Top VCs in Australia: A Guide for Startup Founders Actively Fundraising
Australia’s startup ecosystem is thriving, with innovation hubs across the country and a growing number of venture capital firms fueling the next wave of entrepreneurial success. For founders looking to scale their businesses, securing the right investment partner is critical.
Whether you’re building a fintech company in Sydney, a climate tech startup in Melbourne, or an agri-food innovation in Brisbane, understanding the top venture capital firms in Australia can help you find the perfect match for your vision.
This guide highlights some of the country's leading VCs, their investment thesis, and the resources they offer to help founders turn their ideas into global success stories.
Top VCs in Australia
Flying Fox Ventures
About- Early stage capital propelling Australian & New Zealand companies across the globe
Sweetspot check size- $ 500K
Thesis- Australian early stage companies, industry agnostic
Macdoch Ventures
About- Macdoch Ventures is a private Sydney-based venture firm helping startups with financing, business development and other strategic advice.
Sweetspot check size- $ 500K
Thesis- Supporting Australian and New Zealand companies to launch globally, right at the beginning.
Melt Ventures
Thesis- Creating Hard Things. Melt Ventures believes hardware is the new software. We provide capital, expertise and advice to advanced manufacturing focused Australian startups with global ambitions.
No Brand
About- No Brand is a private investment company focussed on opportunities empowered by technology. Our focus is on backing mission driven leaders, who are building for a long term horizon and benefit from online platforms, community or network effects.
Sweetspot check size- $ 500K
Watkins Bay
About- Watkins Bay assist Founders and Entrepreneurs realise their dreams by providing all the help they need too succeed, specialising in Go To Market for Hypergrowth .
Sweetspot check size- $ 500K
Traction metrics requirements- 20% CGMR
Tenacious Ventures
About- Tenacious Ventures is a venture capital firm that supports early-stage agri-food innovators.
Sweetspot check size- $ 750K
Thesis- We are a high conviction, low-volume, high-support early stage investor in agri-food innovation.
Grok Ventures
About- Grok Ventures is a private investment company. They back world-class teams solving big problems to shape a better future. They invest in fast growing technology-enabled businesses.
AirTree Ventures
About- AirTree Ventures is a group of experienced investors and entrepreneurs based in Sydney.
Reinventure
About- Reinventure makes investments from seed through to Series A, alongside Westpac Banking Corporation as a primary LP.
Sweetspot check size- $ 3M
Main Sequence Ventures
About- Backing the world's most ambitious founders who leverage public research to build the next set of global industries.
Artesian
About- Full stack VC firm offering end-to-end venture capital platform for startups at seed, angel & growth stages in Australia, China, ASEAN.
Government Support and Grants for Startups in Australia
In 2025, the Australian government continues to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and supporting startups through a variety of grants, tax incentives, and funding programs. These initiatives aim to boost economic growth, encourage technological advancements, and position Australia as a global leader in emerging industries.
Key Government Grants and Programs
- Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive
- The R&D Tax Incentive offers a refundable tax offset of up to 43.5% for eligible R&D activities. This program is particularly beneficial for early-stage startups investing in experimental research and innovation.
- Eligibility: Companies incorporated in Australia conducting qualifying R&D activities.
- Industry Growth Program
- This program supports startups with grants ranging from $50,000 to $5 million for early-stage commercialization and growth projects. It focuses on priority areas such as renewable energy, medical science, and advanced manufacturing.
- Eligibility: SMEs with innovative projects aligned with the National
- CSIRO Kick-Start Program
- The CSIRO Kick-Start Program provides matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000 for startups to undertake research, develop new products, or test innovative ideas.
- Eligibility: Startups registered in Australia for less than three years with annual revenue under $1.5 million.
- Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)
- This grant supports startups looking to expand into international markets by covering promotional expenses such as marketing, travel, and intellectual property protection. Businesses can receive up to $770,000 in funding.
- Eligibility: Startups with annual revenue under $20 million and a focus on exporting goods or services.
- Boosting Female Founders Initiative
- This initiative provides grants of up to $480,000 to female-led startups to help them scale and commercialize innovative businesses.
- Eligibility: Startups with at least 50% female ownership or a female co-founder.
- Landing Pads Program
- This program offers startups a 90-day residency in one of five global innovation hubs (e.g., San Francisco, Berlin, Singapore) to help them access international markets and investors.
- Eligibility: Startups with a market-ready product or service.
