Learn more about Victoria’s $91 billion startup sector.
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Connect with a wide range of LaunchVic programs fuelling the startup state.
Discover grant opportunities to grow startup activity in Victoria.
LaunchVic’s investments are set to unlock up to $280 million for the Victorian early-stage capital market by 2024. Learn more about our work growing Victoria’s investor community.
LaunchVic drives the startup ecosystem by investing in organisations (service providers) that will deliver quality programs to support Victorian startups and investors.
While we do not fund startups directly, the programs we fund aim to provide the services needed to assist early-stage and scaling startups through their journey.
LaunchVic provides funding through a range of mechanisms that target startup sector specialists who can deliver programs and support to Victorian startups in the form of education, incubators, accelerators, mentoring, professional development, events and other programs. LaunchVic also provides funding to improve the capability of investors through educational programs, events and support for angel networks.
If you have a question regarding LaunchVic funding, click the link below to send us an enquiry.
Supporting Early-Stage AgTech Startups
$50,000 grants for AgTech founders.
Timings for this grant round:
LaunchVic has again partnered with Agriculture Victoria to increase support for early-stage AgTech startups across Victoria by rapidly providing small amounts of working capital to help startups build capability and move to the next stage of growth.
As well as providing funding to cover operating costs that build startup capability and growth for early-stage AgTech startups, the grant will provide access to business development services that will enable founders to access the best possible support and advice to build their businesses, grow jobs and support Victoria’s economic growth.
View the Program Guidelines (reissued March 23 2023)
Watch the Information Session
Apply Online
Read our FAQs
View A Sample Contract
Building a robust investor community and AgTech ecosystem
Up to $300,000 available to establish Victoria’s first dedicated angel network for AgTech startups.
Timings for this grant round: Stage 1 Round launched:Tuesday 21 February 2023 Information Session:Tuesday 7 March 2023 Watch the recording Round Closes:Friday 5 May 2023 10:00am (AEDT) Communications:To applicants moving to Stage 2 by Friday 12 May 2023 Stage 2 Virtual Pitch Day:via Zoom Monday 29 May 2023 Due Diligence:Requested information due by Monday 29 May 2023 Communications:To applicants moving to Stage 3 by Friday 2 June 2023 Stage 3 Contracting:We expect to contract successful applicants in June 2023 Announcement:An announcement will follow once contracts executed
Overview
LaunchVic has again partnered with Agriculture Victoria to increase support for early-stage AgTech startups across Victoria by activating a dedicated Angel Network specialising in making seed investments in AgTech startups.
AgTech can have a significant impact on Australia’s agricultural sector’s growth. The total value of the global AgTech market is expected to reach $22.5 billion by 2025 (an estimated growth rate of 150% from 2020). Despite Victoria having all the elements to be a national leader in AgTech, support is needed to help AgTech startups further develop their capability and move to the next stage of growth quickly. Victoria’s AgTech sector has enormous potential and, with the right support, is predicted to achieve revenues of $350 million and employ 2500 FTEs by 2025.
LaunchVic has, to date, supported ten Angel Networks to help build a robust Victorian Investor Community and to unlock more capital for Victorian Startups. However, none of these networks focus solely on the AgTech sector. In his 2019 Angel Network report, Professor Josh Lerner recommended that LaunchVic establish sector specific Angel Networks to help drive success in industry verticals. LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria believe the time is right to action this for the agriculture sector.
View the Program Guidelines
Download the Draft Grant Agreement
Supporting early-stage women startup entrepreneurs
Up to $300,000 available for Pre-Accelerator programs supporting women startup entrepreneurs
Timings for this grant round
Stage 1
Stage 2
OVERVIEW
LaunchVic’s soon to be released 2022 Victorian Startup Ecosystem Mapping Report shows that while 34% of Victorian startups have at least one woman founder or co-founder, about 66% of startups have male-only founders. Although over recent years the total number of women led startups has increased, it has not outpaced the growth of male-only startups, and more support is needed to ensure the continued growth in the number of women-led startups.
