Fundraising Fundamentals for Australian Startups
Raising capital isn't just about pitching investors—it's about understanding the whole ecosystem. We've built this program around what actually works in the Australian startup landscape, not textbook theories that fall apart when you're sitting across from a potential investor.
Get Program DetailsHow We Built This Program
Look, we didn't create this from scratch in an office. Over the past eight years, we've watched hundreds of startups navigate their first funding rounds. Some crushed it. Others... well, they learned expensive lessons.
This program pulls from those real experiences. We've taken what consistently works—the preparation methods, the communication strategies, even the timing decisions—and structured it into something you can actually use.
Practice-First Approach
You'll spend more time working through scenarios than sitting through lectures. Because when you're in front of investors, theory won't help you.
Market-Specific Focus
Australian venture capital operates differently than Silicon Valley. We focus on what matters here—the investors you'll actually meet, the terms you'll really see.
Incremental Skill Building
Each session builds on the last. You're not jumping around topics—you're developing a complete fundraising capability step by step.
What You'll Actually Learn
Six modules spread over twelve weeks. Each one focuses on a specific part of the fundraising process that founders consistently struggle with.
Financial Modeling Reality
Build projections that investors take seriously. Learn which assumptions they'll challenge and how to defend your numbers without sounding defensive.
Investor Mapping
Identify who actually invests in your sector and stage. We'll work through research methods and help you build a realistic target list for your specific situation.
Pitch Development
Create a compelling narrative about your business. Not a sales pitch—an honest story about what you're building and why it matters in the Australian market.
Due Diligence Preparation
Get your documents organized before investors ask. Learn what they'll want to see and how to present information that builds confidence rather than raises concerns.
Term Sheet Navigation
Understand what you're actually agreeing to. We break down common terms, explain what's negotiable, and help you recognize when something's off.
Process Management
Keep multiple conversations moving forward simultaneously. Learn how to maintain momentum without losing control of your business operations.
Who's Teaching This
Three people who've been on both sides of the fundraising table. Rhys spent six years as an investor before switching to work with startups. Callista founded two companies and raised capital for both. Alastair worked in corporate finance before moving into the startup world.
They've seen what works and what doesn't. More importantly, they can explain why certain approaches succeed while others consistently fail—not from theory, but from actual experience sitting in those meetings.
Rhys Pemberton
Program Lead
Former VC analyst turned startup advisor. Rhys has evaluated over 400 pitches and now helps founders understand what investors actually look for beyond the pitch deck.
Callista Norquay
Founder Experience Lead
Raised two successful rounds totaling $3.2M for her SaaS company. Callista focuses on the practical challenges founders face during fundraising processes.
Alastair Wickham
Financial Strategy Lead
Corporate finance background with specialty in startup valuations. Alastair teaches founders how to build defensible financial models and understand investor math.
Ready to Get Started?
Program Start
September 2025
Duration
12 Weeks
Format
Hybrid (In-person + Online)
Location
Sydney CBD
We keep cohorts small—around 15 founders per session. Applications for September 2025 open in early June. If you're planning to raise capital in late 2025 or 2026, this timing should work well.