Australia’s Top Venture Capital Firms For Tech Startups
Australia’s startup ecosystem has become one of the most active in the Asia–Pacific, fuelled by consistent venture capital investment across technology, biotechnology, and financial services. From pre-seed to IPO, local investment firms support founders with more than capital. They provide mentoring, business development, and access to networks that help Australian startups compete in global capital markets.
Global centres such as California’s Menlo Park, home to firms like Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures, set international benchmarks for scale and speed. Australia’s venture environment, however, offers different advantages. The Australian Government has strengthened the sector through ESVCLP incentives and innovation grants, giving early ventures a more predictable runway. Domestic venture capital firms are recognised for close founder relationships and practical involvement, often helping with hiring, product strategy, and market entry. Combined with expanding links to overseas investors, this approach creates strong foundations for growth.
For founders, reliable information on Australian venture capital firms and venture partners can still be difficult to source, with details on cheque sizes, sector focus, and fundraising styles spread across multiple channels. This guide consolidates those insights, profiling the Australian VC firms most active in early-stage companies, seed stage ventures, and Series A expansions through to later-stage growth. With tested pitch templates and clear strategies on how to prepare for a successful raise, you can connect with the right capital partners, strengthen your fundraising efforts, and progress with confidence.
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 one of Sydney’s most active VC funds, investing from seed through later growth stages. The firm is known for its founder-first model, supporting teams on everything from recruitment and culture to international expansion. With strong operator networks and global investor connections, AirTree positions startups to scale beyond Australia into competitive international 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 VC operates across Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, backing early-stage ventures in technology, health, and clean energy. Its co-investment platform attracts a broad base of LPs while giving startups access to specialist advisors and experienced mentors. The firm has become a key bridge for Australian founders looking to connect with opportunities in Southeast Asia’s emerging startup markets.
Bailador
- Stage: Growth stage
- Focus: Information Technology
- Notable Investments: SiteMinder, Straker Translations, Instaclustr
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Website: bailador.com.au
Bailador is a growth-stage investor focused on high-potential technology companies. The team works with experienced entrepreneurs to speed up global expansion, often supporting acquisitions and IPO readiness. Beyond capital, Bailador provides operational insight and market guidance, helping founders manage the complexities of scaling into international 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 backs ambitious Australian companies from the earliest stages through to IPO. Unlike many traditional investors, Blackbird stays with founders over the long term, contributing strategy, product insight, and introductions to international partners. Its portfolio reflects a focus on scalability and long-lasting impact, with many companies gaining traction in Silicon Valley and other global markets.
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 focuses on life sciences and biotech ventures, working with researchers and founders to transform discoveries into commercial businesses. The firm provides guidance from early product development through to clinical validation and market launch. With strong links to global biotech ecosystems, Brandon also helps position companies for commercialisation and IPO opportunities.
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 is an early-stage investor active in fintech, AI, and online marketplaces. The team builds close working relationships with founders, supporting them as they expand into Australian, Southeast Asian, and US markets. Carthona’s approach blends capital with hands-on mentoring and access to targeted growth expertise.
Ellerston Ventures
- Stage: Early stage, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology
- Notable Investments: Airtasker, Huddle, Different
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Website: ellerstoncapital.com
Ellerston Ventures invests in early-stage technology startups with strong potential for growth. Backed by seasoned fund managers and significant capital resources, the firm offers both funding and strategic insight. Ellerston helps entrepreneurs prepare for competitive scaling, positioning their companies to succeed in international 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 specialises in pre-seed and seed investments, backing startups in SaaS, health, and climate innovation. The firm connects founders with mentors, investors, and commercial networks that accelerate growth. Its investment model is designed to set startups up for follow-on rounds and long-term 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 is a Melbourne-based investor focused on healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology. The firm works with founders to advance research from the laboratory into viable businesses, providing support on regulation, product development, and commercialisation. Its portfolio reflects strong sector expertise and an ability to guide companies as they scale internationally.
