In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Wenee Yap and Thomas Derricott, co-authors of the new book “Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want to Read” In a deeply insightful and inspiring conversation, they explore:

– What makes a company a “unicorn”

– Why Australia punches above its weight in the global startup scene

– The biggest myths about startups and side hustles

– The six-stage founder framework

– What startup success (and failure) really looks like

Whether you dream of launching a business, joining the startup ecosystem, or backing the next Aussie success story, this conversation is a must-listen.

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Topics Covered

– What is a Unicorn Startup?

– Why Australia is one of the most capital-efficient ecosystems

– How Australia compares to Silicon Valley

– The six-stage startup founder framework

– The differences between a startup, small business, and side hustle

– Lessons from launching a cat café (yes, really)

– The “Sulopolis Score” and problem-solving in startups

– Why storytelling matters for business growth

– Mistakes to avoid from failed startups (MilkRun, etc.)

– How successful founders think differently the second time around

– Common traits of Australia’s top founders

– The truth about market research and pivots

– How to get started in the startup ecosystem—without quitting your job

Resources for this episode

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4q52j56

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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