# Cremorne Digital Hub > Where Industry, Innovators, and Ideas Collide Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Insight from Cremorne Digital Hub URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T03:14:45.000Z Here you’ll find insightful articles, success stories, and expert advice to inspire, inform, and guide you through the landscape of digital innovation and entrepreneurship. ### Upcoming Events URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/ Last updated: 2026-09-15T06:28:05.000Z Want to see the next event we have going on at CDH? Here is a feed of upcoming events we're hosting or involved in bringing to life. [Upcoming events on Luma here](https://luma.com/cremornedigitalhub?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### CDH Innovation Download URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/ Last updated: 2025-09-17T01:17:35.000Z Australia's innovation scene moves fast – from corporate ventures to startup breakthroughs, there's always something happening.​The CDH Innovation Download keeps you across news from both sides of the fence, so you never miss what matters in Australian innovation. ### Partners URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/showcase/ Last updated: 2025-09-17T04:51:09.000Z _No content available._ ### Events URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T03:44:27.000Z _No content available._ ### The CDH Landing Pad URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T04:22:19.000Z _No content available._ ### Community URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T04:23:00.000Z _No content available._ ### Clubhouse URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T04:24:20.000Z _No content available._ ### Corporate Innovation URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T04:25:20.000Z _No content available._ ### About Us URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/about-us/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T13:28:45.000Z ## Who We Are Cremorne Digital Hub is Victoria’s centre for innovation and growth, connecting scale-up founders, enterprises, and global partners with essential opportunities. We unite industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors in a collaborative space where creative ideas flourish and drive commercial success. ## Our Mission We tackle scalable industry problems, build new innovation capabilities, connect scaleups to commercialisation pathways, and unlock growth opportunities through our global network of partners and collaborators. ## Our Partners Cremorne Digital Hub is uniquely positioned at the intersection of government, education, industry, venture capital, and high-growth ventures. As a dynamic catalyst for collaborative innovation, we drive the transformation of the Victorian innovation ecosystem, establishing ourselves as a leading, worldclass tech precinct. Our collaborative innovation network delivers unique benefits to enterprises: - A vibrant ecosystem fostering connections, knowledge sharing, and opportunity creation - Access to leading-edge digital technologies through our technology partner network - Facilitated co-innovation and capability building - Venturing services for implementing and commercialising scalable solutions. ## Our Team With years of experience across the startup and education sectors, our team is deeply committed to growing and strengthening the Victorian innovation ecosystem. - **Alan Tsen**, General Manager - **Tristan Dwyer**, Operations and Events Lead - **Darren Huang**, Partnerships and Community Coordinator - **Angelica Alinsod**, Events and Marketing Coordinator ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/DSC_3296.JPG) ## Our Board Cremorne Digital Hub is guided by a board of **senior corporate leaders, industry experts, and innovation pioneers** who share a common goal — to strengthen Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. Their experience spans some of Australia’s most respected companies and institutions, bringing strategic insight and governance that ensures CDH continues to grow as a platform connecting industry, startups, and research to drive meaningful impact. - **Adrian Pearce**, Board Chair - Professor AI & Deputy Head of School of Computing and Information Systems (Engagement) at University of Melbourne. - **Kath Blackham**, Board Member - Founder and CEO of VERSA Connects and VERSA Agency. AI entrepreneur. - **Matt Clunies-Ross**, Board Member - Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Artesian Capital Management and Artesian Venture Partners. - **Scott Veenker**, Board Member - Chief Executive Officer at Melbourne Chamber of Commerce. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/DSC_3224.JPG) ### Courses URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/courses/ Last updated: 2025-10-21T05:11:00.000Z Looking to take the next stage in your career? This is the place you'll find courses from our university partners. ## Posts ### Cremorne Connect: Pickleball to Software: How to Create a Market, Then Sell Into It URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-connect-pickleball-to-software-how-to-create-a-market-then-sell-into-it/ Last updated: 2026-09-10T07:10:10.000Z Most founders build the software, then go find the market. Some who actually win it do the opposite: they build the market first, then sell software into it. Ron Shell spent years owning the demand.He built the professional pickleball league and had a close to hundred thousand players. Only then did he created a software and sell it back into the market he had spent three years making. ****Cremorne Connect: Pickleball to Software: How to Create a Market, Then Sell Into It** 📅 Wednesday, 23 September | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St., Cremorne) [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-glc8?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Join us for an evening with Ron on what it takes to earn the right to sell software into a market you developed. Ron is the co-founder and CEO of the National Pickleball League, and the founder of LADER, tournament software built specifically for the sport his own league created. This is the working account of how that sequence actually happened, not a story about pickleball. ### **We'll get into:** - What the filter was for picking pickleball off a list of ten ideas, in a market that did not exist yet - Why creating share is a completely different job to taking it, and what that costs you in years - Why LADER was built by people who had run tournaments themselves, and what that has to do with a sixty person dev team where almost nobody had ever placed a bet - What is left to defend when anyone can clone your product in a weekend [REGISTER NOW](https://luma.com/cremorne-glc8?