LaunchVic is committed to continuing to build the pipeline of women founded companies to ensure Victoria has a diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem and we have funded a number of programs in the past supporting women to launch and grow a startup. We are seeking applications from new programs that will continue to support women-led founders establish and grow startups.
LaunchVic is seeking to provide funding for high-quality women-focused Pre-Accelerator Programs delivered by startup experts across the State. The successfully funded Pre-Accelerator Programs will:
Opened: Monday, 11 April 2016 Closed: Friday, 6 May 2016
Victoria’s startup community received a $6.5 million boost, with the first round of LaunchVic grants supporting 18 projects across the state.
Projects funded in this round range from large ideas for startup hubs, incubators and accelerators, to smaller ideas that would enable established organisations to increase their scale, reach and impact.
The large ideas were designed for a small number of sizable proposals from both new and existing organisations that significantly enhance Victoria’s startup ecosystem (rather than startups themselves).
We encouraged applications for smaller initiatives or projects that build startup infrastructure in underdeveloped areas like, regional locations, social entrepreneurs and diversity.
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Opened: Friday, 30 September 2016 Closed: Friday, 11 November 2016
Our second round of funding invited both large and small initiatives that increased the scale, accessibility and diversity of Victoria’s startup sector across a number of industries including health, education and technology.
LaunchVic encouraged applications from high-quality programs that would position Victoria as a leader in collaboration and diversity.
Large ideas were expected to engage locally, nationally and internationally to enhance and forge new collaborations, drive services across the ecosystem and create new and robust networks.
Opened: Thursday, 1 June 2017 Closed: Wednesday, 5 July 2017
LaunchVic’s third funding round invited proposals for programs that improve access and participation in the Victorian startup ecosystem for first generation migrants and refugees.
Migrants and refugees are recognised as important contributors to successful startup ecosystems. They are known to have high risk appetites, having started a new life in a new country – often with no capital, no credit history, no assets, and no security. The risk-taking that defines a migrant’s experience often continues as they embark on entrepreneurial journeys to establish themselves.
Opened: Wednesday, 2 August 2017 Closed: Thursday 21 September 2017
Our fourth round of funding was designed to help position Victoria as an internationally recognised startup ecosystem, by educating the Victorian founder community in the areas they need it the most.
This was a competitive grant round for shortlisted organisations who can deliver education programs on investment support and pitching to Victoria’s community of startup founders.
Opened: Monday, 28 August 2017 Closed: Tuesday, 10 October 2017
Funding Round Period: 28 August – 10 October 2017Our fourth round of funding focused on organisation/s that could deliver world-class accelerator program/s to Victorian startup founders and executives.
While LaunchVic has invested in a number of accelerators to date, we sought truly world-class programs to support global connectivity and help the very best startups achieve growth on an international scale. The program/s were to be delivered in Melbourne, and help contribute to the growth of the local ecosystem.
LaunchVic’s Round 4 grant funding program was open to Australian accelerators, international accelerators and teams with proven track records of success.
Opened: Friday, 8 December 2017 Closed: Thursday, 22 March 2018
LaunchVic’s sixth funding round helped local councils improve access and participation in the startup ecosystem in Victoria.
LaunchVic invested in Victorian Local Councils, especially in regional and outer metro areas, to deliver programs and activities that address stages 1 and 2 of the Startup Framework for Local Governments.
Opened: Friday, 23 March 2018 Closed: Thursday, 24 May 2018
LaunchVic’s seventh grant round focused on increasing diversity and inclusion by investing in organisations to deliver new and existing entrepreneurial programs that improve access and participation in the Victorian startup ecosystem for Aboriginal Victorians.
This funding program was an initiative of Tharamba Bugheen, the Victorian Aboriginal Business Strategy 2017-2021 released by the Victorian Government in March 2017. Tharamba Bugheen recognises that economic advancement of Aboriginal Victorians is critical for self-determination and is making significant investments to support this agenda.
Opened: Thursday, 10 May 2018 Closed: Thursday, 5 July 2018
LaunchVic’s eighth funding grant round focused on leveraging Victoria’s key strengths in the health startup sector – including in medtech, biotech, pharma, health & ageing services and disability services (together, the ‘Health Startup Sector’).
