Australia’s Top Venture Capital Firms For Tech Startups

With venture capital investment fuelling high-growth ventures, Australia’s startup ecosystem now stands among the most dynamic in the Asia–Pacific. From pre-seed through to IPO, investment firms play a critical role in supporting startup founders and co-founders across technology companies, enterprise software, biotechnology, and financial services. Their involvement goes well beyond funding, adding mentoring, partnerships, and business development guidance that help Australian startups succeed in both domestic and international capital markets.

Locating clear information on Australian venture capital firms is not always straightforward. Data on venture partners, focus areas, cheque sizes, and fundraising styles is often spread across different places. This resource brings those details together, showcasing the Australian VC firms most active in early-stage companies spanning seed stage, Series A, and through to later-stage growth.

Use this guide to see how venture capital operates in Australia, which investors may best align with your sector, and how to prepare for a successful raise. Armed with strong pitch templates and tested investor decks, you can connect with the right capital partners, strengthen your fundraising, and accelerate your trajectory.

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 Australia’s most active early-stage funds, recognised for working closely with founders from the very first phase of company building. Their support includes structured playbooks, hiring frameworks, and access to a large operator network designed to help teams scale with confidence. AirTree also invests selectively in New Zealand startups, giving it a cross-Tasman role that few Australian VCs play.

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 has developed one of the region’s largest co-investment platforms, pooling smaller investors to create meaningful venture exposure. Founders working with Artesian gain access to mentoring and domain expertise while also connecting into Asia–Pacific startup ecosystems. This model allows startups to expand beyond Australia while still benefiting from a strong local investment base.

Bailador

• Stage: Growth stage
• Focus: Information Technology
• Notable Investments: SiteMinder, Straker Translations, Instaclustr
• Location: Sydney, Australia
• Website: bailador.com.au

Bailador is known for its investment strategy of stepping in once a startup has moved beyond the earliest phase and is ready to accelerate growth. The team works closely with management to prepare businesses for larger rounds, international expansion, and eventual exit opportunities. Their emphasis on building operational strength makes them a recognised later-stage partner in Australia’s venture ecosystem.

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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 has built its reputation by supporting founders with global ambitions and committing to them over the long term. The firm stands out for maintaining a dedicated presence in Auckland through Blackbird Aotearoa, which extends its networks into New Zealand while keeping its primary focus on the Australian market. This cross-Tasman reach reinforces Blackbird’s role as one of the region’s most distinctive venture investors.

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 stands out for its focus on translating scientific research into commercial outcomes. The firm works alongside universities, medical institutes, and research teams to move discoveries through the regulatory pipeline and into market-ready businesses. By bridging early-stage science and global biotech networks, Brandon provides founders with the expertise needed to navigate one of the most complex growth paths in venture capital.

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 recognised for its collaborative model, often investing alongside other funds and maintaining close ties with founders throughout multiple rounds. Their involvement goes beyond capital, with active input on strategy, mentoring, and execution. This partnership-driven style has made Carthona a consistent presence in Australia’s early-stage ecosystem.

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Ellerston Ventures

• Stage: Early stage, Series A, Series B
• Focus: Technology
• Notable Investments: Airtasker, Huddle, Different
• Location: Sydney, Australia
• Website: ellerstoncapital.com

Ellerston Ventures draws on the resources of a large institutional investor while maintaining a selective approach to venture funding. Their model emphasises working closely with a smaller number of founders so each company benefits from deeper engagement and strategic oversight. This balance of scale and focus positions Ellerston as a distinctive player in Australia’s technology investment landscape.

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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 operates as a community-driven syndicate, bringing together investors who want exposure to the earliest stages of company building. Startups gain access not just to funding but also to a network of mentors and commercial partners who can accelerate progress. By embedding companies within this collaborative structure, Flying Fox supports founders long before traditional VCs would typically step in.

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 guiding life sciences and healthcare ventures from research to commercialisation. Their team works closely with scientists and clinicians to shape regulatory pathways and establish strong business foundations. This science-led approach has made GBS a trusted partner for founders navigating the complex process of bringing medical innovations to market.

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 recognised for pioneering impact investment in Australia, targeting startups that combine growth with measurable social or environmental outcomes. They provide founders with capital as well as introductions to partners and networks that share their mission. By aligning purpose and performance, Giant Leap helps impact-driven companies compete on the same stage as traditional high-growth ventures.

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 is known for combining venture funding with its own accelerator program, giving founders structured support from the very start. The firm creates a cohort environment where entrepreneurs can refine their business models, build networks, and prepare for larger rounds. This blend of capital and education has made H2 a recognised entry point for Australia’s early-stage startup ecosystem.

Investible

• Stage: Seed, Series A
• Focus: Diverse Industries
• Notable Investments: QPay, Buzzy Games, Car Next Door
• Location: Sydney
• Website: investible.com

Investible applies a data-driven approach to identifying early-stage opportunities, with a strong focus on fundamentals and scalability. Founders benefit from access to the Investible Global Network, which connects entrepreneurs to investors and advisers across multiple regions. This evidence-based model is designed to improve decision-making and help startups reach later funding stages with greater confidence.

Kosmos Ventures

• Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
• Focus: Technology, SaaS, AI
• Notable Investments: Bazaarvoice, Box, Cloudera
• Location: Perth
• Website: kosmos.vc

Kosmos Ventures concentrates on technology ventures with the potential to scale rapidly, particularly in SaaS and AI. The firm keeps its portfolio intentionally focused, allowing it to provide more hands-on support and stronger strategic input to each company. This targeted approach positions Kosmos as a partner for startups aiming to establish market leadership early.