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### How to Get Found by AI: What Founders Need to Know About GEO URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/how-to-get-found-by-ai-what-founders-need-to-know-about-geo/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T01:31:02.000Z Here's an uncomfortable truth: your customers have probably stopped scrolling past the first Google result. These days, they're just asking ChatGPT, Claude or Perplexity to do the comparison for them. At our latest Lunch & Learn, Darren sat down with Lucia, founding member of technical staff at Inflect, to unpack what this shift actually means for founders and how to make sure your brand shows up when AI is doing the recommending. Catch the full session on our Youtube Channel. ### The shift from search to AI answers Traditional search starts with a keyword: "best shoes for flat feet." AI search starts with a situation: "I run three times a week, my feet hurt, I've got a $150 budget, what should I buy?" That context changes everything. A business no longer just needs to rank for a keyword, it needs to be understood well enough to be recommended for a specific person's situation. That's the essence of GEO, or generative engine optimisation: helping AI systems understand, trust, cite and recommend your business. Is GEO just SEO with a new name? Not quite. SEO gets a page discovered and ranked. GEO is about whether the brand actually gets mentioned and recommended inside the AI's answer. ### Why ranking #1 on Google isn't enough anymore One study Lucia shared analysed 300,000 keywords and looked at pages ranking first on Google. Even when those pages held their top position, click-through rate dropped by 58% once Google's AI overview appeared. People are reading the AI summary and never clicking through at all. This doesn't mean SEO is dead. It means rankings and clicks no longer tell the whole story. You also need to know whether your brand is appearing inside the AI's answer in the first place. ### Why Reddit and YouTube matter more than you'd think One of the more surprising data points: in a study of Google AI overview citations, YouTube made up 14% of sources and Reddit contributed around 7%, together accounting for roughly a fifth of all citations. Why? AI models aren't just pulling from polished company websites. They're also looking for authentic, first-person content: people explaining their situation, comparing options, or sharing what actually happened to them. In an analysis of 250,000 Reddit posts cited by GPT Search, Perplexity and Google AI mode, Q&A threads, comparisons, personal stories and discussion posts made up nearly 75% of what got cited. The takeaway isn't "go spam Reddit." It's that genuine participation in communities where your buyers are already discussing their problems can genuinely feed into how AI recommends your brand. ### Five technical basics to check today Lucia ran through some foundational, easy-to-action items every founder should look at: 1. **llms.txt** – a simple text file summarising what your business does, linking to your most important content. Not universally required (Google's said its AI search doesn't need it) but low-effort to add. 2. **robots.txt** – controls which crawlers can access your site. Worth checking you haven't accidentally blocked a relevant AI crawler. 3. **Sitemap** – an up-to-date map of your pages, so AI systems can find new and updated content easily. 4. **Noindex tags** – make sure these aren't accidentally applied to pages you actually want found. 5. **JSON-LD schema** – machine-readable labels that help AI understand what a page represents (a product, an article, an author, and so on). None of these are one-off fixes. As Lucia put it, GEO isn't something you configure once and forget. Platforms are constantly changing how they crawl, cite and rank content, so a brand can become more or less visible without changing anything itself. ### Measuring what's actually happening Here's the tricky part: Google Search Console and Analytics only show human clicks and visits. They don't show you every time an AI bot reads your site. Lucia broke the measurement problem into three separate questions: - Is AI even crawling your site? - Is it being cited in AI answers? - Are humans actually clicking through from those citations? Being crawled doesn't guarantee being cited. Being cited doesn't guarantee a click. Each needs to be tracked separately, and ideally by platform, since each AI selects and weighs sources differently. SEO is still the foundation, but it's no longer the whole picture. The goal isn't to chase every algorithm update (an impossible task anyway) but to make your brand easy to access, easy to understand, easy to trust, and possible to measure across the platforms your buyers are actually using. ### Building Great Products in the Age of AI Slop URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/lunch-learn-wrong-in-the-right-way-job-stories-product-briefs-and-building-with-claude-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T05:54:38.000Z Last week I had Chaz from Keep Labs back on the CDH Lunch and Learn for round two. He opened with something that I'm sure everyone has noticed: everyone can build fast now. Now it's about figuring out what to build. You might've felt this. You open Claude or Codex or whatever's on your laptop, with an idea in tow, type a few lines, and twenty minutes later you've got a working product. It looks decent. It might even work. But you can usually tell within a few seconds whether something was actually thought through or just spat out. I don't know what to call it other than a "*slop gauge"*, and everyone's got one running in the back of their head every time they open up LinkedIn. This issue isn't unique to any vertical. It's just the new reality of building right now. A non-technical founder can ship a working prototype in an afternoon, which sounds like the dream until you realise the tools might be going too fast for you to think something through enough. Chaz runs product at Keep Labs, which builds a platform that supports people living with rare diseases. I used his work as the case study for the session, but the process he walked us through has nothing specifically to do with healthcare. It's the same trusted three-step thinking any of us should be doing before we touch a build tool, whatever we're building. ## The One-Page Brief That Replaced His PRD First thing he told me: he doesn't write product requirements documents anymore. Not because they're outdated, but because they try to do too much in one document and end up doing none of it well. Instead he writes what he calls a *product brief*, and it only has to answer three questions: **What's the problem, and why does it matter?** He frames it through the user first. A patient can't easily do something, and here's why that's a problem. If he can't explain that clearly, the engineering team looks at him like he doesn't understand why they're building it either. That reaction is the real test. If you can't explain the problem fast enough for someone else to get it, not just yourself, the thinking isn't clear enough yet to be worth building. **What's the goal?