Startup Funding

If you have a startup idea or a growing company and you want to join the early stage accelerator Founder Institute from Melbourne, then join us for the in-person 'Founder Night Out' event. At this informal networking event, you can connect with other early-stage entrepreneurs, startup mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute network. Buy your own food and drinks, Network with potential co-founders, advisors, alumni, mentors and partners. Most of all, ask us anything about the accelerator Founder Institute cohort from Feb-May 2026. ❯ **Attending mentors include Alex Sy (Managing Director, ATLAS Business Consulting and Mentoring Services) and Sameer Babbar** ❯ **Who should Attend?** * Anyone interested in entrepreneurship * Anyone who has applied to Founder Institute or finished Founder Institute in the past * Anyone who has been a mentor with Founder Institute * Anyone who has a pre-seed tech company or a startup idea * Anyone interested in joining a startup accelerator ❯ **What is the Agenda?** * Ask us anything about the startup accelerator Founder Institute * Networking * Buy your own food and drinks **❯❯ This is an in-person event—RSVP here: [https://fi.co/e/387158/meetup](https://fi.co/e/387158/meetup) to secure your spot and be the first to receive event details, including the location when it’s announced.**

We're thrilled to invite you to our next Microsoft Student Accelerator event on **Wednesday, February 11th at 3:00 PM** at the **Microsoft Melbourne Office**! 🎉 Whether you're looking to understand different tech roles, strengthen your resume, or learn about what Microsoft internships look like, this meetup is for you. Join us for an engaging afternoon filled with insights, practical guidance, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow students. ## What’s on the agenda: 💬 **Intern Panel & Discussion** – Hear real experiences and insights from students who’ve navigated the internship journey. 📝 **Resume Building & Tips** – Learn practical ways to strengthen your resume and present your skills confidently. 🔦 **Role Spotlights** – Discover different tech pathways through short talks from professionals across multiple disciplines. 🤝 **Networking & Food** – Connect with peers and industry professionals to wrap up the afternoon. 📍 Microsoft Melbourne Office - Level 5, 4 Freshwater Place, Southbank VIC 3006 🗓 Wednesday, 11th February 🕒 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (AEST) (Please note: meetup event shows time in AWST) We can't wait to see you there! 🤩 Best regards, The MSA Melbourne Team

Adults have basically been robbed of the right to play. Creativity started needing a purpose, a product, or at least a gallery invite. Meanwhile, it’s human to dance, it’s human to sing, and it’s human to draw, especially poorly! Sketchy Behaviour is here to break that spell. ([Link to tickets here](https://www.trybooking.com/DIGHO)) Doors open at 6pm, settle in and get your drinks at the bar (mocktails available). At 7pm, the night begins: • Guided drawing activities with your host, prompts and visual inspiration provided • Three activities/games per night a mix of collaborative chaos and solo scribbling • Breaks between rounds to regroup, hit the bathroom, top up a drink, grab some nibbles, and mingle with fellow doodlers It’s all about connecting through process rather than polishing a product. Expect laughter, strange drawings, and surprising conversations. In a world drowning in increasingly polished AI art, making something imperfect is a revolutionary act. Supplies provided. Masks welcome. Sharing your weird creations, highly recommended. Come draw like a kid, laugh like a fool, and leave with memories instead of masterpieces. Note: Pride of our Footscray is located on the first floor of a building with no elevator and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.

We are doing a seminar on how to help increase your income, and to give you some useable tools that you can help apply to your life/new business venture in order to take yourself to the next level, financially! It is no secret that the cost of living is continuing to grow, and will most likely only continue to. So how can you work around this? In this seminar you will learn: \- Who is the most important person in any business\. \- How to set achievable goals\. \- The power of surveying \- PLUS MORE\! Come along and learn some useful tools that could help set you on the right path.

Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.

