"I loved the community - not just the passionate fellows but all the inspiring mentors, it’s pretty crazy valuable."

"The best Australian program to meet liked minded individuals that have a passion from startups whilst in university!"

“The biggest lesson was being really focused on specific metrics and being obsessed with customers.”

“The impact of Startmate was that we wouldn’t have achieved any of this without going through the Accelerator. The Accelerator stretched expectations of what was possible of ourselves as founders and our business in a short period of time. It helped us grow momentum by practising good habits as founders and put us in front of mentors who had the belief and means to help us scale our business.”

“Our Startmate mentor squad absolutely accelerated us. It gave us the right backing to get us through the 12 weeks and beyond that.”

"The direct exposure to incredible industry professionals that are so generous and willing to share their learnings was so incredibly valuable. So grateful for the incredible community I am now a part of."

"This program is an essential prologue for anyone considering taking the leap into the growing ecosystem of Australian climate technology companies working towards sustainability and climate impact. Startmate's reach, network, and delivery are unrivalled, and I would recommend the program for specialists, generalists, and anyone determined to make a positive change."

"This fellowship was eye opening to the opportunities around us where we can make an impact. In particular it has motivated me to join the power-force Climate Tech community who are creating positive solutions to the climate problem!"

"The best thing about Ladymates Leadership is the instant connection to a support network of women, all navigating similar aspects of work and career. It's the brains trust we've all been missing! And such an uplifting part of my week."

“When we applied to Startmate we didn't have much more than an idea, if you're in a similar position, go for it anyways. You can get into Startmate regardless of where you are in your journey. I think what really helped us was being very clear about our ambition and where we wanted to take our technology and showing it was possible on a very small scale.”

"I was really impressed with the overall value of this fellowship. Each week was jam packed with content and our speakers/advisors were so generous with their time. Jules and the Startmate team also did a standout job coordinating all of the moving parts. I would definitely recommend this fellowship to anyone wanting to enter the Climate Tech space but not sure where to start."

“We had (and still have) lots to learn. Startmate creates an environment where you’re challenged and can take growth to the next level. Specifically, as first-time founders, Jake and I knew we had tonnes to learn, and were looking for mentors in product, investor relations and strategy.”

"Joining Ladymates Leadership gives me the chance to connect with like-minded women, share our struggles, and learn how to handle new situations. I'm using this collective wisdom to help me do better in my role and support my community, while also becoming part of a new community of like-minded women."

“Buildmate has been a place to live and breathe the benefits of the Startmate community. All founders are on their own journey, and the accountability and ideas generated are invaluable to progressing.”

"First Believers is like getting thrown into the deep end of the pool -- with all your friends! Bad metaphors aside: whether you're in the beginning of your investing journey or a seasoned investor, the hands-on experience and the community at First Believers is truly incomparable. You learn quickly that investing is a team sport, and First Believers is one of the best teams!"

“I was working from a super low base from a knowledge perspective and didn’t feel like a idiot at any point (rare!) content was super inclusive. WOW! I loved the HANDS ON EXPERIENCE. Actually getting to meet founders with real investment outcomes was an incredible way to apply knowledge immediately.”

"A great way to connect with other founders, swap advice and experience."

"I would recommend Launch Club to anyone out there who is strongly considering starting a company. The industry access, supportive community and expert advice is at a caliber that can only be found at Startmate. You will leave Launch Club with at least 5 different outcomes which push you closer to your goals, and are each worth the price of admission alone.”

“Buildmate offers founders a supportive environment with a like-minded cohort to keep you accountable and get sh*t done!”

"Was so fun! I loved the community aspect, it really feels like you are part of the “in” group. The tips and takeaways can be applied instantly, which is great."

"Ladymates has reminded and reinforced for me the value in creating time to pause and actively think and reflect before choosing a course of action. This is a lesson I'm working to integrate more and more into my everyday decision making."

"Startmate is the go-to-program if you're exploring the start-up space, wondering if an idea would work and feeling frustrated for your next steps.The best part of the program? People. Through the program, I got connected to aspiring peers, coaches and industry leaders in the start-up ecosytem across Australia and New Zealand. It's so good to see you're not alone in pursuing entrepreneurship, and that you've a whole supportive community surrounding you. If you don't know where to start, start from Startmate."

"Not only did the fellowship equip me with skills and confidence to pivot my career into the startup ecosystem, it also introduced me to an incredible cohort of incredible,  ambitious women. The startup ecosystem attracts some brilliant people, many of whom I have been lucky to meet."

