The Startup Network

Founder Connect with Hummingbird Ventures & AdvanceVC

Tue, Feb 10 · 6:00 PM AEDT

The Commons QV, 3 Albert Coates Lane, Victoria, AU

🎟️ TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT -- CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS 🎟️

An honest fireside chat on startups, venture and investing, sharing lessons founders and investors usually learn the hard way.
Join The Startup Network for a special Founder Connect featuring a book launch and in-conversation session with Sohum, founder of Hummingbird Ventures and SR Developments alongside Max Kausman, founder of Advance VC.

This fireside will be marking the release of a new four-part book series on building technology startups and navigating venture capital. This event brings together founders, operators, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs for an evening of insight, conversation, and connection.
Learn more about the books here: https://books.by/sohum

About the Event
After more than 15 years of writing on startup building and venture funding, Sohum is publishing his work into a series of four books focused on the realities of building, scaling, and funding technology companies.

This Founder Connect will double as an official book launch, paired with a fireside-style conversation exploring the key themes from the books, lessons learned across cycles of startups and capital, and practical insights founders can apply today.

Expect an open, honest discussion grounded in real experience, followed by networking with the TSN community.
Learn more about the books here: https://books.by/sohum

What You’ll Get
● Book Launch of Sohum’s four-part startup and venture capital series
● Founder conversation on building tech companies, funding, and long-term thinking
● Audience Q&A with practical, founder-focused discussion
● Networking with founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem builders
● Food and drinks provided

About the Speakers
Sohum, Founder, Hummingbird Ventures and SR Developments
Sohum has been a rockstar writing and doing gigs to millions of people, built apps that were the most popular in the country, had his work featured front page in most mainstream newspapers and every major magazine he can think of including Forbes, CBS, Reuters, Canal+, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald which led to the creation of Melbourne’s free tram zone used by 4 million people each week.
He's founded a tech startup that develops real estate (SR Developments), an investment firm (Hummingbird Ventures) and write a popular blog (Sohum.com). He angel invests in startups and as an LP in VC funds where he's backed over 100 startups and more than 10 unicorns. He has a degree in computer science and an MBA from RMIT. In 2015, he was regarded as one of the most influential young people under the age of 30 in Australia.

Max Kausman, Founder, Advance VC
Max is a VC investor, advisor, startup operator, and community builder. He’s been investing in VC since 2020, both at Tidal Ventures where he helped deploy over $20M, and as an angel. He is also a co-founder of the J Combinator tech community. He’s previously worked in a VC backed startup and in advisory roles at Bain & Company and Vesparum Capital. https://www.advancevc.com/

When & Where
Tuesday 10 February
6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Commons, QV, Melbourne

Who Should Attend
● Startup founders and co-founders
● Early-stage operators and builders
● Aspiring entrepreneurs and students
● Investors and ecosystem participants
● Anyone interested in building technology companies the right way

### 🎟️ Join Us! 🎟️

Dive into the world of emerging technologies and gain essential skills for your startup journey at our Founder Connect event. Secure your spot today for an experience filled with opportunities, inspiration, and potential collaborations that could shape your future in tech 👩‍💼👨‍💼.

While the event is open to all, becoming a member of The Startup Network gives you access to exclusive events, resources, and a supportive community. Join us today and make the most of your entrepreneurial journey!

We can’t wait to connect with you on February 10th 🗓️! Let’s envision the future together ✨.

Founder Connect!

Tue, Mar 10 · 6:00 PM AEDT

The Commons QV, 3 Albert Coates Lane, Victoria, AU

🎟️ **TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT -- CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS **🎟️

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: 10th March 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue: The Commons QV, 3 Albert Coates Lane, Melbourne, 3000

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 tech strategies from our expert speakers.
🤝 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! 🎉

Female Founder Pitch Night

Tue, Mar 31 · 6:00 PM AEDT

The Commons QV, 3 Albert Coates Lane, Victoria, AU

🎟️ **TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVENT -- CLICK HERE FOR THE TICKETS **🎟️

The Startup Network is hosting its signature Pitch Night competition, this time focusing on Female Founder startups!

### Female Founder Pitch Night – 31st March 2026, Tuesday

Apply Here to pitch in the Female Founder Pitch Night

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating startups making a difference at our 2026 Female Founder Pitch Night at The Commons QV!

### What to Expect on the Night:

The Female Founder Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers. 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 solutions to global challenges.
• Vote for their favorite pitch of the night.

Secure your spot to witness the innovation and dedication of founders working to create a better world. This is your chance to explore transformative ideas and support startups tackling all kinds of solutions.

#### Reserve Your Seat Today!

Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration. Register now to be part of The Startup Network's Startups Pitch Night and connect with the changemakers shaping a brighter future.