This week we ran out annual Female Founder Pitch Night, with La Trobe University 🚀 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to support an amazing group of founders building ambitious ventures across AI, accessibility, sport, community, and pet-tech. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from Melbourne’s startup ecosystem, with founders, investors, operators, mentors, and community leaders all coming together for an evening of connection and innovation. A massive congratulations to our founders: ✨ Sydney Bentley – Next Paws Innovations ✨ Evelyn Lopez Delon – SPEAK Studio ✨ Jane Korneyko – Sova ✨ Kim V. – Sports Buddy Australia And thank you to our fantastic judging panel for sharing their insights, feedback, and support with the founders: ✨ Olivia Rinato (PhD) 🤍 - Monash Generator ✨ Devini Goonetilleke - FinWhiz Pty Ltd ✨ Nichola Patterson - Billie Loans Special thanks as well to the teams and community members who helped bring the event together, including: Scott Harding, Annie Le Cavalier, Cerasela TANASESCU, Shannon Ryan, And of course, a big thanks to our MC & Board Member, Zoe Myers! 🎉 Events like this are a reminder of how much incredible talent is being built across the ecosystem, and how important it is to continue creating spaces where founders can connect, learn, and put themselves out there. Excited for the next Pitch Night on Impact in June 🔥 Lauren Morrey, 🌱 Judy Anderson-Firth, Anny Havercroft, Doug English 🙌
Sounds like an event not to be missed! Congratulations to the organisers and the founders putting themselves their key message out there and open to scrutiny. Amazing
Congratulations to our fabulous four female founders 🙌. They set a very high bar and were an inspiration to all future founders in the audience. Chuffed to have be on the judging panel .
This is exactly the kind of initiative we need more of. What are the best ways to get involved or support? Always a joy to see female founders winning.
It was such a fabulous evening! Thank you so much. 💕💕💕
Thank you so much, Desmond, Zoe and The Startup Network for hosting and having us 🤗
Was a real highlight to host this event. The 4 pitches were outstanding.