Australia’s Top Venture Capital Firms For Tech Startups
Australia’s startup ecosystem has grown into one of the most active in the Asia-Pacific region, with venture capital investment fuelling high-growth companies from pre-seed to IPO. These investment firms are backing startup founders and co-founders across technology companies, enterprise software, biotechnology, and financial services. Their support goes beyond funding, from mentoring and partnerships to business development and market entry strategies, helping Australian startups compete in both local and global capital markets.
Clear, up-to-date information on Australian venture capital firms can be hard to find. Key details on venture partners, sector expertise, cheque sizes, and fundraising approach are often scattered or hidden. This guide brings them together in one place, spotlighting the Australian VC firms most active in early-stage companies, seed stage, and Series A, through to later-stage expansion.
Use it to understand how venture capital works in Australia, which firms align with your sector, and how to prepare for a successful raise. Combined with strong pitch templates and proven investor decks, you can target the right capital partners, time your fundraising, and progress faster.
AirTree Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology, SaaS
- Notable Investments: Canva, Linktree, Employment Hero
- Location: Sydney (Australia)
- Website: airtree.vc
AirTree Ventures is a Sydney-based venture capital investment firm backing startup companies from seed stage through growth. They work closely with each co-founder to refine hiring strategies, organisation design, and market expansion plans. Leveraging a strong network of operators and investors, AirTree helps founders scale confidently into global markets.
Artesian VC
- Stage: Seed, Early stage
- Focus: Technology, Health and Life Sciences, Clean Energy
- Notable Investments: ingogo, Sourse, Everty
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide
- Website: artesianinvest.com
Artesian is one of Australia’s most active early-stage VC firms, supporting scaling companies in technology, health, and clean energy. Their co-investment model gives investors diversified exposure while providing founders with mentoring and access to sector specialists. This approach creates pathways for founders to enter Southeast Asia’s fast-growing startup ecosystems.
Bailador
- Stage: Growth stage
- Focus: Information Technology
- Notable Investments: SiteMinder, Straker Translations, Instaclustr
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Website: bailador.com.au
Bailador focuses on later-stage venture investment in high-growth technology businesses. They partner with proven entrepreneurs to accelerate international expansion, guiding them through acquisitions and preparation for an initial public offering. Their hands-on operational support helps startups navigate complex capital markets.
Blackbird Ventures
- Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth, IPO
- Focus: Technology
- Notable Investments: Canva, Zoox, SafetyCulture
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne
- Website: blackbird.vc
Blackbird Ventures invests in visionary Australian emerging ventures from pre-seed to IPO. They work alongside founders for the long term, providing strategic input and market access across Silicon Valley and beyond. This approach emphasises ambition, scalability, and enduring impact.
Brandon Capital
- Stage: Early stage, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Health and Life Sciences, Biotech
- Notable Investments: Global Kinetics Corporation, Vaxxas, PolyActiva
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne
- Website: brandoncapital.com.au
Brandon Capital is a leading VC firm specialising in life sciences and biotechnology. They help co-founders turn research breakthroughs into successful startups, connecting them to global biotech hubs. Strategic support spans early development through commercialisation and, where applicable, an initial public offering.
Carthona Capital
- Stage: Early Stage, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Fintech, AI, Marketplaces
- Notable Investments: x15ventures, Judo Bank, Athena Home Loans
- Location: Sydney
- Website: carthonacapital.com
Carthona Capital backs early-stage startups in fintech, AI, and marketplaces. They form close partnerships with entrepreneurs to speed expansion into markets in Australia, Southeast Asia, and the US. Their venture investment strategy combines mentoring with targeted growth resources.
Ellerston Ventures
- Stage: Early stage, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology
- Notable Investments: Airtasker, Huddle, Different
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Website: ellerstoncapital.com
Ellerston Ventures is an early-stage VC investment firm focused on high-growth technology. They support founders with both capital and insight, backed by experienced fund managers and strong assets under management. This equips scaling companies for competitive entry into global markets.