“We were fortunate enough to be accepted into the new Smartmate accelerator program and went through a pretty intense 12 weeks which was, honestly, life changing.”

“I loved the opportunity to be able to build around others trying just as hard to build their own successful startup ups. Bonding over the wins and the struggles was a game changer for me and my motivation to keep pushing my startup.”

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"The Startmate Fellowship was an amazing experience that exceeded all my expectations! The program provided invaluable resources and mentorship, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. The opportunity to also belong to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs was truly invaluable and has helped me take my next step forwards with absolute confidence."

“Launch Club gives you the momentum, connections and guidance you need to turn a problem into a business solution with serious potential - and fast! The resources and continued access to a community of the countries cleverest innovators and investors is truly invaluable.”

"If you’ve ever wanted to start investing in the people who are building big things for the future and solving high-value problems but don’t feel like you’d know where to start or feel there are barriers to getting involved, First Believers is for you. What you’ll find is a powerful community of some of the most ambitious and open-minded investors, operators and founders in the world."

“Applying to Startmate was one of our best decisions to introduce Tutero into the Australian startup community.”

"The climate tech program was a whirlwind tour covering all aspects of this critical space and I loved meeting so many emerging and established climate leaders across Australia and New Zealand!"

"Startmate opens up opportunities within the startup ecosystem through a community found nowhere else."

“When we went through Startmate we had only a pilot factory that we didn’t know how to run. Now we’re a team of 30 manufacturing 100,000 rolls of compostable stretch wrap every day. Startmate was incredible for us. It really helped build out our network and be surrounded by founders going through the same challenges, and we still use that network today. We wish we could go through it again.”

"The Student Fellowship was such an incredible experience. I learnt so much about the start up space, made numerous new connections, learnt so many valuable insights from coaches and peers, and got to create and pitch a product that I was passionate about! Couldn't recommend it more to students interested in entrepreneurship and the startup realm."

“Love the connections we have made and super excited to see the other companies in the inaugural Buildmate program take off!”

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“I think a lot of people have an idea, and then they get paralysed about what to do. Launch Club provides really great clarity around the next steps.”

"The best thing has truly been meeting the amazing cohort of women. In terms of the content we've covered, it would be hard to pick just one thing - but I think the top two would probably be learning about my saboteurs and the workshop on difficult conversations. I've printed out the problems vs possibilities image and have it next to my computer as a reminder!"

"The Women’s Fellowship over delivered!  You can become a freaking genius about entering into the startup ecosystem but only if you DO THE WORK in the fellowship.  And oh how it is worth it.  The rewards are priceless.  Make the Women’s Fellowship apart of your daily habits for 8 weeks and you will be amazed.  No joke."

“Startmate gives virtually unlimited opportunity to see deal flow and build pattern recognition.  Best education in the space you could imagine.  Even seasoned investors would benefit.”

"Love this whole concept. It really was an opportunity to be part of something very special at the outset. The learnings, personal growth and the friendships have been worth every second. I was seeking a community when I applied, but I ended up with so much more."

"I came into the Fellowship quite lost and not sure what I wanted to do. I left the Fellowship with a great new network of amazing women and with a much clearer picture of what I wanted to do with my life in the startup ecosystem. It really helped my clarify what I wanted, what was important to me and build my confidence.
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"I loved learning about all the amazing start ups doing incredible work as disruptors across NZ and Australia, and the people behind them! I feel very inspired by their drive to solve some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Plus connecting with like-minded changemakers through the Fellowship who share a commitment to make a positive impact."

"The Startmate Women Fellowship was a rocket ship to developing my next career pivot. Great network, generous mentors and a kickass community of amazing women!"

"The startmate connections and community are great. It provides so many opportunities to meet amazing people during the program and continuously once the program is done."

"Launch Club is to aspiring or early-stage Founder community what Canva is to their tech stack: game-changing."

"The climate tech fellowship has been fantastic for allowing me to dive deep in a broad range of cleantech topics and to develop a network of like-minded individuals."

"First Believers is the must-do program for any aspiring or current angel investor. It took my understanding and connections within the start-up ecosystem from 1 to 100. I could not recommend this program more highly to anyone who is keen to learn more about the ANZ start-up ecosystem and how to back aspiring founders."

"I gained such a well-rounded, realistic insight into the Startup eco-system and what it’s like to run or work in a startup. If you’re at all curious, I couldn’t recommend this program enough."

"First Believers transformed me into an Angel Investor. It’s part of my identity now and I am thrilled. Being able to support Australia’s newest Founders is a huge privilege, sometimes I still pinch myself. First Believers has been a pivotal life moment for me."