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 was founded out of CSIRO to help turn advanced research into globally competitive businesses. They work with entrepreneurs and scientists to move deep tech solutions from lab to market, offering capital as well as access to industry and innovation partners. This commitment to bridging science and commerce has made them a cornerstone of Australia’s deep tech ecosystem.

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 brings the scale of a global financial institution into venture capital, giving startups access to both capital and corporate expertise. Their involvement often includes introducing founders to industry partners and supporting expansion into international markets. This combination of financial services strength and venture investment makes Macquarie a distinctive participant in Australia’s startup ecosystem.

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 focuses on helping technology and life sciences companies reach commercialisation and scale. Founders benefit from capital as well as hands-on operational guidance and governance support. With established links to global networks, OneVentures positions startups to compete internationally while building strong foundations at home in Australia.

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 takes a long-term view when backing founders, offering more than capital by helping with talent, strategy, and market positioning. Their close involvement gives startups access to both local networks and international investors, creating opportunities for growth beyond Australia. This partnership-oriented style has earned OIF a strong reputation in the country’s venture community.

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 is recognised for its founder-first approach, supporting companies at the earliest stages of development. The team provides hands-on guidance alongside funding, helping entrepreneurs refine strategy and reach customers quickly. With activity spanning both Australia and New Zealand, Rampersand plays a bridging role in the region’s early-stage ecosystem.

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 distinctive in Australia for its corporate partnership with Westpac, giving startups access to one of the country’s largest financial networks. Founders benefit not only from capital but also from connections to distribution channels and industry expertise. This integration of banking scale with venture investment creates advantages that traditional firms cannot always match.

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 applies a global outlook to fintech, blockchain, and marketplace investments. Their model combines Australian capital with experience drawn from Silicon Valley, equipping founders with both funding and international perspective. This cross-border focus positions Sapien as a partner for startups that aim to innovate locally while scaling globally.

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 recognised for aligning investment with long-term impact, particularly in technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. The firm looks for founders who are building scalable ventures that also deliver meaningful outcomes. This blend of commercial ambition and social value makes Skip Capital stand out in Australia’s venture ecosystem.

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 brings technical depth to its investments in cleantech, ICT, health, and life sciences. The team actively connects startups with experts and global partners, helping translate complex innovations into market-ready businesses. By bridging scientific expertise and commercial opportunity, they play a key role in supporting Australia’s innovation-driven companies.

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 focuses on supporting technology companies that aim to lead in their markets across Australia and Southeast Asia. Their involvement extends beyond capital, with guidance on product strategy, recruitment, and access to regional networks. This combination of operational support and international reach makes Square Peg a prominent force in the venture landscape.

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 known for its growth-stage focus, giving startups the ability to tap into Telstra’s brand and global presence. Founders gain access to customers, distribution channels, and corporate partnerships alongside funding. This hybrid of venture backing and enterprise connections enables companies to accelerate faster than through traditional capital alone.

Ten13

• Stage: Seed, Series A
• Focus: Fintech, PropTech, SaaS
• Notable Investments: Super, Beforepay, DingGo
• Location: Brisbane
• Website: ten13.vc

Ten13 operates as a syndicate-style platform, giving a wide community of investors the chance to participate in venture deals. Startups benefit from this model by accessing diverse capital sources while keeping fundraising streamlined. The structure also provides co-founders with tailored support and connections that extend beyond what a traditional VC fund might offer.

Tidal Ventures

• Stage: Early stage, Series A
• Focus: Software, Consumer, Technology
• Notable Investments: FrankieOne, Shippit, search.io
• Location: Sydney
• Website: tidalvc.com

Tidal Ventures concentrates on early-stage software and consumer businesses, combining capital with founder-focused guidance. Their team provides access to operator networks and practical scaling expertise, helping entrepreneurs navigate the first stages of growth. This close involvement makes Tidal a consistent partner for startups with global ambitions from day one.

Summary

Australia’s tech startup ecosystem is one of the most active in the Asia–Pacific, with expanding investment opportunities and high-growth valuations. The Australian Government’s commitment to innovation, seen in initiatives such as the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLP) program, combined with access to VC funding for early-stage startups (learn about SAFE Notes), makes it a compelling market for raising capital.

Understanding how venture capital works in Australia, from seed funding through to late-stage investment, helps founders determine the right time to raise, identify the most relevant venture partners, and present a clear case for scale. Strong pitch templates and tested investor decks can make the difference when approaching investors and ensure your vision is investment-ready. For readers interested in New Zealand venture capital firms, we also provide a dedicated guide that profiles the active players across Aotearoa.

Success in fundraising often depends on finding fund managers who share your ambition and can offer more than capital. The right partners bring operational support, global networks, and strategic insight that strengthen your entrepreneurial journey and help deliver lasting market impact.

Beyond venture funding, Australian founders can access both government and private grant programmes that extend runway and accelerate development. These initiatives, used in combination with the right investors, can help you reach milestones faster and prepare for expansion. For readers interested in New Zealand startup grants, we outline the funding schemes available across the Tasman that complement local capital sources.

If you are a tech startup looking at opportunities in Australia, engaging with local venture capital firms gives you access to a broad pool of expertise, networks, and funding. This ecosystem provides the resources to take your company from early traction through to sustainable global growth.