Sydney has emerged as one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting founders and investors alike. With a thriving tech scene, supportive government initiatives, and a strong talent pool, the city offers fertile ground for startups looking to scale. For founders seeking venture capital to fuel their growth, Sydney is home to numerous investors with diverse expertise and check sizes. From early-stage funding to Series A and beyond, these venture capital firms provide not only capital but also valuable mentorship, strategic advice, and networking opportunities.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top VCs in Sydney that are actively supporting startups across various industries, including fintech, health tech, climate tech, and more. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this guide will help you navigate Sydney’s investor landscape and connect with the right partners for your fundraising journey.
Top VCs in Sydney
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.
AirTree Ventures
About: AirTree Ventures is a group of experienced investors and entrepreneurs based in Sydney.
Main Sequence Ventures
About: Backing the world's most ambitious founders who leverage public research to build the next set of global industries.
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
Reinventure
About: Reinventure makes investments from seed through to Series A, alongside Westpac Banking Corporation as a primary LP.
Sweetspot check size: $3M
Telstra Ventures
About: Telstra Ventures invests in market leading companies, mobile cloud media, and other industries.
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.
Tidal Ventures
About: We are insatiably curious technologists who partner with disruptive companies to revolutionise industries. Armed with an unmatched understanding of how technology catalyses transformation within our targeted verticals, we leverage our extensive hands-on experience to build and scale technology companies. We engage closely with founders, acting as strategic partners to see around corners and unlock their full potential. We don’t just invest capital; we invest the necessary time and expertise at every stage of a company’s journey to realise the upside potential while mitigating against downside risk.
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.
Ellerston Capital
About: Ellerston Capital (Ellerston), is a specialist fund manager offering investors a range of managed investment fund
Sweetspot check size: $ 20M
Key Trends Shaping Sydney’s Startup Ecosystem in 2025
Sydney’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive as one of the most dynamic and innovative hubs in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2025, several key trends are shaping the landscape, driven by advancements in technology, sustainability, and investment strategies. Below are the most significant trends influencing Sydney’s startup ecosystem.
Growth in Specific Sectors: Fintech, Health Tech, and Climate Tech
- Fintech: Sydney remains a hotspot for fintech innovation, with startups leveraging blockchain, AI, and digital payment systems to revolutionize financial services. The city’s fintech ecosystem benefits from strong government support and a growing pool of tech-savvy talent. Notable fintech startups in Sydney include Afterpay and Airwallex, which have gained global recognition.
- Health Tech: The health tech sector is undergoing a transformation, shifting from reactive care to proactive, personalized solutions. Startups are using AI and data analytics to improve patient outcomes and accessibility. For example, Sydney’s Westmead Health and Innovation District has become a hub for health tech innovation, supported by government grants and partnerships with research institutions.
- Climate Tech: As Australia transitions to a net-zero economy, Sydney is leading the charge in climate tech innovation. Startups in this sector are developing solutions for renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture. Companies like Viridios AI, which raised $35 million in Series B funding, exemplify the city’s commitment to sustainability.
Increasing Focus on Sustainability and Impact Investing
Sustainability has evolved from a compliance requirement to a strategic advantage for startups. Investors are increasingly prioritizing companies that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This trend is driven by growing consumer demand for sustainable products and services, as well as government incentives for green innovation.
- Sydney’s startups are at the forefront of developing technologies that address climate resilience and sustainability challenges. For instance, the city is home to 32% of Australia’s climate tech companies, making it a key player in the global push for green innovation.
- Impact investing is also gaining traction, with venture capitalists seeking opportunities that deliver both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes. This shift reflects a broader global trend toward responsible investing.
Rise of Corporate Venture Capital in Sydney
Corporate venture capital (CVC) is increasingly important in Sydney’s startup ecosystem. Large corporations are establishing dedicated investment arms to support early-stage startups, particularly in sectors that align with their strategic goals.
- Companies like Telstra Ventures and Reinventure Group (backed by Westpac) are leading the way in CVC, providing funding and access to industry expertise, networks, and resources. These partnerships are helping startups scale more effectively and enter new markets.
- The rise of CVC reflects a shift in the investment landscape, where corporations recognize the value of collaborating with startups to drive innovation and stay competitive. This trend is expected to grow as more companies seek to integrate startup-driven solutions into their operations.
Top Networking Events and Communities for Sydney Founders
Networking is a cornerstone of success for startup founders, and Sydney offers a vibrant ecosystem of events, communities, and platforms to help entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and grow. Below is a curated list of key networking opportunities for founders in Sydney, including events, online communities, and the role of accelerators and incubators.
Events, Meetups, and Conferences
- Techstars Startup Weekend Sydney
- A 54-hour immersive event where founders, mentors, and investors collaborate to brainstorm, develop, and pitch startup ideas. This event is ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to build their network and gain hands-on experience in launching a business.
- Spark Festival
- Australia’s largest event for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Spark Festival features workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, making it a must-attend for founders seeking inspiration and connections.
- Global Startups Club Networking Events
- Regular breakfast meetups and networking sessions hosted in Sydney’s CBD. These events provide opportunities for founders to pitch their ideas, engage in expert discussions, and connect with investors and industry leaders.
- Startup&Angels Sydney
- A networking event series connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. These events feature panel discussions, startup pitches, and opportunities to explore the latest trends in the startup ecosystem.
Online Communities and Platforms
- TechSydney
- A community-driven platform that connects Sydney’s tech ecosystem. TechSydney offers resources, events, and forums for founders to collaborate and share insights.
- Startup Genome
- A global platform that provides insights into Sydney’s startup ecosystem, including funding opportunities, industry trends, and networking events.
- LinkedIn Groups
- Groups like "Sydney Startups" and "Australian Entrepreneurs" on LinkedIn are excellent for connecting with local founders, sharing resources, and staying updated on upcoming events.
Accelerators and Incubators
Accelerators and incubators play a crucial role in fostering connections and providing resources for startups. In Sydney, these programs not only offer mentorship and funding but also create opportunities for founders to network with peers, investors, and industry experts.
- Startmate
- One of Australia’s leading accelerators, Startmate provides a 12-week program that connects founders with mentors, investors, and a supportive community.
- Cicada Innovations
- A deep-tech incubator based in Sydney, Cicada Innovations supports startups in health tech, climate tech, and advanced manufacturing. Their programs include networking events and access to industry experts.
- Fishburners
- A co-working space and incubator that hosts regular networking events, workshops, and pitch nights. Fishburners is a hub for early-stage startups looking to grow their network.
Connect With Investors in Sydney 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 Sydney's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- 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.