Hi Architects, Welcome to our first AWS Melbourne Well-Architected User Group Meetup for 2026, including more exceptional speakers and topics! :-D At each meetup we covered off various pillars in detail, best-practices and insights from industry leaders that specialise in the Well-Architected Framework. And giving away drones, of course. Lots of drones. Our speakers this month include: * **Mystery Speaker** **Can Cost Optimisation Improve your other pillars?** In this talk, we'll go through whether Cost Optimisation can improve your security, operational excellence, reliability, etc. and more importantly, how (spoiler alert - it can but it will be an interesting exploration). This month's menu will include: * Pizzas * Beer: Nastro Azzurro * Wine: Big and red 🤤 NB: Please check in up the stairs from the ground floor to the Mezzanine Level. So come join us at 5:30 for a 6pm **SHARP** start, followed by beer, wine, pizza and friendly networking after our talks :-)

Instead of having coffee while watching Netflix, we’re coming together as a community, connecting in person, sharing tips, providing support wherever we can AND having coffee together ☕. * **What We’re About** You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen. It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests. * **What to Expect** Casual Meetups: We gather semi-regularly at a local café to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.” An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups. Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations. * **Host Support** If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you. **Quick note for the day:** Depending on the weather, we might go for a walk around Blackburn Lake. Just remember to wear comfy shoes :)

Friendly game of five a side indoor football (soccer). Indoor trainers/boots. No studs. Played on timber floor. Bibs will be supplied. Game Rules: Kick ins from the side. Goal keeper must throw the ball out when the ball goes behind. No slide tackles. After each goal a spot kick is taken and the opposing team must stand behind the white line (you'll understand when you get there). Keeper rotates every 6 minutes. If you need to pull out of the game for any reason, please RSVP no and then message the event so that another can potentially fill your spot. Please note that you should do this at least 48 hours (the sooner the better) before the game to allow the chance for someone to take your spot. If we are unable to fill the spot then I will not be able to refund you. Thank you.

**Unlock Meaningful Connections at Our Speed Friending Event** [LINK TO BOOK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meaningful-conversations-group-speed-friending-tickets-1980675711371?aff=oddtdtcreator) Ready to step out of your comfort zone and make authentic connections? Join us at *The Bank on Collins* for an exclusive Speed Friending event with structured conversations designed for ambitious professionals and like-minded individuals who are eager to forge meaningful connections - not just small talk. This event attracts a diverse group of individuals who are serious about building friendships and expanding their network. Whether you're a professional climbing the career ladder, a creative pushing the boundaries of innovation, or an entrepreneur chasing your next big idea, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded go-getters who think big and dream even bigger. In a world where quality relationships are key to success, we believe that life is better with great people in it. This event is your opportunity to meet dynamic, driven individuals who are all about growth, collaboration, and real conversations. Be prepared to dive deep with thought-provoking questions that foster vulnerability and genuine connections so you can Find Your Tribe. Whether you're a seasoned event-goer or this is your first event, we're here to support you every step of the way. Push past surface-level interactions and start building the kind of relationships that truly matter. **Event Structure:** * **6:30 pm:** Arrive, grab a drink, and mingle. (Pro tip: Happy hour ends at 6:30 pm, so come early to snag a deal!) * **6:45 pm - 8:00 pm:** 4 rounds of group speed friending. You'll meet 16-20 like-minded people ready to connect on a deeper level. * **8:00 pm - 8:30 pm:** Post-speed friending social networking. This is where the magic happens—spend time with the people you vibed with most and start building real friendships. **Investment:** $10 [BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meaningful-conversations-group-speed-friending-tickets-1980675711371?aff=oddtdtcreator) To support the venue, please buy a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or snack during the event. **Liability Disclaimer:** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the session. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **Photo & Video Disclaimer:** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. **Take the leap - join us for a night of transformative connections and step into a community of movers and shakers. We can't wait to meet you!** Link to book: [Meaningful Conversations - Group Speed Friending Tickets, Thu, Feb 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meaningful-conversations-group-speed-friending-tickets-1980675711371?aff=oddtdtcreator) Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

This is our monthly meetup where we hang out and chat about investing. There's no fixed format, we just meet with like-minded individuals to discuss investing strategies and stock picks, at a bar or cafe. All levels of experience welcome. Second Friday of the month. Bring laptops/tablets etc if you like because we do research.