Flying Fox Ventures
- Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed
- Focus: B2B SaaS, Health, Education, Climate
- Notable Investments: Goterra, Skills Base, Safewill
- Location: Melbourne, Sydney
- Website: flyingfox.vc
Flying Fox Ventures invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across SaaS, health, and climate sectors. They link leadership teams with investors, mentors, and commercial opportunities to strengthen growth trajectories. Their VC investment model prepares teams for future rounds and market expansion.
GBS Venture Partners
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Life Sciences, Healthcare, Biotechnology
- Notable Investments: Hatchtech, Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, Peplin
- Location: Melbourne
- Website: gbsventures.com.au
GBS Venture Partners specialises in life sciences, healthcare, and biotechnology venture investment. They assist founders in moving breakthrough ideas from lab to market, offering regulatory guidance and global connections. Scaling companies benefit from their deep sector expertise and strategic planning.
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Giant Leap
- Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
- Focus: Climate, Health, Empowerment & Education
- Notable Investments: Who Gives A Crap, Mindset Health, Hex
- Location: Melbourne
- Website: giantleap.com.au
Giant Leap is Australia’s first impact-focused VC firm, funding startup companies tackling climate, health, and education challenges. They work with co-founders to deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside strong growth. Beyond capital, they provide mentoring and strategic links to impact-driven markets.
H2 Ventures
- Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Fintech, Data, Artificial Intelligence
- Notable Investments: Simply Wall Street, Equitise, Spriggy
- Location: Sydney
- Website: h2.vc
H2 Ventures backs fintech, data, and AI-focused startups through venture investment and an in-house pre-seed program. Entrepreneurs receive guidance on refining business models, scaling teams, and pursuing follow-on funding. Their alumni network adds long-term value for growth and innovation.
Investible
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Diverse Industries
- Notable Investments: QPay, Buzzy Games, Car Next Door
- Location: Sydney
- Website: investible.com
Investible is an early-stage VC firm supporting emerging ventures with global ambitions. They apply a data-driven approach to help co-founders achieve sustainable growth and prepare for later funding rounds. Access to extensive investor networks strengthens market entry potential.
Kosmos Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology, SaaS, AI
- Notable Investments: Bazaarvoice, Box, Cloudera
- Location: Perth
- Website: kosmos.vc
Kosmos Ventures invests in high-potential technology, SaaS, and AI startup companies. They partner with founders from seed stage onwards, offering strategic insight and global connections. Their VC model targets rapid scaling into market leadership.
Main Sequence Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Deep Tech, SaaS, AI, Robotics
- Notable Investments: Baraja, Vow, Q-CTRL
- Location: Sydney
- Website: mseq.vc
Main Sequence Ventures backs deep tech, AI, robotics, and SaaS startups. They help entrepreneurs translate research into scalable ventures through venture capital investment and market access support. Global networks facilitate entry into international innovation hubs.
Macquarie Group
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, Renewable Energy
- Notable Investments: Aiera, Molo, Fervo Energy
- Location: Sydney
- Website: macquarie.com
Macquarie Group provides VC investment across AI, fintech, and renewable energy sectors. They assist co-founders in scaling startups domestically and internationally, leveraging deep financial services expertise. Support covers growth planning, strategic partnerships, and market positioning.
OneVentures
- Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences
- Notable Investments: Vaxxas, Employment Hero, Qventus
- Location: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne
- Website: one-ventures.com
OneVentures invests in transformative technology, healthcare, and life sciences ventures. Founders gain access to operational expertise, global networks, and VC funding for scaling. Their guidance covers commercialisation strategy and preparation for an initial public offering.
OIF Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology, SaaS, Fintech
- Notable Investments: Go1, Kasada, Instaclustr
- Location: Sydney
- Website: oifventures.com.au
OIF Ventures partners with entrepreneurs to build competitive technology and fintech startups. They offer venture capital funding alongside input on strategy, talent, and market positioning. Their networks connect founders to both Australian and global investors.
