoping to pitch or sell your services. **Come to meet peers, not prospects.** ***What to expect*** ☕ Grab a coffee 🚶 A relaxed 5k walk around Albert Park Lake 👋 Plenty of opportunities to meet different founders and operators 🥐 Optional brunch afterwards 🚫 No pitches, panels, presentations or awkward networking Just good people, real businesses and conversations worth having. **Build boldly. Play fully.** See you there 👋

Startup Pitch & Networking in Melbourne

📍 **Registration is on Luma — Meetup is not our RSVP platform.** Please register here to secure your spot: https://luma.com/dmtkw72o 🚀 **Join our event in Melbourne!** We design Pitch and Networking nights to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **Our pitch night is complemented by a structured networking session before and after the pitch session.** ▶ **See how our pitch nights look:** https://vimeo.com/877496618 **💡 What to expect:** - **Startups pitch live and receive focused feedback** from angels and VC partners - **Structured networking session** before and after the pitches - Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and operators are joining to network, exchange ideas, and build strong connections - Active investors and venture scouts joining to discover the best startups early **🤝 Who you will meet at the event:** - Founders - Investors, VC partners, Venture Scouts - Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisors - Industry Disruptors - AI Experts - Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **💼 We Welcome New Investors:** We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, share feedback, and participate in discussions with early-stage and serial founders. We offer **complimentary tickets to institutional investors, angels, and venture scouts** with a proven track record. Please [apply via Luma](https://luma.com/dmtkw72o) or send us an email so we can issue the ticket. If you'd like to **access our database of promising startups** or **provide mentorship support to our best startups**, please fill out this short [Investor Application Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn1s8f5_R3iaqYoJ4aU2q1IxcFXIZIQElD6cEcv8YkRQhaUA/viewform), and our team will contact you. **🎤 Want to Pitch?** A limited number of founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startup or business **to a panel of investors and experts.** 4-6 selected founders will pitch their startup, followed by a short Q&A where participants can ask questions and share feedback. Apply by filling out the [Pitch Application Form](https://forms.gle/CuscVQibyXBbi1Fv7) and sending us your pitch deck. Spots are limited, and we select founders in advance. To maintain high-quality pitches, you are required to present with a pitch deck. We will share our **pitching guide** and, if you'd like, **coach you** so you're fully prepared for pitch night. 🏆 **The best startups will be featured** across our social media and included in our **investor newsletter.** **Requirements for attendees:** - Dress code: smart casual. Bring good energy. **🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today!** **About us:** [Startup Valley](https://startupvalley.club/) is a global event organizer hosting pitch nights in 25 cities since 2023. Since then, **we have hosted 850 events for 40,000 attendees**. Over these years, we connected countless outstanding early-stage startups to serious investors, and we are not planning to stop. We maintain strategic partnerships with VC funds in the US, Europe, and Asia to support our community. Do you have a **question, a partnership proposal, or want to clarify something**? Reach us at hello@startupvalley.club **Agenda** - 18:00–18:30 — **Registration**: Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. - 18:30–19:00 — **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**: Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking session to connect with key contacts. - 19:00–19:50 — **Startup Pitch Session**: Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project’s core idea, business model, and target market. - 19:50–21:00 — **Chill & Networking**: Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaboration opportunities, and exchange ideas over refreshments. **FAQ** **Can I pitch?** Yes! To pitch, please purchase a Pitch Ticket and fill out the Pitch Application Form. We will contact you to discuss and approve your pitch. The pitch duration is 5 minutes. You will also have some time to answer questions from the audience. **How does the pitch go?** Selected founders present on stage to the audience and the investors in the room. You get 5 minutes to pitch your idea, business model, target market, and investment ask, followed by a short Q&A. The best startups are featured across our social media channels and in the investor newsletter. **Who will I meet?** Founders, angel investors, VC partners, venture scouts, AI experts, engineers, operators, marketing and sales experts, and international entrepreneurs from across Europe, Asia, and the US. **Do investors get free tickets?** Yes! Please apply via Luma (the link is in the event description) or email hello@startupvalley.club, and we will issue a complimentary ticket for you and your team. **Can I request a refund?** Yes. Refunds are available if requested at least 24 hours before the event start time. Please submit the refund request on the platform where you purchased your ticket, or email us at hello@startupvalley.club

Startup Pitch & Themed Networking Melbourne | Unlock Your Idea

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in Melbourne.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-pitch-themed-networking-melbourne-unlock-your-idea-tickets-1990353679434?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.** Most of us are in the same loop. You have an idea. You workshop it with ChatGPT, read another newsletter, tell three friends who don't quite get it. The idea stays in your head. Or worse — it never gets the kind of pushback that would have made it sharper. Research on creative work is clear: people who articulate their idea to like-minded peers begin to understand it deeper. Quality feedback isn't validation — it's the thing that changes how you see your own work. We mix the room on purpose. Different industries see the same process from different angles — that's where value compounds. We ask for your LinkedIn in registration so we can group you with the right people, not random tables. **How the evening runs (3 stages)** **Stage 1 — Themed Networking** You vote on the night's themes through the registration form (Fundraising, HR, GTM, Product, Pricing, Hiring — whichever wins the room). We group you by background. Each group's representative shares the conversation's main takeaway on stage. Featured contributors get a Featured Founder spotlight on ascentvalley.com — that's how the conversation scales across the ecosystem. **Stage 2 — Pitches** 5 curated startups present their idea for live feedback and investor introductions. After the event, we add them to our private founder database and route their application to the right investors inside the Ascent Valley network. **Stage 3 — Chill & Network** The structured part wraps. The bar stays open. The connections you started solidify here — most of our repeat attendees say this is where the real value lands. **Who's in the room** * Accelerator representatives — talent and dealflow scouts from Melbourne-based and EU-wide programs * Investors — angels, fund representatives, scouts from syndicates * Founders, Pre-seed to Series A — building across SaaS, AI, ClimateTech, FinTech, ConsumerTech * Operators — PMs, engineering leads, GTM leaders from scaling startups * Entrepreneurs across industries — fresh perspective is the point * Founders traveling through Melbourne — from Tel Aviv, Berlin, London, NYC, Lisbon nodes * Hiring leads from companies actively scaling teams **About Ascent Valley** Ascent Valley is a 3-layer ecosystem: Community, DealFlow, Events. Our mission is to break local boundaries and enable cross-region growth through real connection between founders, operators, and investors. **Philosophy: [IDEA → PROCESS → RESULT.](https://ascentvalley.com "https://ascentvalley.com")**

Networking Drinks for Builders & Doers

**🍻 The Entrepreneur Club – Last Friday of the Month Drinks** **Not your average knock-off drinks.** Join us for a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, builders, creatives, and self-starters who believe business is more than just work, it’s a personal growth journey. Whether you're scaling something or just starting out, this is a space to meet others who think like you do. **💬 What to Expect** ✅ Real convos with people building something ✅ A place to bounce ideas, swap challenges, and share wins ✅ Opportunities to give value and get it in return ✅ Chill vibes, no pitches, just smart people in good company You don’t need a title or a polished pitch, just curiosity and the willingness to connect. **🗓 Format** **6:30pm** – Arrive, grab a drink, join a convo **8:30pm** – We wrap, or roll on elsewhere 📍 **The Oxford Scholar** We take over a corner of the bar (Back Bar or Atrium), look for the crew with ideas in one hand and a drink in the other. **🎯 This is for you if** * You want more entrepreneurial people in your life * You’re building something, or want to be * You care about growth, not just small talk Bring a question. Bring a challenge. Bring your curiosity. Last Friday of every month. Let’s make it count.