Raising Right: The Investor Secrets Every Founder Should Know | Founders Edge x Spark Festival
Ever wondered what investors are really thinking when they decide whether to back a startup? 🤔💰🚀
Well, now’s your chance to find out! Raising Right is a hands-on, hyper-interactive panel where top investors and founders spill the insider secrets you need to know to raise smarter - and avoid the mistakes that sink deals.
This isn’t a lecture - Expect candid stories, practical tips, and plenty of opportunities to ask the tough questions you’ve always wanted to. Whether you’re bootstrapped, gearing up for your next raise, or just curious about how investors think, you’ll leave with actionable insights - and the confidence to raise smarter and level up your startup’s chances of success.
Meet the Speakers 🎤💡
Carolyn Breeze, CEO of Scalare Partners – seasoned VC, startup whisperer, and investor behind some of Australia’s most exciting growth stories.
Brendan Yell, Angel Investor – early-stage investor with a knack for spotting founders who can scale and stories you’ll actually want to hear.
Anish Sinha, Co-Founder & COO of Upcover – insurtech founder who’s navigated the full fundraising journey, from accelerator programs to angel rounds and top-tier VCs.
Event Format ⏰
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm | Arrival + Networking
6:00 pm - 6:05 pm | Welcome + Introduction
6:05 pm - 6:50 pm | Panel Discussion
6:50 pm - 7:00 pm | Break – stretch, chat, refuel.
7:00 pm - 7:25 pm | Discussion + Q&A
7:25 pm - 7:30 pm | Wrap Up
7:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Networking Drinks
Topics We’ll Explore 💡
The Current State of the Funding Market – what’s hot, what’s not, and where the smart money is going.
Setting Expectations for a Raise – timing, valuation, and how to know if you’re ready.
Pitch Deck Do’s and Don’ts – what makes investors lean in (and what makes them check out).
Essential Documents to Prepare – the paperwork that will make your raise smoother and faster.
What to Expect During Due Diligence – get ahead of the process and avoid costly surprises.
This session is designed to be fun, interactive, and full of real-world insights. Come ready to learn, engage, and connect with fellow founders and investors in a dynamic, no-fluff environment.
About Founders Edge
At Founders Edge, we host regular startup events in Sydney to help founders • Learn • Connect • Grow • and give themselves the best chance of success.
We connect the dots for founders through hands-on workshops and inspiring, interactive sessions. By covering both hard and soft skills, we are building a community of well-rounded leaders, while providing the guidance, support, and insights they need to navigate challenges, avoid mistakes, and make the journey a little less lonely and a lot more fun.