**🔥L​assie & Edward Zia's Business Community is hosting a Business Networking Event @ Pullman Melbourne on the Park!🔥** Join like-minded people in Business for a fun and relaxing Networking Lunch and afternoon of Networking that you won't want to miss!​ Our Business Community includes a diverse range of friendly and supportive Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, CEOs, Managing Directors, Boss Ladies, Thought Leaders and Influencers, open and ready to meet like-minded individuals, to connect and grow their Networks! ​​Our events are all about fostering and empowering meaningful connections, getting everyone out of their homes and offices to build a stronger Network within our Communities. **​T​he Event:** ​Our gatherings are free to you and pretty casual, with minimum structure to allow natural flow of conversations. [Please make a donation, we really appreciate your support.](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ExcellenceAbove) Come along, grab lunch, ​introduce yourselves, make new friends, and connect with each other on your phones via Linkedin. Our leaders will give a brief introduction after lunch, feel free to move around and speak to everyone before and after, and enjoy a coffee and or beverages of your choice throughout​ the event too. **Before the event** ​Make sure that you have registered for this event, updated your professional profile and install the Linkedin app on your phone, our preferred social media platform for high quality professionals and Business Partners. **After the event​:** ​Touch base with those you have met and connect with any you may have missed on the day. Schedule a coffee meet and come along to our next event to meet and re-connect with others. **​P​arking:** Pullman Melbourne on the Park is located in East Melbourne, about a 10 minute walk East from Parliament Train Station. It's close to the MCG, and is also a popular venue for many concerts and sporting events. Wellington Parade also has many trams, with a tram spot just outside the Hotel. Parking includes a mixture of street parking and paid carparks including: \- Underneath the Pullman on the Park \- The Epworth Freemasons Carpark - Secure Parking, 12 - 20 Flinders Lane This part of town tends to be either empty or completely packed, based on what events are happening at the MCG and more (always great to leave earlier and allow more time when things are busy). **First time with Us?** You're in good hands! We've been running​ networking events in ​since 2015 and beyond **About Us** Our Meetup Business Community has over 16k members and has become one of Australia's largest Business Networking Meetup groups. We host regular Networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and zooms throughout the year, supporting a network of ever-growing businesses. With over 16,000 members in our Business Community, you have the best chance of meeting like-minded people to grow and scale your Network faster. **View all upcoming ​events [here](https://linktr.ee/LassieZia)** ### Frequently Asked Question​s **What is the dress code?** Smart Business casual and ​be photo ready. **Do many people attend by themselves?** Many of ​our attendees come by themselves​ and friends, colleagues and first timers are always welcomed. **How can I make contact with any questions?** ​Simply direct message [Edward Zia](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardzia/) with any further questions. We aim to create High Value and the best Business Networking Events available out there! **Meet - Like - Know - Trust** **Your Network is your Networth!** 🌏🌏🌏💙💙💙🔥🔥🔥 1. If you love our High Quality Business Networking Events, please Sign up to become a Member of the **[Awesome Influencer Vault](https://edwardzia.teachable.com/p/theawesomemarketingvault)** and help us keep them Running! We really appreciate your ongoing support!

* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink. * * We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**" * * We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment. * * Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level! * * **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other. * * **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)** * * Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺 * * Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. * * **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

We'll play board games at the [Land-Grant Brewing Company](https://landgrantbrewing.com/). They have multiple [food trucks](https://landgrantbrewing.com/food/) on Sundays. Ray Ray's also has coffee, and the brewery has free water (and Jeni's ice cream). You can come late or leave early. Please just sign up so I know to expect you. **Notes on Parking** * You'll (probably) have to park on the street, but street parking is free on Sundays. * There are [parking garages](https://landgrantbrewing.com/parking/) a little farther away if you want. These are obviously not free, though. * There is a [lot next door](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.0%22N+83%C2%B000'40.9%22W/@39.957211,-83.0119921,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m7!3m6!1s0x88388f3efd89238b:0xc139207386232411!2sLand-Grant+Brewing+Company!8m2!3d39.9577613!4d-83.011426!16s%2Fg%2F1pzt7t9df!3m3!8m2!3d39.957211!4d-83.011347?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) to the brewery that you're allowed to park in, but it is not free. I've never parked there, so I don't know anything about rates. (I'm told though that if you eat at Milo's Deli next door to this lot that Milo's will stamp your parking so it's free.) * You're going to see odd signs on [Lucas St](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B057'26.1%22N+83%C2%B000'40.3%22W/@39.957256,-83.0124134,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zMznCsDU3JzI4LjgiTiA4M8KwMDAnNDEuNSJX!8m2!3d39.957993!4d-83.011536!3m3!8m2!3d39.957256!4d-83.011197?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D) (saying it's a "private street") that will lead you to believe you're not allowed to park there, but you actually are. * Columbus parking cops literally do not work on Sundays. This means that, even if you're driving a non-EV, you can park in the EV spots near the brewery. **Games** I do bring many games, but please bring some of your own as well.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*