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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 an impact venture capital firm investing in startups that address challenges in climate, health, and education. Founders benefit from capital plus connections to markets that prioritise social and environmental outcomes. Giant Leap’s approach combines financial returns with measurable impact, making it a pioneer in Australia’s impact investment space.
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 invests in fintech, data, and AI startups, offering both capital and an in-house pre-seed program. Founders gain support in shaping business models, building teams, and securing further funding. The firm’s alumni community provides long-term value by sharing expertise and opening doors to growth opportunities.
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 venture capital firm that backs startups with international potential. Using a data-led investment process, the firm helps founders build sustainable growth strategies and get ready for later funding stages. Its extensive network of investors and advisors supports ventures as they move into new markets.
Kosmos Ventures
- Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Technology, SaaS, AI
- Notable Investments: Bazaarvoice, Box, Cloudera
- Location: Perth
- Website: kosmos.vc
Kosmos Ventures is a Perth-based VC fund investing in technology, SaaS, and AI startups. From seed stage through to growth, the firm works alongside founders to accelerate scaling and build market leadership. Its strategy combines capital with international networks, helping Australian startups compete on a global stage.
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 focuses on deep tech, robotics, AI, and SaaS, supporting entrepreneurs who are turning research into commercial companies. The firm provides funding and market access guidance, connecting startups with international innovation ecosystems. Its goal is to bridge Australia’s research strengths with global market opportunities.
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 extends its investment capability into venture capital, backing startups in AI, fintech, and renewable energy. Founders gain access to funding plus the group’s established financial expertise. Macquarie supports scaling through growth planning, partnership development, and positioning in both domestic and international markets.
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 technology, healthcare, and life sciences companies with high-growth potential. The firm provides operational guidance and funding, helping founders scale effectively. Its global networks and expertise in commercialisation prepare startups for expansion and, where relevant, IPO readiness.
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 is a Sydney-based investor in technology and fintech startups. The firm combines capital with strategic support, advising on talent, market positioning, and growth execution. Its networks connect Australian founders with both local backers and international investors, supporting expansion beyond domestic markets.
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 invests in early-stage technology companies with a strong focus on founder support. The firm’s hands-on approach helps startups scale in Australia and New Zealand while preparing for follow-on capital. With access to customer networks and investor connections, Rampersand positions ventures for faster growth.
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 is a Sydney-based VC fund with a focus on fintech, PropTech, and AI startups. Backed by Westpac, the firm combines venture capital with access to one of Australia’s largest financial services networks. This structure gives founders a platform for both funding and rapid 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 invests in fintech, blockchain, and online marketplaces. The firm provides capital alongside global connections, drawing on Silicon Valley expertise. Sapien’s approach prioritises software-led innovation and supports Australian startups aiming for international expansion.
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 backs technology, renewable energy, and healthcare startups at seed through growth stages. The firm looks for founders building scalable solutions with long-term impact. Beyond funding, Skip provides strategic guidance to help companies develop sustainable business models.
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 invests in cleantech, ICT, and life sciences ventures. The firm works alongside founders to take innovations beyond Australia, combining funding with strategic networks. Its approach brings together technical expertise and commercial access, positioning startups for international growth.
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 is one of Australia’s largest VC funds, investing in technology companies across Australia and Southeast Asia. The firm provides capital and strategic guidance, helping founders address major market challenges. Square Peg’s philosophy centres on sustainable growth and building long-term 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 focuses on growth-stage technology startups, offering more than capital by providing access to brand strength, global networks, and market intelligence. These resources give founders the leverage needed for rapid scaling and position them for IPO opportunities.
Ten13
- Stage: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Fintech, PropTech, SaaS
- Notable Investments: Super, Beforepay, DingGo
- Location: Brisbane
- Website: ten13.vc
Ten13 runs a syndicate-based investment platform that connects startups in fintech, proptech, and SaaS with high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Founders benefit from efficient fundraising processes and a broad co-investor network. The model provides flexible access to capital and ongoing 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 invests in early-stage companies across software and consumer technology. The firm provides capital along with access to networks and practical scaling expertise. Tidal’s mission is to help founders turn ambitious ideas into globally competitive businesses.
