Do Good, Grow Fast: Why Giving Back is Good for Startups

In the fast-paced world of startups, it's easy to focus purely on product, growth, and funding—but what if doing good was also a great strategy for doing well?

We’ve assembled an amazing panel session with WA’s most experienced purpose-driven leaders and founders to explore why weaving purpose and philanthropy into your startup from the beginning isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move.

From boosting your brand and attracting top talent to building meaningful partnerships and long-term resilience, they’ll illustrate how giving back actually drives growth, and how startups of any size can make a difference—without needing millions in the bank.

Expect real stories, practical ideas (like the Pledge 1% model), and inspiration to help you find a cause that aligns with your mission. Whether you’re launching, scaling, or just figuring out your why—this session will help you balance business with purpose.

Agenda:

• 7:30 am: Shameless plugs and announcements. Introduce yourself or announce your startup to the Perth startup community!
• 7:45 am: Panel Session - Why Giving Back is Good for Business
• 8:30 am: Networking & delicious breakfast treats
• 9:00 am: Finish

About the panel

Lindsay O’Sullivan – COO, Keystart
Lindsay brings over 25 years of executive experience driving transformation and growth in housing, financial services, and government. As COO of Keystart, he led a major end-to-end transformation that delivered world-class employee engagement, tech modernisation, and 55% balance sheet growth. Lindsay is passionate about purpose-led business and has held senior roles with Bethanie Housing, Veev, and Spacecubed.

Louise Baxter – CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation
Louise is an inspiring and authentic leader with deep experience across the commercial and For Purpose sectors. As CEO and Executive Director of Starlight, she has helped grow it into Australia’s most trusted children’s charity, with a focus on exceptional experiences, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Louise has held senior roles in FMCG, marketing, and advertising, launched her own startup, and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for Stanford Australia Foundation and the Community Council for Australia. She’s passionate about the power of philanthropy and purpose to drive real impact—and brings valuable lessons from a career bridging business and social good.

Zoe McAlpine – Executive Coach, Former CEO Breast Cancer Care WA
Zoe is a coach and executive leader with 20+ years’ experience building high-performing teams and cultures. She doubled revenue and service reach as CEO of Breast Cancer Care WA and led a $30m fundraising team at Starlight. With a background in education, retail, and nonprofits, Zoe brings a practical, people-first perspective to purpose-driven leadership.

Matt Pirga – Principal, SOLN CO.
With 15+ years in heavy equipment manufacturing and 8 years of small business ownership, Matt blends strategic thinking with a hands-on “get it done” mindset. A proven operator in general management, business growth, and change leadership, he’s passionate about creating value while keeping people and purpose front and center.

Steve North – Managing Director, Veev Group
Steve is a tech founder, strategic consultant, and nonprofit leader with 20+ years in global IT and business transformation. As MD of Veev Group and President of Starlight Children’s Foundation WA, Steve combines innovation and social impact. He’s led projects across industries and continents—and believes in aligning tech, strategy, and values to drive meaningful change.

Live stream
This event will also be live streamed by the amazing folks at [PerthVideo.com.au](https://perthvideo.com.au), courtesy of the New Industries Fund from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation!

Access the live stream and all our post-event recordings here:
https://perthvideo.com.au/morning-startup-perth/

Coffee, Food and Sponsors
Tell Joey Zaza's you're heading to Morning Startup on the way in for a free coffee courtesy of Purpose Ventures, and enjoy some of their delicious breakfast treats courtesy of KeepSpace.

And thanks to the amazing folks at Ammo Marketing and Beacham Group for keeping this meetup alive 🙏 ❤️