Rampersand VC
- Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
- Focus: Technology, SaaS, Fintech, AI
- Notable Investments: Sendle, UpGuard, Nightingale
- Location: Melbourne, Sydney
- Website: rampersand.com
Rampersand VC backs early-stage technology ventures through venture capital investment and hands-on support. Their founder-first approach helps entrepreneurs scale within Australia and New Zealand. Networks and expertise accelerate access to customers and follow-on funding.
Reinventure
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Fintech, PropTech, Data and AI, RegTech
- Notable Investments: Athena, Basiq, OpenAgent
- Location: Sydney
- Website: reinventure.com.au
Reinventure invests in fintech, PropTech, and AI-driven startup companies, backed by Westpac. Co-founders gain VC funding plus access to one of Australia’s largest financial networks. This combination offers an edge in scaling and industry disruption.
Sapien Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Fintech, Blockchain, Online Marketplaces
- Notable Investments: Airtasker, Curious Thing, Linqto
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne
- Website: sapienventures.vc
Sapien Ventures provides VC funding for fintech, blockchain, and marketplace ventures. They support founders with international capital and Silicon Valley expertise. Their strategy focuses on high-impact, software-driven innovation.
Skip Capital
- Stage: Seed, Early Stage, Growth Stage
- Focus: Technology, Renewable Energy, Healthcare
- Notable Investments: Brighte, Flick, OpenAgent
- Location: Sydney
- Website: skipcapital.com
Skip Capital is a venture capital firm backing startup companies in technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. They work with entrepreneurs creating lasting positive impact and scalable solutions. Investments span seed to growth stages.
Southern Cross Venture Partners
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Cleantech, ICT, Health and Life Sciences
- Notable Investments: Fulcrum3D, Morse Micro, Enlitic
- Location: Sydney
- Website: sxvp.com
Southern Cross Venture Partners supports startups in cleantech, ICT, and life sciences through venture capital funding. They partner with co-founders to take innovations global, combining funding with strategic networks. Their approach blends technical insight with market access.
Square Peg Capital
- Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Technology, SaaS, Fintech, Online Marketplaces, Enterprise Software
- Notable Investments: Canva, Fiverr, Airwallex
- Location: Melbourne, Sydney
- Website: squarepegcap.com
Square Peg Capital invests in emerging technology ventures across Australia and Southeast Asia. Founders receive VC funding plus strategic guidance for tackling large-scale market problems. Their approach focuses on sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Telstra Ventures
- Stage: Series B, Series C, Later stage
- Focus: Technology, Telecommunications
- Notable Investments: Box, DocuSign, Skillz
- Location: Sydney, Melbourne
- Website: telstraventures.com
Telstra Ventures is a growth-stage venture capital investment firm targeting technology startup companies. They provide entrepreneurs with brand leverage, global reach, and market intelligence. This positions ventures for accelerated scaling and potential initial public offerings.
Ten13
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Fintech, PropTech, SaaS
- Notable Investments: Super, Beforepay, DingGo
- Location: Brisbane
- Website: ten13.vc
Ten13 operates a syndicate model for VC investment in fintech, proptech, and SaaS startups. They connect co-founders with high-net-worth investors and institutions for co-investment. A streamlined process ensures efficient fundraising and support.
Tidal Ventures
- Stage: Early stage, Series A
- Focus: Software, Consumer, Technology
- Notable Investments: FrankieOne, Shippit, search.io
- Location: Sydney
- Website: tidalvc.com
Tidal Ventures backs early-stage software and consumer technology startup ventures. Founders benefit from VC investment, network access, and scaling expertise. Their focus is on helping founders realise ambitious global visions.
Summary
Australia's tech startup scene is booming, with investment opportunities and high-growth valuations like never before. The government's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, as seen with the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLP) program, coupled with the availability of VC funding for early-stage startups (learn about SAFE Notes), makes it an appealing destination for tech startups.
Understanding how venture capital works, from seed funding to late-stage investment, helps founders time their raise, target the right venture partners, and present a clear case for scale. Well-crafted pitch templates and tested investor decks make your vision tangible and investment-ready.
Ultimately, success comes from partnering with fund managers who share your ambition and can offer the strategic and operational support to bring your business model to life. With the right alignment, you can navigate the entrepreneurial journey and create lasting impact in your market.