Summary
Australia’s venture capital sector has matured into a strong base for early-stage startups, while also supporting ambitious companies at the late-stage of growth. Local firms don’t just provide capital, they show how venture capital works in practice by combining funding with networks, mentoring, and governance. For startup founders, this creates clear investment opportunities across technology, health, and climate, supported by government initiatives and Australian startup grant programmes that extend runway and reduce fundraising risk.
Although global hubs like San Francisco and New York remain influential, Australia’s ecosystem has become robust enough for founders to raise domestically and scale with confidence. Local VCs are now building deeper pools of capital for later rounds, giving stage startups pathways to grow without immediately looking offshore.
By consolidating Australia’s leading firms in one place, this guide gives founders clarity on the options available. For entrepreneurial teams, the key is understanding which funds align with their sector and stage, and how to combine venture backing with grants or early investment tools such as SAFE Notes. With the right partners, Australian startups can scale sustainably at home while positioning for global reach. To explore more, view our full investor directory for a wider list of venture capital funds.
FAQs
What should a business plan for Australian venture capitalists include?
A business plan for Australian venture capitalists must show more than projections. It should highlight your unique value proposition, market size, and why you can scale faster than other startup companies. Founders should also present clear evidence of traction, credible financials, and the strength of the co-founder team. Referencing global benchmarks from firms such as Accel, Sequoia Capital, or Index Ventures shows that your business plan reflects the performance standards recognised by international venture capital. Strong governance and well-structured equity investments will reassure investors that your company is positioned for growth.
What do AU venture capital investors expect in due diligence?
Due diligence is managed by an investment committee within each venture capital fund, reviewing financials, ownership, and compliance. Australian founders should prepare a secure data room with equity splits, intellectual property, and governance details, especially if structured as a Pty Ltd company. Investors may include LPs, family offices, and hedge funds who back an investment fund or fund of funds model. Transparency gives confidence to venture capital investors that your company is ready for scale and later rounds.
How do private equity and venture capital differ for Australian startups?
A private equity firm usually invests in established businesses, focusing on operational efficiency and returns. They often draw capital from family offices or hedge funds. A venture fund, by contrast, backs startups at earlier stages and through late-stage growth. Venture capital investors look for high returns in innovation-led sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and therapeutics. For Australian startup founders pursuing rapid growth, venture capital is usually a better fit than private equity, especially for those aiming to scale quickly or prepare for an initial public offering.
How can founders compare different venture funds in Australia?
When assessing venture funds, look beyond cheque size. A strong track record, sector expertise, and the quality of their deal flow matter just as much as the amount of capital offered. Review how each firm supports its portfolio companies, whether through direct mentoring, access to accelerators or incubators, or introductions to international investors. Comparing Australian firms with global leaders such as Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed, or Bessemer Venture Partners can also provide perspective on investment style. Finally, speaking with other founders is often the most reliable way to understand a VC’s level of involvement beyond the funding itself.
How can startups show potential for high returns?
To prove potential for high returns, startups need a data-backed growth story. Show evidence of revenue momentum, user adoption, and partnerships with accelerators or angel investors. Benchmark your performance against leaders in the venture capital industry, both in Australia and in major American markets such as California. Highlight strong unit economics, clear customer acquisition strategies, and long-term sustainability plans to make your valuation compelling. Defining exit pathways, whether through acquisition or IPO, will give investors confidence that your company can deliver lasting growth.
What lessons can AU startups learn from the American venture capital industry?
The American venture capital industry sets many of the global expectations for startups, with firms in Menlo Park and California such as Arch Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, and New Enterprise Associates shaping the benchmark. They emphasise global-first strategies, speed, and sharp storytelling. Australian founders can adapt these lessons by refining pitches, engaging with accelerators and incubators earlier, and focusing on high-growth sectors such as cybersecurity, sustainability, and therapeutics. By understanding how venture capital works in the US and combining those practices with Australian Government programmes that extend runway and reduce early-stage risk, startups can build resilience and compete with the best internationally.
