​Innovation Victoria is bringing together a group of ambitious early-stage startup founders and active investors to strengthen connections across Victoria's innovation ecosystem.

​Founder Funder Connect is designed to connect the people, ideas and capital that help great ventures grow. This curated half-day event brings together early-stage founders preparing to raise capital with investors actively looking to discover and support high-potential opportunities.

​The event will explore:

​the realities of fundraising, investment readiness and investor expectations, while creating opportunities for meaningful founder-investor engagement through structured networking and discussion.

​Founders will hear directly from investors about what they look for when assessing opportunities, gain practical insights into the current investment landscape, and participate in curated networking sessions designed to facilitate genuine connections.

​Investors will have the opportunity to efficiently meet a diverse cohort of founders from across Victoria, gain visibility into emerging ventures and technologies, and build relationships with companies aligned to their investment interests.

​Whether you're preparing to raise your first round or actively fundraising, Founder Funder Connect offers a unique opportunity to gain practical insights and connect with Australia's investor community.

​Event Details 

​Date: Thursday 8 October 2026

​Location: TBC

​Participating Investors: To be announced.

​How to Attend 

​To ensure the right balance of founders and investors, there is a two-step application process.

​Applications will be reviewed to help create a productive and relevant experience for all attendees. Due to demand and limited capacity, not all applications may be successful.

​About Innovation Victoria 

​Innovation Victoria connects the people, ideas, capital and capabilities needed to turn great ideas into successful ventures. By bringing together world-class research, ambitious founders, businesses and leading institutions, Innovation Victoria helps accelerate commercialisation, grow high-potential companies and strengthen Victoria's economy for the long term.