** Not a vague mission statement. For the feature he walked us through, called Reflections, the goal was deeper engagement and giving patients a sense that the journey is going somewhere. He said something that stuck: in healthcare, if people don't feel like there's a destination, they check out. Even a well-built conversational product will get "are we there yet" energy if nobody feels like they're moving toward anything. **What are the core capabilities?** He picked this up in 2019 running product at Equinox. It's just a list: I need to be able to do A, I need to be able to do B, I need to be able to do C. The minimum the feature has to support to actually count as done. That's it. Three things, one page. He said it takes him two to three hours. Not because he's fast, but because he's done it enough times that the thinking is second nature now. The brief isn't a build spec. It's the document that answers *should we even do this*, before anyone commits a single engineering hour, and it works whether you're building a health platform or a booking tool for your local gym. If you're a solo or early-stage founder, two to three hours can feel like a lot when Claude can spit out a working prototype in ten minutes. That's the trade Chaz is making on purpose. He spends the time upfront so what he ships afterward is the right thing. ## Job Stories, Not User Stories This is the part that changed how I think about writing anything down. Most of us default to the classic user story: *as a \[type of person\], I want to \[do a thing\], so that I can \[get a benefit\]*. Chaz says it's missing two things. First, it doesn't say when. Products show up in people's lives at specific moments, not in a vacuum. Chaz used a subway rider in New York as the example: as a transit rider, I want to receive notifications so I'm not late for work. Sounds fine, until you ask when that notification actually needs to land. Are they still at home? Walking to the station? Already on the train? Switching lines? Each of those moments calls for a different decision, and a generic user story doesn't tell you which one you're actually solving for. Second, and this is the bigger one, a user story stops at *so I can*, which only tells you the next thing that becomes possible. It doesn't tell you why that thing matters to the person's life. That's where *in order that* comes in. Chaz writes job stories that end with the emotional payoff, not just the functional one. He gave an example from a feature they were building called Reflections. A patient can choose to start a reflection, or put it off until tomorrow. Stop the story at "so I can start it later" and an engineer reasonably asks: does it matter if they never do it? Who cares? Add the *in order that*, and it changes. If a patient skips it too often, they stop feeling like they're being led somewhere. They stop feeling the week-to-week coaching they signed up for in the first place. That's the actual thing at stake, and it's the reason the feature exists at all. > "If the *in order that* is missing from the story, that part of the value is missing from the product. Full stop." — Chaz, Keep Labs Swap "patient" for whoever your user actually is and the exercise holds up. A fintech founder skipping the *in order that* ends up with a notification feature nobody opens. A marketplace founder skipping it ends up with a checkout flow that's functionally fine and emotionally forgettable. The functional benefit tells an engineer what to build. The emotional one tells them why anyone would bother using it. ## The Prototype is a Sketch, Not a Shortcut Then he shared his screen and showed us the thing he actually builds before any code gets written for real: a fully clickable prototype, built in Claude, loaded with real test data from their own accounts. He was clear it's not shippable and was never meant to be. He called it a *live sketch*. He used to use Bolt, but switched to Claude because Bolt tends to generate a mess of components and folders he doesn't need for something that only has to be a single page. The prototype exists purely so the engineering team can click through it and go "oh, I know how to build this now." He attaches a job story to every component in the prototype, hands the whole package to engineering, and lets them figure out the best way to actually build it. If someone on the team looks at a component and realizes they can fulfil the job story better than what's in the prototype, he wants them to do it that way. The prototype isn't gospel. It's a reference point everyone can see and argue with. The bit that got me: he said if you're vibe coding something for a personal project, go nuts, no judgment. But if people are spending money and time on what you're building, freestyling it is close to disrespectful to them. You're asking someone to make your product part of their day. That's not something you sketch out in five minutes and call finished. ## The Part AI Still Can't Do For You Chaz's whole process, from brief to prototype, takes him a few hours, not weeks, so this isn't an argument for slowing everything down. The thinking has to happen somewhere, though, and it's genuinely laborious. It's the least glamorous part of building a product, and the one part AI tools can't do for you, because it's about deciding, in detail, what you actually want and why. I see this play out constantly with founders in this building. The barrier to shipping has basically disappeared. A non-technical founder can now build a working app, a landing page, an automation, a whole product in a weekend, without writing a line of code. That's genuinely great. It's also exactly why the founders who win from here are the ones who treat the thinking as the actual work, and the building as the easy part that comes after. Near the end of the session, someone asked whether Chaz's approach would work for population-level interventions and not just individuals. His answer applies to every founder in the room: it depends entirely on what you build it for. The tools can build almost anything now. Whether what comes out is good or slop comes down to whether you knew precisely what you were asking for before you opened the tool. > "We're not an automation company. We're a lived experience company." — Chaz, Keep Labs Swap the words for your own product and ask yourself the same question. The tech will build whatever you tell it to. The job is still figuring out, in enough detail, what that should be. ### Lunch and Learn: What's Product Market Fit Without Paying Customers? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/lunch-and-learn-whats-product-market-fit-without-paying-customers/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T07:00:13.000Z ​Every founder has heard that you'll know product market fit when you feel it. Customers start pulling the product out of your hands, usage climbs, the thing just works. ​The trouble is that some of the signals can be misleading. A free product with strong retention is great signal, getting people to use something free is genuinely hard. But if you intend to build an exceptional business where customers pay, neither answers the question that eventually matters: ***will they pay for it?