Government Priorities and Focus Areas
The Australian government has aligned its funding programs with national priorities, including:
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability: The government is heavily investing in clean energy and low-emission technologies to address climate change and meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Programs like the Industry Growth Program and the Clean Energy Innovation Fund provide grants and funding to startups working on renewable energy solutions, energy storage, and carbon capture technologies.
- Health and Medical Science: The government is prioritizing funding for startups innovating in personalized healthcare, medical devices, and biotechnology. Programs like the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) provide financial support to startups advancing medical research and commercializing healthcare solutions.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing is a critical focus area, with grants supporting startups that enhance Australia’s capabilities in defense, aerospace, and space technologies. Programs like the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) and the Space Infrastructure Fund provide funding for projects that drive innovation in high-tech manufacturing.
The Australian Startup Ecosystem: Regional Startup Hubs
Australia’s startup ecosystem is no longer confined to Sydney and Melbourne. Regional hubs across the country are emerging as vibrant centers of innovation, offering unique opportunities for founders. Each city brings its own strengths, resources, and focus areas, making it essential for founders to choose a location that aligns with their startup’s goals. Here’s a detailed look at the major startup hubs in Australia:
Sydney: Australia’s Startup Capital
- Overview: Sydney is home to the largest startup ecosystem in Australia, valued at USD $72 billion. It boasts over 2,000 active startups and is ranked among the top 25 global startup ecosystems.
- Key Resources:
- Sydney Startup Hub: The largest startup hub in the Southern Hemisphere, offering 17,000 sqm of coworking spaces, accelerators like Fishburners and Stone & Chalk, and corporate innovation labs.
- Focus Areas: Fintech, cleantech, medtech, and AI.
- Why Choose Sydney: With access to top-tier investors, a strong talent pool, and global connections, Sydney is ideal for startups aiming for rapid growth and international expansion.
Melbourne: A Hub for Innovation and Creativity
- Overview: Melbourne’s startup ecosystem is valued at USD $26.5 billion and is known for its vibrant tech community and focus on creative industries.
- Key Resources:
- LaunchVic: A government initiative supporting startups with funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
- Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP): Offers equity-free funding, coworking spaces, and masterclasses for early-stage startups.
- Focus Areas: Edtech, gaming, cybersecurity, and fintech.
- Why Choose Melbourne: With a strong emphasis on innovation and a high quality of life, Melbourne is perfect for startups in creative and tech-driven industries.
Brisbane: A Rising Star in the Startup Scene
- Overview: Brisbane’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, creating $10.8 billion in value between 2021 and 2023. It is ranked among the top 40 emerging ecosystems globally.
- Key Resources:
- The Precinct: A dynamic innovation hub housing startups, investors, and accelerators like River City Labs.
- Advance Queensland: A government program providing grants and support for innovative projects.
- Focus Areas: Fintech, biotech, and AI.
- Why Choose Brisbane: With a supportive government and a growing talent pool, Brisbane is ideal for startups looking to scale in emerging industries.
Adelaide: A Leader in Space and Defense Tech
- Overview: Adelaide is gaining recognition for its focus on space and defense technologies, supported by the Australian Space Agency.
- Key Resources:
- Lot Fourteen: A seven-hectare innovation precinct housing startups in AI, robotics, and space tech.
- Focus Areas: Space tech, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
- Why Choose Adelaide: For startups in high-tech industries, Adelaide offers access to cutting-edge research facilities and government support.
Perth: Innovation in Mining and Resources
- Overview: Perth is a hub for startups in the mining and resources sectors, leveraging its proximity to Australia’s largest mining operations.
- Key Resources:
- Spacecubed: A coworking and innovation space offering accelerator programs like Plus Eight.
- Focus Areas: Mining tech, energy, and sustainability.
- Why Choose Perth: With a focus on resource innovation, Perth is ideal for startups in mining and energy technologies.
Canberra: A Hub for Research and Collaboration
- Overview: Canberra’s startup ecosystem is built around its strong research institutions and government connections.
- Key Resources:
- Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN): Provides coworking spaces, accelerators, and access to research institutions like CSIRO and ANU.
- Focus Areas: Cybersecurity, defense, and public sector innovation.
- Why Choose Canberra: For startups in research-intensive industries, Canberra offers unparalleled access to academic and government resources.
Connect With Investors in Australia Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Australia's investors here.
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- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