Through this round, LaunchVic funded organisations to deliver accelerator and education programs that will further drive Victoria’s strengths and help position the State as a leading health startup hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Opened: Friday, 3 August 2018 Closed: Thursday, 28 February 2019
LaunchVic’s ninth funding round was specifically targeted at positioning Victoria as an internationally recognised startup ecosystem through enhancing capability and excellence in the Victorian startup community.
Applications were open for coworking spaces seeking to provide access to experienced startup professionals (Experts-In-Residence, or EIRs) to their resident startups and the broader Victorian startup ecosystem.
Coworking spaces are hubs of innovation where startups base themselves through their early growth phase for support, guidance and collaboration opportunities amongst other things. The purpose of this program was to support growth and learning opportunities for resident startups by attracting EIRs that will provide business guidance, mentorship and support for startups to improve their business capabilities. The program favoured EIRs with strong international experience and networks, and this is expected to support Victorian startups with global connections. The program was also intended to stimulate collaboration in and between Victorian coworking spaces.
LaunchVic invested up to $25,000 per successful application to support travel, accommodation and program activities of EIRs where the length of the EIR program was 4 weeks or longer.
Opened: Thursday, 7 February 2019 Closed: Thursday, 21 March 2019
LaunchVic’s tenth funding grant round focused on capturing new ideas and initiatives to support the development of startup founders, entrepreneurs and investors in the Victorian startup ecosystem. Unlike LaunchVic’s recent grant rounds, this round was ‘open’ meaning there was no specific focus, however applications needed to align with LaunchVic’s strategy. We wanted to hear from you about what you thought the Victorian startup ecosystem needed to support further growth.
Applications seeking funding for meetups, events, hackathons, educational courses, mentoring, bootcamps, incubator programs, accelerator programs were accepted. Other eligible programs outside of this list were also considered. Programs needed to focus on one or more of LaunchVic’s strategic focus area streams: Diversity and Inclusion; Capability and Excellence; Leveraging Key Strengths; and/or Channel Development.
LaunchVic requested applications up to $250,000 per application. Organisations needed to demonstrate experience working with and delivering similar programs for startups and/or startup entrepreneurs or investors.
Opened: 24 September 2019 Closed: 12 November 2019
‘Building a robust Victorian Investor Community’ was a LaunchVic program based on research identifying that many early stage Victorian startups were unable to secure the capital they needed to grow. The program was designed to increase the number of Victorian based Angels by funding new Angel Networks and boosting existing Angel Networks.
The objectives of this funding were to:
To support this program LaunchVic commissioned Bella Private Markets to develop a Best Practise guide to Angel Networks. A high level summary is available here [URL missing]. For the full report that includes a comprehensive assessment of considerations when setting up an angel network, guidelines for establishing the investment process and much more please email hello@launchvic.org.
In 2019, LaunchVic released an Expressions of Interest (EOIs) seeking applications from suitable existing angel networks and applicants who would formalise new angel networks. The successful EOI applicants were invited to submit a detailed proposal under a Request for Further Information (RFI) issued in December 2019. Successful RFI applicants received funding of up to $300k (exclusive of GST) over 2 years. Funds were to be used for Operating Costs.
Supporting Early Stage Startup Creation
Opened: 14 April 2020 Closed: 8 May 2020
This grant program was originally opened on the 11 March 2020 with the aim of increasing the pipeline of early-stage startups in Victoria. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LaunchVic made some changes to this grant round and alter its focus from increasing startup density to one where economic recovery was at the forefront and aspiring entrepreneurs with technology-based ideas are given every chance for success.
Evidence from previous economic downturns illustrate that entrepreneurship can play a vital role in helping to drive recovery. Now more than ever it will be important that entrepreneurs looking to start their own startup have access to the best possible support, advice and networks to help them on their journey as they build new companies that will help to sustain our future economy.