*** ​Put a price on the thing and some users leave. Whoever stays tells you something new about the value you have created. A paid pilot tells you one thing, repeatable demand and customers pulling the product into their organisations tell you something more. **Product market fit isn't binary, it develops in levels.** ​Rachana Mansinghka puts it plainly. *Businesses cannot run on delusion.* And if you do not know which level you are at, you do not know where to invest, so you can over-build one part of the company while starving another for a year without noticing. ​Join us for a session on working out where you actually sit, and what to do from there. ****Lunch and Learn: What's Product Market Fit Without Paying Customers?** 📅 Wednesday, 2 Sep | 12:00PM – 1:00PM AEST 📍 Virtual [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-ui7p?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### ​**We'll get into:** - ​What usage, retention and willingness to pay each tell you about product market fit - ​The [First Round Capital framework](https://review.firstround.com/series/product-market-fit/?utm%5Fsource=luma), from nascent through developing, strong and extreme, and how to place yourself honestly on it - ​Why product and go to market are one job at early stage, and what specifically goes wrong when go to market is filed away as a later phase - ​A live diagnosis of a real B2B founder with early customers, mapped onto the framework in front of the room - ​What happens when you start charging, and how deciding your business model early changes what you build - ​What to do at each level, including the case where the honest read is that you are ready to raise and hire ​*Examples run B2B, but the framework travels. Worth the hour whether you sell to businesses or consumers.* ### ​**Who should attend?** - ​Founders with strong usage numbers that have not yet tested willingness to pay - ​Founders with early customers or pilots trying to work out how much fit they really have - ​Founders who have decided to work out go to market once the product is ready - ​Product leads and operators who need to tell a board, or a founder, where the company honestly sits [REGISTER NOW](https://luma.com/cremorne-ui7p?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Couch Conversations: Innovation Hubs & Supporting Founders URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/couch-conversations-innovation-hubs-supporting-founders/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T13:24:35.000Z The best conversations happen organically. They happen over a beer, a wine or a coffee, when people engage with ideas and let the conversation flow. That's what we're trying to capture with Couch Conversations. **Couch Conversations** is an event unlike others you've been to. Fewer questions asked and answered, more conversation. Each Couch Conversation will be with a small group of people actively building Victoria's startup ecosystem, with no moderator, no slides and no lectern. Then the conversation starts and goes where it goes. ****Couch Conversations: The Future of Victoria's Startup Ecosystem** 📅 Tuesday, 15th Sep | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St. Cremorne) [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-l8z7?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) This season of Couch Conversations is centered on the question of where to next for the Victorian startup ecosystem. We've seen some fairly big changes here in Victoria, with LaunchVic and Breakthrough Victoria merging, a new capital gains tax regime, and a little thing called AI changing what and how people are building. These are all areas we'll explore during the first season. For the first conversation, we talk innovation hubs and supporting founders. **On the couch: Ben Colley** from Stone & Chalk **and Alan Tsen** from Cremorne Digital Hub. [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-l8z7?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Co-Founder Connect 2 is coming! URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/co-founder-connect-2-is-coming/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T08:58:01.000Z **Are you still looking for a co-founder?** Finding someone you can work well with is among the most important decisions you'll make, and it's hard to find someone who's genuinely a good fit. Random encounters. Potential friends. Or just hoping the right person happens to sit next to you at networking. Following the success of our first Co-founder Connect, we’re running it back on September 9 and this time we’ve taken some suggestions on board for a different format. ****Co-Founder Connect #2** 📅 Wednesday, 9 Sep | 1:30PM – 4:30PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St.) [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-qtsm?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **Half the room has an idea. Half the room wants in on one.** Last time everyone arrived holding their own thing. This time we're splitting registrations down the middle. Half are building something and need a person. Half are looking for the right thing to throw themselves at. Same ambition, different starting point, and that's exactly why the conversations work. You’ll be labelled on if you’re looking for something to join, or you want someone to join you. This time we’ll start with a fireside from some founders to get you thinking and inspired. ### **Opening with a Fireside** **Ron Shell** co-founded the National Pickleball League and turned a sport most Australians hadn't heard of into a national competition with a Tennis Australia deal. It started with two social leagues in South Yarra and Thornbury. Then he hit the problem every operator hits, which is that the software to run it properly didn't exist. So he built it. LADER launched this year, running live scoring, event management and broadcast in one platform, and it powered the Australian Open Pickleball Slam. Two companies out of one obsession, and a co-founder story in each. **Plus one more guest, announced closer to the day.** Twenty years building and backing internet companies. Some of you have already met him. They're here for the part nobody posts about. How you found the person you started with. What you got wrong about them. What happens when someone's effort drops and their equity doesn't. ### **Who's this for:** - Founders actively looking for a co-founder, technical, commercial, product or domain - Builders with an idea who know they can't and shouldn't do it alone - Operators ready to jump into something early with the right person ### **How the afternoon works:** - 2:00 Doors, coffee, name tags - 2:15 Fireside - 3:00 Industry tables - 3:55 One-on-ones, matched from your answers - 4:35 Lock it in, book the coffee before you leave - 5:00 Close ### **How to register:** Spots are limited and registration is by short application. Pick your side when you apply, whether you're bringing an idea or looking for one, and both sides are capped so the room stays balanced. Your answers are what we use to build your one-on-ones, so give us something real. Takes 90 seconds. **Check-in closes 2:15 sharp.