This episode focuses on experiences from South by Southwest Sydney, highlighting networking, entertainment, and learning opportunities. Participants share personal highlights, emphasize the importance of business planning, and provide feedback on event organization and accessibility. They address the rise of video content on LinkedIn and the need for inclusivity in large-scale events, suggesting improvements like event ambassadors and more opportunities for deeper connections. The episode also underscores the value of team bonding and the personal growth gained from shared experiences.

Takeaways:

• The event highlighted the convergence of arts and technology, offering abundant networking opportunities, especially with investors and high-caliber entertainment talent.
• Accessibility initiatives allowed diverse attendance, but feedback on the app suggested room for improvement.
• Overwhelming event size can hinder networking; smaller, curated experiences and intimate groups are more effective for building personal connections.
• Prioritizing quality over quantity in sessions and allowing time for work during events can enhance the overall experience for attendees, including early-stage founders.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode, Rhys and Deepak bring us up to speed on the latest happenings in the Australian startup scene, spotlighting the significant investment growth over the past week. They dive into the rapid advancements in Quantum technology and AI, while highlighting the continued challenges female-led startups face in securing funding. The conversation also celebrates key community figures like Jessica Baird-Walsh, who is driving systemic change, and Grace Brown, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree.

Key takeaways:

• Deepak unveils his new HR consultancy, Mission and Rhythm
• Rhys shares insights into his latest project in MVP development and investment in Kenya
• Investment in the Australian startup ecosystem nearly doubled this week.
• Multinex emerges as a leader in this week’s funding and announces new leadership moves
• Q-Ctrl continues to advance Quantum tech despite export hurdles
• Bowman Group secures a piece of OpenAI’s success
• Cut Through Ventures Q3 report is out with fresh data on the investment landscape
• The importance of diversity in leadership and diversity in start-ups remains at the forefront of our conversation

Stay tuned as Grace Brown from Andromeda joins a future episode to share her journey after making the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this engaging conversation, Grace Gong, an ex-VC turned media entrepreneur, angel investor, and one of the top US voices shares her insights on the evolving landscape of AI, investment strategies, and the importance of personal branding. The discussion covers critical lessons learned from founders, the impact of AI on various industries, and the growing presence of women in investment. Grace emphasises the need for complementary team skills and the significance of testing ideas in the startup world. The conversation also highlights the importance of content creation and how it reflects one's brand in today's digital age.

Takeaways

• AI is on a promising trajectory. It is transitioning towards multimodal systems that can process various data types, opening up new possibilities.
• Even with the rapid advancements in AI, the enduring value of human touch remains essential, particularly in the last mile of work. This provides a sense of reassurance about the irreplaceable role of human interaction.
• Investors often prioritise market conditions over team quality, a critical insight that informs investment strategies and decision-making.
• Complementary skills within a team, such as a balance between technical and business acumen, can significantly enhance success.
• Testing and adapting ideas based on market feedback is crucial for startups.
• Traditional businesses are gaining traction among younger entrepreneurs.
• AI has the potential to streamline and consolidate various industries.
• Women are increasingly entering the investment space, creating new opportunities.
• Content creation requires operational consistency and persistence.
• Personal branding is essential in establishing credibility in the digital age.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠⁠

Episode Links

Grace Gong SVP Pro: ⁠https://svppro.com/⁠

Grace Gong: ⁠https://intro.co/gracegong⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegong/⁠

In this episode of the Growth Cartel's weekly wrap, Leila and Deepak discuss recent developments in the Australian startup scene, including Antler's latest fun success, the implications of proposed changes to investment rules, the importance of benefits in the workplace (centred around fertility), recent funding highlights, and the gender disparities and data gaps reflected in LinkedIn's top startup list.

Both emphasise the need for inclusivity and support for diverse founders to drive innovation and success in the startup ecosystem.

Takeaways

• Antler raised $77 million for its second Australian fund
  • Ongoing investment in startups is crucial for their growth and success
  • And their next cohort opens this week
• Proposed changes to investment rules could harm early-stage startups
  • Great to see Cheryl Mack continuing to lead the charge for the start-up economy
• Fertility benefits are supporting the retention of women in the workforce
• Melbourne biotech startup Cartherics raising $15 million to kick off clinical trials for its ovarian cancer therapy
• Lorikeet secured $7.3M Seed Funding to Advance their AI Customer Support Platform
• & Ideally secured $5.5M for a consumer survey tool helping brands better understand how their products resonate
• Only 1 out of 20 startups on LinkedIn's top start-up list had a woman founder
• The data used for LinkedIn’s startup rankings needs to include a broader range of success metricsFollow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠Episode LinksFollow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode, Rhys Henderson and Vinisha interview Pete Seligman, a leading expert in entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and search funds in Australia.Pete shares insights into search funds, discussing the importance of fit between the entrepreneur and the business, the need for self-awareness, and the evolving ETA landscape. The conversation also touches on leadership challenges, the value of community, and how ETA can be a pathway for business exits, especially for founders needing succession plans.