Beyond venture capital, Australian founders can also tap into a wide range of government and private grant programmes to extend their runway and accelerate growth. By combining the right investors with strategic grant funding, you can strengthen your position, reach key milestones faster, and set the stage for expansion both locally and globally.
If you're a tech startup in Australia, this is a reminder that you don’t need to be reaching out to foreign investors in New York or San Francisco! Connect with your local venture capital firms mentioned in this article, present your ideas, and unlock the growth potential of your business!
FAQs
What are the key elements of a business plan when raising capital in Australia?
A business plan that appeals to Australian venture capital firms should clearly define your unique value proposition, target market, and competitive advantage. Detail realistic funding requirements for your stage of growth (whether you’re a seed, Series A, or Series B startup company), include robust financial projections, measurable milestones, and a clear path to profitability.<br>Showcase your co-founder and team’s expertise, traction achieved to date, and your plan to scale both locally and internationally. Highlight potential strategic partnerships, exit strategies such as an initial public offering or acquisition, and alignment with capital markets expectations. Referencing successful Australian startups like Canva or leading global venture capitalists such as Sequoia Capital and Accel can strengthen credibility with venture capital investors.
How should AU tech startups prepare for VC due diligence?
For due diligence, early-stage companies must present transparent financial statements, realistic forecasts, and a clearly documented roadmap across the startup lifecycle. Prepare a secure data room with ownership structures, equity allocations, compliance records, and intellectual property protections. Be ready to explain traction in your sector, whether this is deep tech, fintech, life sciences, SaaS, cybersecurity or something else, and how you will meet profitability targets.<br>Investors, from Australian venture capital firms to angel investors and LPs, will look for strong governance, realistic valuation, and clear pathways for follow-on funding from capital partners in Southeast Asia, Silicon Valley and beyond.
What’s the difference between private equity and venture capital?
A private equity firm typically invests in mature or later-stage businesses, focusing on operational optimisation and returns through buyouts, often backed by family offices, hedge funds, or superannuation funds.<br>Venture capital firms, in contrast, back early-stage companies and high-growth startup companies in innovation-driven sectors such as AI, biotechnology, cleantech, enterprise software.<br>If you are a startup company aiming for rapid scale, product innovation, and potential market leadership, possibly culminating in an initial public offering, venture capital investment is usually the better fit.
What are the key things to consider when comparing VC firms?
When assessing venture capital firms, review their track record, sector focus, and whether their portfolio companies align with your market. Evaluate the support they offer beyond capital, including mentoring, business development, and access to accelerators or incubators.<br>Check if they have strong global networks in places like San Francisco, Menlo Park, and Silicon Valley, or partnerships with American funds. Speak directly to other founders they’ve backed to understand their investment style.<br>Review investment fund size, assets under management, and whether they are active at your stage, from pre-seed to late-stage, before committing to a long-term partnership.
How can tech startups show their potential for high returns to VCs?
Venture capital investors want a data-backed growth story with clear scalability. Demonstrate traction through revenue growth, user adoption, or strategic partnerships, and benchmark your business against leading venture capital firms’ portfolio successes in Australia and overseas.<br>Present detailed unit economics, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value to make your valuation compelling. Show readiness for later-stage funding, whether from private equity, venture capital funds, or strategic capital partners, and outline your path to expansion across markets like Southeast Asia, California, or New York.<br>A credible plan for an initial public offering or acquisition can further strengthen investor confidence.
What can AU tech startups learn from fundraising in Silicon Valley?
Silicon Valley, home to firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Lightspeed, and Kleiner Perkins, exemplifies global-first strategies, fast iteration, and concise storytelling to high-net-worth backers.<br>Australian startup companies can adapt these lessons by refining a 60-second pitch, engaging early with accelerators and angel investors, and targeting high-growth sectors such as sustainability, robotics, biotechnology, therapeutics, and cybersecurity.<br>Building strong venture capital industry networks in both Australia and the US helps founders blend global best practice with local market strengths, positioning them to stand out to investors from Sydney to San Francisco.