** We build the matching from who's actually in the room, so late arrivals can join a table but will miss the one-on-ones. [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-qtsm?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **Staying on?** VC Rosetta Stone runs from 5:30 in the same room. Two rooms, one day. The person who builds it with you, then the person who funds it. Separate registration below. [![CTA Image](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/08/CC_RosettaStone_EDM--3-.png)](https://luma.com/cremorne-ly4b?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ****Cremorne Connect: Return of the VC Rosetta Stone: Decoding VC-Speak** 📅 Wednesday, 9 September | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St., Cremorne) [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-ly4b?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Cremorne Connect Recap: Building in the Cognitive Industrial Revolution URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/cremorne-connect-recap-building-in-the-cognitive-industrial-revolution/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T07:22:13.000Z Cremorne Connect is our monthly event where we bring the ecosystem together for conversations on what's current the world of tech and startups. It's a chance for founders, investors and operators to hear directly from people building and shaping what's next, and to ask them the hard questions in person. Last week's session was a slightly different AI conversation, run in partnership with La Trobe University's AI Institute. Leading the conversation was Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Silicon Valley CIO, Forbes contributor, and bestselling author who's spent decades tracking how technology reshapes the way we work and live. ## The Cognitive Industrial Revolution Jonathan opened with a story about his washing machine texting him to switch the load over, a light way into a bigger point: we're at the start of a new industrial revolution, and unlike the previous three, this one won't take fifty to a hundred years to play out. It'll happen fast. Where the first three revolutions mechanised the physical world, this one is different. It's the automation of the mind. And the part Jonathan is most focused on is physical AI: the point where AI, robotics and sensors meet. Software has had its moment, but combining it with hardware is where the next wave of economic opportunity sits, from robots doing dangerous industrial work at scale, to drone delivery quietly rolling out city by city. ## Work, industries and what's changing A few threads stood out: - **Leadership is changing.** Managing teams of humans and robots, deciding where human judgement still belongs, and being honest with people about the scale of change ahead are now core leadership tasks, not side issues. - **No industry is untouched.** Unlike past technology shifts that hit specific sectors, this one touches every job and every industry at once. - **Healthcare and education are ripe for reinvention.** Jonathan pointed to healthcare as entering a golden age of innovation, and flagged education (rightly, given the room) as still catching up to how people actually want and need to learn today. - **Four questions worth asking**, if you're building something in this space: What could you make dramatically cheaper? What pain could you remove entirely? What would you build from scratch if you started today with no legacy constraints? And are you going to watch this happen, or build it? He also returned to a simple three-part formula for startup success: a good idea, a great team, and a bit of luck, and the reminder that you can't control luck, but you can improve your odds of it by getting out and talking to people. ## Thanks for coming along! A big thanks to everyone who joined us on an evening, to Chatham, Scott, and of course, Dr. Jonathan Reichental from La Trobe's AI Institute for an amazing collaboration. ### [NEXT] Lunch & Learn: How to Get Found by AI URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/next-lunch-learn-how-to-get-found-by-ai/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T08:52:08.000Z Everyone knows roughly how Google search works. You publish, you rank, you get found. Twenty years of advice exists on it and SEO is was created for that very purpose. Now with seemingly everything running through an LLM, the important question becomes, how does AI actually search, process your information, and decide which company to recommend? Same buyer, same question, completely different machinery underneath, and no second page of results to fall back on. You are either one of the top names or you’re not. Join us for a session on how those decisions actually get made, and how to end up on the right side of them. ****\[NEXT\] Lunch & Learn: How to Get Found by AI** 📅 Wednesday, 26 Aug | 12:00PM – 1:00PM AEST 📍 Virtual [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-9l3d?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Lucia Kim builds the systems at Inflect that track how AI models describe, cite and recommend brands. She's giving the working version of how it functions, not another round of predictions. ### **We'll get into:** - How AI models actually read, weigh and store information about your company, and why it has almost nothing to do with ranking - Where AI search really sits today, what the numbers support, and what is noise from people with something to sell - The jargon translated into plain English, so you can brief a marketer or an agency without nodding along - What actually moves the needle on being recommended, sized for a company with no traffic and no domain authority yet - How Inflect measures this properly, and what you would be looking at if you ran it yourself ### Who should attend? - Founders who suspect buyers are finding their competitors first - Early stage founders with no traffic, no reviews and no authority who assume this is out of reach for now - Operators and marketers watching organic search soften and wondering what replaces it [JOIN NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-9l3d?