Cremorne Connect: The Year That Was in Australian Venture Capital
Join us for our final Cremorne Connect of 2025 as we wrap up the year with a fresh take on Aussie venture capital.
This year, we're switching it up! Instead of the usual suspects, we're bringing you perspectives from the emerging voices in venture and funds reshaping the Australian VC landscape!
What to expect: Hear from emerging voices in VCs: fund managers with unique investment theses and views on where the next unicorn start-up will emerge from.
During the panel, we’ll reflect on the year that was and get their insights into what themes, opportunities, and challenges will shape the 2026 investing landscape.
Then, we will switch gears to a rapid bull or bear session with our panellists – no fence-sitting here!
Whether you're fundraising, venture-curious, or just want the inside scoop from those deploying capital, this is a must-attend event!
Some of the topics we’ll be discussing:
The year that was in VC. What were the themes that shaped 2026 from a venture perspective?
What’s changed from an investor perspective with the rise of AI?
What did venture investors miss in 2025?
Predictions and trends to watch in 2026.
How founders can navigate this evolving landscape and what companies and segments are going to be hot — and which are not.
Our Speakers:
Thea Ngo - Investment Analyst, Archangel
Thea is a venture investor combining consulting and hands-on startup experience. Ex–PwC Strategy& New York and Southeast Asia venture builder, and creator of Founders In Motion.
Mitchell Hughes - Founder, Nextgen Ventures.
Mitchell is a Founding Partner of NextGen Ventures, Australia’s first student-focused venture capital fund, that empowers the next generation of ambitious founders before anyone else. At 24, Mitchell has co-founded NextGen from the ground up over the past two years, where they've now met over 1000+ student startups, raised $3m+ for their first fund, and made ten investments in the country's most ambitious young founders.
Emma Tibballs - Investment Analyst, Gandel Invest
Emma joined Gandel Invest in 2025 with a background in transaction services, ESG, and not-for-profits. She is passionate about making positive, sustainable change and is energised by meeting people and discussing ideas. Emma has a Bachelor of Commerce, having majored in Accounting and Behavioural Commerce (i.e. the Psychology of business), and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
About Cremorne Digital Hub
Cremorne Digital Hub is a networked innovation ecosystem that connects startups, universities, corporates, and investors through programs, events, and physical space to drive collaboration, commercialisation, and growth of the Victoria innovation ecosystem. CDH links industry with the Victorian innovation ecosystem through events, workspace, and community, providing a platform for working together, sharing ideas, building strategic relationships, and creating new business opportunities.
What Happens at Cremorne Connect?
This evening gathering includes:
Insightful panel discussions with industry experts.
Practical takeaways based on current trends and case studies.
Interactive Q&A sessions with the audience.
Networking opportunities with peers in the tech and VC community.
Drinks and Nibbles provided.
Please Note: Photography and videography may be taken at this event. If you would prefer not to be included in this, please let any of the CDH team know upon entry to the event.