LaunchVic sought to invest up to $250k per application for Pre-Accelerator programs to run for a minimum of 2 years. Applications had to have a delivery team that had strong startup education skills and must have had previous experience delivering pre-accelerator or accelerator programs. Applications from existing and new Pre-Accelerator programs were also accepted. Funds could be used for Operating Costs.
Growing the Pool of Talent for Victorian Startups and Scaleups
EOI Opened: 27 August 2020 EOI Closed: 10am 24 September 2020
Round Opened: 29 October 2020 Round Closed: 16 November 2020
The impact of COVID-19 on our economy is widespread, with many businesses having to stand down, lay off staff or close down altogether. Many talented Australians have found themselves unemployed or facing employment uncertainty. While we recognised the deep impacts on the economy, at LaunchVic we also recognised that startups and scaleups were key to economic recovery. And while not every startup and scaleup was succeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, many were growing and creating jobs of the future.
Startups and scaleups are still on the lookout for great talent. For those that are growing, there are job vacancies waiting to be filled. Others are keen to have conversations that ensure a strong candidate pipeline for when growth starts again.
LaunchVic issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) on 27 August 2020 seeking proposals for Talent Programs needed to support Victorians that don’t have experience working at startups or scaleups so they can successfully transition into jobs in Victorian startups and scaleups. Applications closed on the 24 September and were evaluated by LaunchVic. A shortlist of outstanding applications were selected and approved by the LaunchVic Board to proceed to the next stage – a closed grant round. Successful Recipients were announced in February 2021.
Building a robust investor community
Opened: 9 February 2021 Closed: 19 April 2021 (changed from 15 April 2021)
In 2020, LaunchVic provided funding to support the establishment of four new Angel Networks to help build a robust Victorian Investor Community and to unlock more capital for Victorian Startups. The four new Angel Networks, along with the existing Angel Networks in Victoria, do not currently focus on any particular sector, and some networks explicitly do not invest in startups focused on solving challenges in health industries. However, 18% of Victorian Startups are focused on HealthTech in some form – more than any other sector in Victoria. In his 2019 Angel Network report, Professor Lerner recommended that LaunchVic establish sector-specific Angel Networks to help drive success in industry verticals. LaunchVic believes that the time is right to action this in health industries including biotech, medtech and pharmaceuticals (collectively, HealthTech).
LaunchVic sought proposals from applicants to launch a HealthTech Angel Network in the State of Victoria, that will primarily focus on investing in Victorian biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical startups.
Supporting Early-Stage AgTech Startup Creation
Opened: 8 September 2021 Closed: 27 October 2021
Agriculture is a key sector of Victoria’s economy, employing 146,600 staff across 2020-21. The sector is vitally important to the Victorian economy and our future, however, changing conditions mean the sector needs to continually adapt. AgTech is a key driver to support adaptation of the agriculture sector, with the potential to provide farmers with the tools, data and knowledge to make more informed, timely on-farm decisions and improve productivity and sustainability.
AgTech can have a significant impact on Australia’s agricultural sector’s growth. The total value of the global AgTech market is expected to reach $22.5 billion by 2025 (an estimated growth rate of 150% from 2020). Despite Victoria having all the elements to be a national leader in AgTech, the sector is still small and immature, with AgTech startups accounting for less than 2% of total startups in Victoria.
This grant program aimed to increase support for aspiring AgTech entrepreneurs by funding experts to deliver Pre-Accelerator programs. The Pre-Accelerator programs will play a pivotal role in growing the AgTech sector in Victoria, enabling new founders to access the best possible support, advice and networks to build new businesses that will help shape our future economy and grow jobs.
Catalysing Early-Stage Startup Investments
Opened: 2 May 2022 Closed: 15 June 2022
Between 2020-2022, LaunchVic provided funding to support the establishment of five successful new Angel Networks to help build a robust Victorian investor community and to unlock more capital for Victorian Startups.
These networks are already playing an important role in developing the Victorian startup ecosystem – providing an avenue of funding for founders, supporting startup investors to syndicate, and providing capital in a structured and purposeful way at the critical early stages of startups’ journey. To date over 200 new investors had been recruited by these networks investing more than $5m into Victorian startups.