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **About Lucia Kim** Lucia Kim is a Founding Member of Technical Staff at [Inflect](https://www.useinflect.ai/?utm%5Fsource=luma), where she builds the systems that track how AI models describe, cite and recommend brands. She comes to it from software engineering and solution architecture, with project work at Intel and CMC. She was part of the team behind EcoMove, Grand Winner at AngelHack's hackhcmc 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, and has since won the AI Singapore and AWS challenge and come through the AWS ABW program. She is an ambassador for both AWS First Cloud Journey and RMIT's School of Science, Engineering and Technology. Working out how machines read information is the through line, and it is what she is bringing into the room. **About Inflect** [Inflect](https://www.useinflect.ai/?utm%5Fsource=luma) is a managed AI visibility service for B2B teams, helping companies get found, cited and recommended when potential customers ask AI tools for answers. Founded by Jonathan Liem, it runs on an evidence first loop: show where a brand is missing from AI answers, improve the pages and proof those systems rely on, then report what actually changed once approved fixes go live. Inflect was recently featured in Tech in Asia for making AI search measurable. ### Issue #8: A Closer Look at the Open-Weight AI Debate URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/a-closer-look-at-the-open-weight-ai-debate/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T06:38:22.000Z Welcome back to Innovation Download, our monthly look at the news shaping the Australian startup ecosystem. This month's Innovation Download follows Jensen Huang's first-ever post on X, a policy letter backing open-weight AI models that's split the industry into two camps: those betting openness spreads AI capability safely, and holdouts like Anthropic pushing for tighter controls. Underneath the politics sits a sharper question for founders, about who's left holding the risk when an agentic model does something nobody asked it to. Here's what's worth knowing this month. ## This Month's Reads --- ### [Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urges support for open-weight AI models](https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-urges-185108422.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Bloomberg* Bonus: Also worth reading: [Jensen Huang's warning to every CEO, don't let one vendor own your AI](https://www.forbes.com/sites/donmuir/2026/07/29/jensen-huangs-warning-to-every-ceo-dont-let-one-vendor-own-your-ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Forbes*. The post itself is [here](https://x.com/JensenHuang/status/2080643682408321103?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/08/2972fbf85bec450c4023663cfa8422b1.webp) Image from Getty Image ### The Rundown Jensen Huang joined X in June and then said nothing for a month. His first post, on 24 July, was an open letter called "Open Weights and American AI Leadership," signed by Nvidia and 24 others including Microsoft, Meta, IBM, Palantir, Mistral, Hugging Face, a16z and Y Combinator. Satya Nadella posted the same thing nine minutes later, so this was coordinated down to the minute. The argument goes something like this: open-weight models are the ones you can download, inspect, modify and run on your own hardware, that makes advanced AI cheaper and easier to adapt, and Washington should think hard before restricting them. The letter also defends distillation as ordinary research rather than theft (I mean obvs), and points out that stacking all the capability behind a few closed models is its own security risk. The timing wasn't random. Moonshot AI had dropped Kimi K3 on 16 July, a 2.8 trillion parameter open-weight model that lands somewhere near the frontier models from OpenAI and Anthropic, and the White House was weighing a ban on Chinese open weights after accusations surfaced that Moonshot had distilled Anthropic's Fable. Nvidia went again on 27 July with a second statement, this one calling open models pivotal to cybersecurity, backed by Microsoft, Palantir and Salesforce, and launched the Open Secure AI Alliance with about 40 partners the same day. The day after that Huang was in Washington seeing Senators Mark Warner and Adam Schiff, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. "For the American industry, we need open weight for security, we need open weight for safety," he told reporters on the way out. Warner sounded won over, saying he wasn't sure open weights were "a genie we can put back in the bottle." Nvidia does fine either way, of course, since open models are cheaper to run and end up selling more chips, not fewer. ### The Takeaway On day one the signatory list looked like a coalition of the willing. But that’s a hard label to apply when so many of them had a vested interest in things staying open. Whether that’s chip makers, clouds, infrastructure or application companies, they all do better when no single model provider gets to extract all the rents. As with everything in AI, that take held for about a day. OpenAI signed by Friday evening, Google and Amazon followed, and the list was past 270 by 3 August, which leaves Anthropic and xAI as the only real holdouts. So the split is narrower than it first looked. It's the labs closest to an IPO and a safety-testing regime on one side, and everyone who buys, hosts or resells AI rather than trains it on the other. Some obvious lines have been drawn. Anthropic deserves a fair go here, though. Dario Amodei has said he's never argued for banning open weights, and calls open models without dangerous capabilities a public good. His objection is narrower than the headlines suggest, that open weights don't automatically make safeguards easier or help defenders more than attackers. Whether his three asks add up to a de facto ban is maybe a better question. Round one has gone the open way. On 4 August the White House told US AI companies that Chinese open-weight models won't face government testing under its new safety framework, which is a loss for Amodei, who wanted mandatory reviews across the board. That's one decision under one administration and easily revisited, so I wouldn't bank on it. The open question (amongst many tbh) is whether open models keep up with the frontier, and the one doing most to prove they can is Chinese, which is an awkward fact for the argument Huang is making. ## 📈 [Chinese AI models gain ground with US companies as costs surge](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/07/chinese-ai-models-costs-us-openai-anthropic.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *CNBC* The numbers mostly come from [Vercel's AI Gateway Production Index](https://vercel.com/blog/ai-gateway-production-index-july-2026?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), which is worth a look on its own. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/08/C1A68C76-0672-4DCE-9125-05F3274F87CC.png) Screenshot from CNBC+ News ### The Rundown While Washington was arguing about whether to restrict open weights, the market had already voted. Vercel's AI Gateway routes tens of trillions of tokens a month for production apps, and in June open-weight models ran 29% of them, up from 11% in April. They accounted for under 4% of the spend, so about a third of the work for a twenty-fifth of the money. DeepSeek on its own hit 22.6% of token volume, third behind Anthropic and Google and less than two points off second place. GLM 5.2 from [Z.ai](http://z.ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), MIT-licensed and priced at roughly a fifth of Anthropic's Opus 4.8, went from launch to the top-models list in a fortnight. The clearest single case is Lindy, a 25-person agent startup in San Francisco whose AI bill had grown bigger than its payroll (which I think is going to become more and more common). In June it shifted 100% of production traffic off Claude and onto DeepSeek V4\. "We did it, and you could see that cost curve go down, like, crash to the ground," founder Flo Crivello told CNBC, calling it a matter of survival and reckoning it will save millions within months. OpenRouter's Justin Summerville put the gap at 60 to 90 per cent cheaper. Even with all that happening, the four big US labs still took 95% of Vercel's gateway spend in June, Anthropic pulled 61% of the money on 32% of the tokens, and Menlo Ventures has enterprise open-source share going the other way, down from 19% to 11% over the past year. ### The Takeaway The Lindy number is the one that most founders will fixate on, but there’s plenty of fine print underneath it. Crivello spent six to nine months evaluating open models before he switched, then spent more time re-engineering prompts to make them behave. He looked at self-hosting and dropped it, calling it a massive distraction for a team of 25, so he runs DeepSeek V4 through a US inference provider on US soil. And he only did any of it because inference had become his single biggest cost line, ahead of salaries (!!!). That's the starting point. If your AI bill isn't yet threatening your payroll, the migration probably costs more than it saves. The OECD break-even numbers say a similar thing. Self-hosting an open-weight model takes about 30 months to pay for itself against an API at a billion tokens a month, about two months at ten billion, and under 100 million a month it isn't worth doing at all. Which is why "open models are cheaper" keeps being true in aggregate and wrong for most individual companies. It's cheap at volume, and below that you're paying in engineering time instead of tokens, which is the thing most small teams have least of. To be honest, the gap between tokens and dollars is what I find more interesting here. Open weights are doing a third of the work for a twenty-fifth of the spend while Anthropic takes 61% of the money on 32% of the tokens. That's a market sorting itself into cheap high-volume work and expensive high-stakes work, rather than one side beating the other. For most founders the move is a routing layer rather than a migration, so the bulk, boring, high-frequency jobs go to an open model and the frontier keeps the work where being wrong is expensive. In other words, not everything needs luxury tokens. ## 🎧 [20VC x SaaStr: Jensen's first tweet ever, the agent that rewrote my code without telling me](https://www.saastr.com/20vc-x-saastr-jensens-first-tweet-ever-the-agent-that-rewrote-my-code-without-telling-me-and-why-the-pe-turnaround-playbook-is-out-of-road/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *20VC* We’ve recommended 20VC before, but this is another really good ep. Harry Stebbings, Rory O'Driscoll and Jason Lemkin on Jensen’s letter and everything swirling around it. The other bit of AI news worth catching this month was OpenAI’s model escaping its sandbox. In case you missed it, OpenAI was training a model on cyber capabilities and gave it access to exactly one external website. The model got around that, worked out the answers to its own test were on Hugging Face, and started hammering Hugging Face for them. Hugging Face, not knowing who was attacking, tried a frontier model to investigate, found it neutered for cyber work, and defended itself with Chinese open weights instead. Ironically, the open models came to the rescue. Lemkin's story is smaller and closer to home. He connected Google Drive to Fable, a first-party setting, and it scanned his files, found draft notes on an algorithm he was building, MCP'd into Replit and rewrote it. It never told him. He caught it because a conflict warning flashed on screen. Rory's line on why so many signed is the best thing in the episode. Nobody signed because Jensen is a god. They signed because everyone's business model improves if the two frontier labs can't pull $100 billion a year out of them. ### Cremorne Connect: Return of the VC Rosetta Stone: Decoding VC-Speak URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-connect-return-of-the-vc-rosetta-stone-decoding-vc-speak/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T03:03:17.000Z Founders often hear phrases like “you’re too early” or “the total addressable market isn’t big enough” and are left wondering what investors really mean. ***The VC Rosetta Stone*** is here to crack the code on venture capital. In this interactive session, common VC phrases are decoded by an investor, revealing what they actually mean, what’s really going on behind the feedback, and what founders should take away. ****Cremorne Connect: Return of the VC Rosetta Stone: Decoding VC-Speak** 📅 Wednesday, 9 September | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St., Cremorne) [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-ly4b?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Cremorne Connect takes participants inside the world of venture capital. Joined by [Hugh Stephens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughstephensau/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), General Partner and Co-founder of[ Galileo Ventures](https://www.linkedin.com/company/galileovc/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), the session brings practical insights, candid perspectives and a founder-first approach to understanding how investors think. A founder, operator and investor, Hugh built bootstrapped SaaS company Sked Social and now backs early-stage founders through Galileo Ventures. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, Hugh is known for his ability to “speak founder” and connect with entrepreneurs on the realities of building and raising capital. Expect equal parts insight and lively discussion in a live, interactive experience that decodes founder fundraising and brings VC-speak to life. Whether you’re a founder, student or part of the broader innovation community, you’ll leave more fluent in the language of venture capital. [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-ly4b?