Takeaways

• Australia has many businesses owned by retiring baby boomers, creating significant acquisition opportunities.
• ETA offers an alternative to starting a business from scratch, providing a path for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• The relationship between employers and employees should be an alliance, fostering growth for both parties.
• The ETA landscape is still growing, with plenty of blue ocean opportunities in the Australian market.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links Pete Seligman: https://www.peteseligman.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteseligman/

Books to read:

• GRIT: https://angeladuckworth.com/
• The Alliance: https://www.theallianceframework.com/

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode, Brandon Burns and Vinisha Rathod discuss the latest trends and developments in the startup ecosystem, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, innovations in legal technology, and the impact of AI on various industries. They explore the challenges faced by Australian startups, the importance of optimizing operations in the hospitality sector, and the need for better immigration processes. The conversation also touches on the role of data in health and longevity, the democratization of health metrics, and the importance of community support during tough times.

Takeaways

• M&A is becoming a key exit strategy for Aussie startups.
• Legal tech innovations can significantly reduce lawyer workloads.
• AI is transforming restaurant operations and reducing waste.
• Improving immigration processes can benefit both individuals and businesses.
• Funding trends indicate a growing interest in hospitality tech.
• Data ownership is crucial for personalized health management.
• Community support is essential during economic hardships.
• Investors are looking for diverse asset classes to invest in.
• The importance of understanding the end game in business strategy.
• AI should be embraced to enhance job efficiency, not feared.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this engaging conversation, Vinisha and Leila discuss various themes surrounding entrepreneurship, investment, and societal issues. They explore the concept of entrepreneurship through acquisition, the rise of climate financial disclosures, the complexities of funding rounds, and the challenges of R&D investment in Australia. The discussion also delves into the emerging death tech sector and the importance of work-life balance in corporate culture, culminating in a philosophical reflection on optimistic nihilism.

Takeaways

• Leila is excited about the upcoming cohort at Antla.
• Vinisha shares insights from her experience as a Techstars mentor.
• The hybrid model of entrepreneurship through acquisition is gaining traction.
• Climate financial disclosures are becoming essential for startups.
• Secondary sales in funding rounds can be misleading.
• Australia's R&D investment is lagging behind global peers.
• The death tech sector is emerging as a significant market.
• Work-life balance is crucial for sustainable corporate culture.
• Optimistic nihilism allows individuals to create their own meaning.
• The conversation highlights the need for better connections between education and industry.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode of the Growth Cartel weekly update, Rhys and Deepak discuss the latest happenings in the Australian startup ecosystem. They share personal updates, delve into significant funding news, and explore the challenges faced by companies like Linktree. The conversation highlights the importance of diversity in funding and the success of initiatives like the Techstars Sydney Accelerator. They also touch on Australia's growing reputation in the global startup scene and preview upcoming events.

Takeaways

• The Australian startup ecosystem is seeing significant funding activity.
• Diversity in leadership is crucial for startup success.
• Linktree is facing challenges in achieving sustainable unit economics.
• Techstars is making strides in supporting female-led startups.
• Australia's startup scene is becoming a global player in liquidity.
• The importance of community support in startup accelerators.
• Investing in diverse teams leads to better outcomes.
• Upcoming events like Intersekt are vital for networking.
• The startup landscape is evolving post-COVID.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode of the Growth Cartel podcast, Deepak Singh interviews Sav Pushparaja, a trailblazer in the startup world. They discuss Sav's journey as an entrepreneur, his move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, and the importance of building a personal brand. They also touch on the differences between the two environments and the startup scene in Queensland. Sav shares his experience with Product Box, a product management consultancy, and the pivot to Tango, a platform for building MVP applications. Overall, the conversation highlights the spirit of resilience, creativity, and innovation in the startup ecosystem. Sav shares his journey of starting multiple businesses and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of finding the right product-market fit and the need for a clear distribution strategy. Sav emphasizes the value of asking for advice from those who have succeeded or failed in similar ventures. He also highlights the significance of building a personal brand and engaging with online communities to attract customers. Sav concludes by encouraging entrepreneurs to focus on distribution from the outset and to be open and honest about their experiences.

Takeaways:

• Sav's journey as an entrepreneur is marked by resilience and creativity.
• Building a personal brand is crucial for career growth and opportunities.
• The Gold Coast startup scene is evolving and diversifying beyond tourism.
• Product Box pivoted to Tango, a platform for building MVP applications.
• The spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving in Queensland. Finding the right product-market fit is crucial for success in business.
• Asking for advice from those who have succeeded or failed in similar ventures can save time and money.
• Building a personal brand and engaging with online communities can help attract customers.
• Focusing on distribution from the outset can lead to better outcomes.
• Being open and honest about experiences can provide valuable insights for others.

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss various updates and news in the startup and tech ecosystem. They cover topics such as acquisitions in the car-sharing industry, a major acquisition in the Australian tech ecosystem, financial challenges faced by founders, a rebranding and product launch by a health app, disruption in the film industry, and an innovative carpet manufacturing business. The conversation also touches on important social issues, including gender-based violence and the need for open discussions and action.

Takeaways

• Acquisitions and partnerships in the car-sharing industry are impacting the market and raising questions about the closure of previous brands.
• The $23 billion acquisition of AirTrunk highlights the success and potential of the Australian tech ecosystem.
• Founders face financial challenges and frustrations with traditional banking products, highlighting the need for better funding options.
• The launch of a protein powder by a calorie tracking app shows the demand for personalized health solutions.
• Altai is disrupting the film industry with a platform that empowers artists and streamlines the casting process.
• Modra, a carpet innovation business, is reducing waste and securing funding for further growth.
• Important social issues, such as gender-based violence, require open discussions and action to create change.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/