Despite this growth in formal angel networks, LaunchVic recognised that this number of angel groups is lower than in peer ecosystems. With a rise in investor education programs, there was also a growing number of informal syndications. By providing operational funding and support LaunchVic sought to encourage the formalisation of more angel networks, providing an opportunity for growth in early-stage investments in Victorian startups and an increase in the early-stage investor pool.
Supporting Programs that Grow More Scaleups
Opened: 6 May 2022 Closed: 27 June 2022
Victoria’s startup ecosystem is on the move
Catalytic initiatives funded by LaunchVic have fuelled above-average growth in Victoria’s startup ecosystem over the last four years.
To date, LaunchVic has successfully invested in a number of accelerators that have helped established startups to scale. The most successful programs have driven the growth of Victorian startups, supported access to capital and created high-value jobs. In addition, the most successful accelerators have supported the ecosystem more broadly through additional offerings including events, founder office hours, the establishment of funds, investor engagement etc.
Building a Vibrant Regional Victorian Startup Community
Opened: 16 June 2022 Closed: 21 July 2022
LaunchVic has proudly supported the development of regional startup ecosystems across Victoria. However, there is more work to do – only 3% of founders identify as regional despite 25% of Victoria’s population living outside Melbourne. LaunchVic wants to build a vibrant regional Victorian startup community by helping early-stage ecosystem development activities in regional centres.
LaunchVic invited Expressions of Interest from New and Existing organisations recommending the areas of programming required to grow their local startup ecosystem with the objectives of:
Programs currently funded by LaunchVic that operate in regional Victoria and are seeking re-funding and consortia proposals were considered.
The successful EOI applicants were invited to submit a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP). Successful RFP applicants could receive funding of between $50,000 and $300,000 (exclusive of GST) over 1-2 years. Funds are to be used for Operating Costs.
Through this round, we sought ideas that would support startup entrepreneurship in regional Victoria and increase the number of early-stage startups.
In special circumstances, LaunchVic may accept unsolicited proposals for grants outside of its communicated grant rounds or its refunding of high-performing programs.
While we do not fund startups directly via unsolicited proposals, the programs we fund aim to provide the services needed to assist early-stage and scaling startups through their journey.
Any proposal received must meet the following principles:
Any proposal that does not meet all of these criteria will not be reviewed.
LaunchVic will endeavour to review all unsolicited proposals, and provide feedback, but is under no obligation to do so.
Any proposal considered appropriate for funding will undergo further assessment and due diligence in accordance with the process for all grants awarded by LaunchVic.
Any approved applicants must also undergo due diligence by LaunchVic.
The maximum amount of funding awarded to a startup is $50,000.
Startups are only eligible to receive one $50,000 grant as part of this funding round. Unsuccessful companies will be permitted to reapply based on feedback from the assessment panel. This will not guarantee their success.
Business Capability and Growth Costs, which includes salaries for new positions and activities that support product and service development costs, business process and system improvement, marketing, communications and sales, customer growth and customer success initiatives, costs that support investment attraction, intellectual property costs, and product trial costs. Salaries for founders and pre-existing staff will not be supported.
The AgTech Grants Program is not intended to support routine operational expenditure, retrospective activities, and the purchase, lease or acquisition of land.
AgTech is the collection of technologies that provide the agricultural industry with the tools, data and knowledge to make more informed, timely on-farm decisions and improve productivity and sustainability. Applications of these technologies can include: plant or animal science, crop protection & input management, precision agriculture, indoor agriculture, sensors & smart farm equipment, imagery, animal technologies, processing & packaging, supply chain and hardware.
*FoodTech (food production) is generally not included in this definition, unless the business idea is technology based with high impact potential, using innovation and/or addressing scalable markets
LaunchVic is not offering calls or meetings for applicants under this grant program based on our probity policy – operating under a fair and transparent process for all applicants. However, if anything is unclear in the program guidelines or you are unsure if you are eligible to apply, please contact us via email on grants@launchvic.org. We generally respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.
Startups will also meet with LaunchVic personnel and be able to access connections and networks through LaunchVic and Agriculture Victoria.