"Great to work and collaborate with other founders!"

“I remember thinking most of the mentors were nuts. They were pushing us to take a product to market before we had even designed it. I didn’t understand how you could do that. They pushed us so hard to get out there and sell to customers. That was the best advice that I was ever given: sell before you’re ready to sell.”

"This program really opens doors! I really loved the practical and hand-on nature of the learning which was always geared toward action. It was an excellent way to take my knowledge from near-zero to hero in only 12 weeks."

"Loved the more casual convo style of our peer advisory groups - made it feel more like a group of friends sharing advice / tips with each other."

"I had such an incredible experience doing the women fellowship. It was such a supportive, caring, enthusiastic community that I feel very lucky to be part of. "

"The Startmate and Launch Club community is invaluable for an early-stage founder. I am a naturally skeptical person, but the program exceeded my expectations in content, involvement and community, and I feel dumb for ever doubting it"

6-8 hand-picked peers based on professional experience and stage in career journey.

Meet with them in-real-life. Tap into their collective knowledge. Overcome the challenges you face. 

From navigating a predominantly male team to feedback on your decision-making to ideas on how to run an important meeting. Your advisory board will be your comrades to find a path through. 

Your role hub will be filled with peers in similar roles. It’s your place to soundboard the challenges you face in your role. Share expertise and resources. Engage in regular discussions on the topics you need. 

These will be your teammates to help tackle the hard stuff. Level-up alongside people who get it and are doing it too. 

"Fantastic opportunity for networking with, and getting to learn from, exceptionally bright people in the industry."

“We’ve done Startmate twice now. Startmate helps you turn you into someone who can run a company. Having some forcing us to talk to 100 customers per week… you won't have that pressure anywhere else”

"Coaching is awesome. You absolutely get the most out of it by paying close attention to your peers because you learn while they talk."

"I loved how supportive the community was! Everyone wants to help each other and that is always a treat to behold."

"I read my list of reasons why “I am remarkable” before interviews and it definitely reminds me how far I’ve come and how much I have to offer. Thanks Startmate for helping me get my mojo back!"

"Amazing opportunity to meet new people and to learn and grow out of my comfort zone!"

"A fantastic way to quickly understand what is happening in the Climate Tech space and meet some amazing likeminded people. The Fellowship definitely helped me secure my next job in the Climate Tech space"

“The Accelerator is a really competitive program and a lot is asked from you during this program, but knowing that will allow you make the most out of the opportunity, whether that means investment, mentors, or connections.”

"The quality of mentors and advisers was out of this world."

“I can remember just being absolutely disbelieving that we actually got in, I was running around the house screaming ‘this is going to change our lives forever!...And it has.”

Studies reveal that men frequently overestimate their abilities and performance, while women underestimate both. Men are 60% more likely to consider themselves confident in their profession compared to women.

Confidence isn’t something you are born with or just ‘have’, it’s something you need to develop. The first masterclass will help you do this.

Rachel Lounds, founder and CEO of Rachel Lounds Coaching 

Sydney 

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Anna Meirelles, coach and facilitator at the Coach Place

Melbourne

“My experience on the First Believers program was beyond expectations. First Believers provided an inclusive, expansive community to share and explore how to get involved in angel investing. The SM team were awesome. No BS, no egos, just great people. Would highly recommend!”

"I've met so many amazing, ambitious and inspiring women in this program. Would highly recommend."

"The Startmate ClimateTech Fellowship is a fantastic opportunity to get across the ClimateTech landscape. It covers a comprehensive suite of topics across 8 weeks of interactive sessions with industry experts. I loved being a part of the inaugural cohort where I found myself surrounded by a like-minded community of passionate individuals committed to addressing the pressing challenge of climate change."

"Loved this program - a great way to meet new people and learn a ton of new things. Resparked my passion for startups!"

"Having a supportive community is paramount to building a successful business. Joining Launch Club has granted me access to an incredible community, and I am filled with great enthusiasm as I embark on my startup journey, knowing that I am surrounded by invaluable support and expertise!"

"Startmate Student Fellowship is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime, life changing experience. My mindset, ability to network, courage to found a start-up idea with other passionate individuals grew so much that is beyond how much I could have imagined. It's the best community I have ever been in!"

"I've been coming away from every session with tangible, practical advice to tackle my biggest challenges from people who've actually been through it before or are currently navigating the same thing. Plus, it's been really special to meet such an awesome group of women."