Start your start up journey

Every successful founder starts somewhere. Victoria is home to a number of events, funding and educational opportunities to help you build and test your startup idea.

On this page:

  • What is a startup?
  • How to build and test your idea
  • Events and Networking opportunities
  • Developing your pitch and preparing for a capital raise

What is a startup?

LaunchVic defines startups as innovative, technology-based businesses that can scale rapidly and capture mass markets. Examples include software and application development (AI, blockchain, e-commerce, SaaS, AR/VR), hardware, advanced manufacturing, robotics, autonomous vehicles, quantum technology, and life sciences (biotech and medtech). Unlike small businesses, startups are built for growth. They aim to solve global problems, reach millions of users, and grow fast. Once a startup proves its model and achieves significant growth, it becomes a scaleup.

Build and test your business idea

If you have a technology-based idea but not yet a business or product, Victoria is home to a range of  pre-accelerator programs that can help you get started.

Pre-accelerators are business entrepreneurship programs that help you validate your idea, talk to customers, and build your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) (a simple, testable version of your idea). You’ll also gain access to mentors, potential co- founders, and expert guidance on how to pitch and prepare for funding. Discover a list of pre-accelerator programs via our program directory. 

Connect with the community

No one builds a startup alone. Getting involved in Victoria’s startup ecosystem is one of the best ways to learn, collaborate, and stay motivated. Here are a few community groups we recommend tapping into:

  • StartSpace – events and coworking for early-stage founders 
  • Stone & Chalk – coworking spaces and regular ecosystem events 

Discover weekly startup events via the ANZ Startup Calendar. 

 

Develop your Pitch

Once your product takes shape, you’ll need to communicate your vision. A clear, simple pitch deck helps investors understand your idea, market, and potential. Y Combinator’s guide to better pitch decks is a great place to start.

If you’re looking to raise, consider what type of funding is best for your startup <link to explainer article on this topic>, and explore LaunchVic’s investor directory.

Featured Programs

Launcher Pre-accelerator

Supporting early-stage startups that are improving the lives of people with disability.

RMIT [Re]Launch

The RMIT [Re]Launch Pre-accelerator supports Victorian circular economy Startup Entrepreneurs.

Ochre Pre-Accelerator

Supporting Indigenous founders at the earliest-stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

Boab AI

Boab AI offers a range of programs for Startup Entrepreneurs using artificial intelligence (AI) within any industry vertical.

Press Play

Supporting women in the corporate sector to transition into startup entrepreneurship.

CICA Lab

A 12-week part-time hybrid course helping healthcare clinicians transition into startups.

Need help navigating the ecosystem?

LaunchVic’s Office Hours service gives aspiring and early-stage founders a direct line into Victoria’s startup ecosystem.

If you’re building a tech-based startup in Victoria, you can book a free 30-minute virtual session with a member of the LaunchVic team to understand the support, programs and pathways available to help you move faster.

 

Book Now

Have a question?