We have $1 million in funding to deploy through this grant round and applications will remain open until 30 June 2024, or until the funding is fully expended. We expect to fund 20 early-stage agtech startups through this program.
We love to see startups participating in accelerator programs and/or other startup programs, and you will see that educational and professional development activities is part of the assessment criteria. We know that through these programs, participants receive access to mentoring, education, advice and support which is crucial at an early-stage of development.If you are interested in viewing the list of startup programs LaunchVic has supported, visit our website here: https://launchvic.org/programs/
Absolutely, you can apply the funding to new salaries or new marketing efforts that are contributing to the growth of the business.
No, you are welcome to apply pre-revenue and/or prior to your product being in market.
Applications are open now and will remain open until 30 June 2024 or until all funds are fully allocated. Our Assessment Committee will be assessing applications every second month from May. Interviews with the first round of shortlisted applicants will occur late May and we expect to announce the first recipients in June.
Of the $50,000, $1,500 is allocated to meeting with a LaunchVic appointed Startup Business Mentor over two 90 minute sessions. The LaunchVic Startup Business Mentor will be able to support you through the grant process and will give you tailored and structured advice to help you with next steps for your business.
Yes, you are welcome to use the funding to support the costs of developing a prototype.
Yes, we are keen to connect startups and farmers as part of this grant round and beyond the grant round. We are working closely with Agriculture Victoria and can connect you with their five SmartFarms which are a great way to connect with farmers in the regions you are interested in. Please email us on grants@launchvic.org and we’ll connect you.
Yes, however we would encourage you to consider your capacity to deliver on multiple projects at the same time before submitting your application/s. The Assessment Panel will be taking into consideration the number of projects being proposed and the capability of the team to deliver the project/s.
LaunchVic’s definition of a startup is a technology-based businesses with high impact potential, that use innovation and/or address scalable markets. We know that there is some great innovation that can be applied to agtech in Victoria, and we want to see in yourapplication that you and your team are capable of executing your proposal.
LaunchVic’s definition of a woman is aligned to the Victorian Office of Women’s definition – as anyone that identities as a woman. The women’s pre-accelerator grant round is designed to boost the number of women-led startups in Victoria which is lagging.
Since LaunchVic was established in 2016, we have implemented a range of different diversity initiatives that include grant rounds to improve diversity in our startup ecosystem. We continue to look for further opportunities to support more under-represented groups.
Established programs can apply for this grant round if the proposal for a Pre-Accelerator program supporting women entrepreneurs.
LaunchVic defines a Pre-Accelerator as a program targeted at Startup Entrepreneurs who have a technology-based idea for a startup and want to establish a business and develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The program runs for a designated period, and participants ‘graduate’ from the program having followed a set methodology to establish a startup. A Pre-Accelerator program can provide a pathway to an Accelerator program. If you are still unsure, please contact grants@launchvic.org
Yes. However, LaunchVic will want to understand why, if the program is already running successfully, it would require additional funding. The applicant will have to demonstrate why the funding is required and how additional funding from LaunchVic will make a difference.
LaunchVic is only seeking to fund programs committed to providing programs for women.
LaunchVic recognises that at times charging a fee may enhance the programs sustainability path, and participant commitment. LaunchVic has funded programs in the past that do charge participation fees. Through the application process LaunchVic would want to understand how much the program fee is, why the program fee is required and the commercial model behind it.
We would expect applications for the Pre-Accelerator Program to be opened by the end of 2023 or sooner.
Applicants that are eligible include a delivery team that has proven expertise in supporting early-stage technology startups to launch and grow, exemplified by experience in delivering pre-accelerator or other programs. Applicants will need to demonstrate their experience growing women-led startups and startup communities, and request funding for a pre-accelerator program that can realistically help grow women-led startups. Applicants may be required to provide additional information as part of the application process.
Businesses going through the pre accelerator programs can be operating in any sector, but they will need to meet LaunchVic’s definition of a startup.
Startups are technology-based businesses with high impact potential, that use innovation and/or address scalable markets. Their product/service/platform/hardware is driven by technology. Examples of technology include software / applications, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, advanced manufacturing & robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, augmented / virtual reality, 3D printing, advanced materials, genomics & life sciences (including biotech & medtech) and autonomous vehicles.
Program participants need to be women who have an idea for a technology-based startup and are seeking to launch a startup and register their new Company via ASIC in the State of Victoria, or women running a business that meets LaunchVic’s definition of a startup.
There is no preference to where your program is located or whether you’re targeting regional or metro founders. We do expect you to be able to demonstrate how you plan to recruit participants for the program.
You are able to support multiple applications. However, the assessment panel may question your ability to deliver on multiple projects if they were all selected for funding.
We would encourage you to consider what makes for the strongest application.
Yes, as long as your program is supporting women startup entrepreneurs.
We would expect if you are submitting an application focused on a particular sector you would be able to demonstrate deep sectoral knowledge and experience, and expect you to demonstrate the need for a program in that sector.
Not necessarily, we recognise that at pre accelerator level founders are still very early stage and may not yet be working on their startup full time.
All pitches will be held virtually.
No, we are only supporting programs for people over the age of 18 through this program.
We are only looking to support pre accelerator programs. This grant round is focused on bringing new female-led startups to market through early-stage support.
Yes, it’s your budget to design how you best see fit.
Yes. We would expect your application to demonstrate the total pool of potential applicants to show there is a pipeline for the program.
It does vary by programs. We would expect to see at least 10 people going through each cohort. We aren’t specifying a number for this as we expect you to tell us what makes sense for your program.
We expect to announce the successful recipients mid 2023 and would hope to see the programs launched by the second half of the year.
We want to hear from applicants about the structure and content you think best for this stage of a startup entrepreneur’s journey. Past pre accelerator programs have delivered content through a variety of methods, and we would expect you to include this detail in your application.
Yes, however, please note eligibility criteria #3, Type of Organisation The types of organisations that are eligible to apply include a: a) Registered company/organisation headquartered in the State of Victoria; or b) Registered company/organisation with an office in the State of Victoria; or c) Registered company/organisation located outside the State of Victoria (in Australia) proposing a program to be delivered in the State of Victoria; or d) An experienced delivery team (as per Criteria 2 above) who agrees to setup a new company to primarily run the Pre-Accelerator Program and register the new entity in Victoria before contract execution.
The following applicants are eligible to apply under this Grant Round: – Angel Investors with demonstrable expertise in investing and/or supporting startups seeking to formalise as a New Angel Network and register as an incorporated association or as a company in the State of Victoria through ASIC; or – An established Existing Angel Network with demonstrable expertise in investing and/or supporting startups registered outside of the State of Victoria seeking to establish a Victorian branch/office.
Applications close at 10am Friday 5 May 2023. Communication will be made to applicants moving to Stage 2 by Friday 19 May 2023. LaunchVic is looking to contract with the successful recipient in June 2023 with an announcement to follow once contracts have been executed.
The number of shortlisted applicants will depend on the number of quality of applications received. LaunchVic expects to fund one application through this grant round.
It depends ultimately on the group and how you are setting the network up. Some angel networks do have formal advisory boards, where others do not. We would expect this to be outlined in the Operating Model and Organisational Structure part of the application.
We still require you to demonstrate that your understanding and demonstrable experience in the sector and the investing landscape has led to those investments and you will be able to continue making sophisticated investments into the sector. See below for demonstrable experience.
Someone who has experience in investing in and/or supporting AgTech startups and has actively been involved in leading investment deals into startups over a period of time. If you are from the startup sector and can show your sectoral knowledge is strong and have some experience in investing, this would also be considered. You need to be able to show you have a deep understanding of the challenges startups face.
AgTech is the collection of digital technologies that provide the agricultural industry with the tools, data and knowledge to make more informed, timely on-farm decisions and improve productivity and sustainability. Applications of these technologies can include: plant or animal science, crop protection & input management, precision agriculture, indoor agriculture, sensors & smart farm equipment, imagery, animal technologies, processing & packaging, supply chain and hardware.