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Lunch & Learn: Wrong in the Right Way: Job Stories, Product Briefs and Building with Claude URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/lunch-learn-wrong-in-the-right-way-job-stories-product-briefs-and-building-with-claude/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T05:43:07.000Z AI made building cheap. That's the problem. You can spin up a prototype in an afternoon. Claude will generate convincing output whether or not you've defined the right problem. And six months later you're still saying "just one more feature and people will use it." Chaz Mee is back for round two. His first session, The Art of Being Wrong, was about being wrong quickly. This one is about being wrong in the right way: small, cheap, and recoverable, instead of strategic and fatal. Lunch & Learn: Wrong in the Right Way: Job Stories, Product Briefs and Building with Claude 📅 Wednesday, 19 August | 12:00PM – 1:00PM AEST 📍 Virtual [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-20ot?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) He'll show you the exact pre-work he uses at Keep Labs before a single line gets built. The job stories that define who your product is for and why they'd care. The product brief that acts as a contract with yourself, so you know when done is. And how both keep you from getting lost inside Claude. **This one's interactive.** We'll put real founder products up in front of the room with zero context and work out together what problem they solve and why it matters. Then we'll write job stories for them live, using Chaz's own tools. **What you'll walk away with:** - How to write a job story that actually communicates, not a template you fill in - The product brief structure Chaz uses before building anything at Keep Labs - How to tell when Claude is being convincing versus being right - A proof test you can run on whatever you're already building, even retroactively [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-20ot?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Inside the Mind of an Angel: What We Learned at Our Angel-Curious Lunch & Learn URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/inside-the-mind-of-an-angel-what-we-learned-at-our-angel-curious-lunch-learn/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T23:00:01.000Z If you've ever wondered how angel investors actually think — what makes them write a cheque, what makes them walk away, and what founders get wrong when courting them, our latest CDH Lunch & Learn had you covered. This session was built for founders who are angel-curious: not yet raising, but keen to understand the earliest layer of startup capital before they get there. CDH General Manager **Alan Tsen** stepped in to share his own angel investing playbook built over 8 years and 11+ personal investments, predominantly in early-stage fintech. Before CDH, Alan headed up IAG's accelerator program, led revenue strategy at a global fintech startup, was founding GM at Stone & Chalk Melbourne, founded a company and started his career in tax. He's sat on both sides of the cap table as a founder and as the person writing the cheque.It showed in how practically he broke things down. Here are the biggest takeaways for founders thinking about bringing angels onto their register. ### 1\. Angels fill rounds — they rarely lead them Outside of syndicates, angels typically don't set the terms of a raise. Think of your round like a jar: a lead investor (usually a fund) provides the "big rocks," and angels are the sand that fills the gaps. In Australia, most angels write cheques in the $5K–$50K range, and they typically prefer that the round's terms are set. ### 2\. They're backing people and insight, not traction At pre-seed and seed, there usually isn't meaningful traction to point to anyway. Alan's most recent cheque went to a founder and a concept — no product yet. Angels who invest this early are pricing in belief in the person, not de-risked metrics. ### 3\. Understand *why* they're investing Motivations vary. Some want the asymmetric upside of the "next Canva," others want proximity to sharp operators and a front-row seat to how they build, and some are quietly building a track record toward launching their own fund one day. Knowing which type you're talking should shape how you pitch them. ### 4\. There are two broad angel archetypes - **Capital angels** write the cheque and step back. That's not a bad thing — sometimes all you need is fast, low-friction money. - **Operator angels** have been in the trenches and can genuinely accelerate you, unblocking a go-to-market problem, opening a warm intro to a fund, or lending credibility that helps your next raise. Don't assume every angel is this type, and don't be disappointed when they're not. ### 5\. Ask direct questions before you take the money Alan's suggested checklist for any prospective angel: - What's your average ticket size? - What stage do you usually invest at? - What do you actually invest in? - How do you typically help founders? - When should I come back to you? The answers tell you whether they're a fit and whether they're going to be useful or just another name to manage on your cap table. ### 6\. Good angels leave a paper trail Want to find angels who actually operate in your niche? Skip the generic spray-and-pray lists. Look for people who write, podcast, or blog about the space, sharing how they think is often a strong signal of both operator credibility and a willingness to be genuinely helpful. ### 7\. Cold outreach works, if it's thoughtful Alan is a fan of cold DMs and cold emails, provided they're specific and well-researched. A short, direct note explaining what you're building and exactly what you want from the conversation goes a long way. Treat it like a sales outreach: know why you want them, specifically. ### 8\. Be deliberate about who joins your cap table Bringing on angels is a rare chance to assemble a bench of advisors you could never otherwise afford to hire. But more angels means more admin, more small cheques to chase, and occasionally a "meddler" who gives strategic advice without understanding the day-to-day reality of an early-stage company. Screen for fit, not just for money. --- Want to connect with Alan Tsen directly? Find him on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-tsen-22742716/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). ### Cremorne Connect: Building in the Cognitive Industrial Revolution URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-connect-building-in-the-cognitive-industrial-revolution/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T04:59:37.000Z Every so often a technology arrives that resets the rules for entire industries. The steam engine did it. Electricity did it. Reichental's argument is that AI is doing it again, faster, and he calls this moment the Cognitive Industrial Revolution. **Dr. Jonathan Reichental** has spent his career at the front of these shifts. He was a Silicon Valley CIO, he writes on technology for Forbes, and he has authored bestselling books on data, smart cities and the future of work. He is one of the clearer voices on what AI changes in practice, without the hype and without the doom. Join us at Cremorne Digital Hub, in partnership with [La Trobe University's Eagleworks Innovation Centre](https://www.latrobe.edu.au/industry-and-community/la-trobe-industry/eagleworks-innovation-centre?utm%5Fsource=luma) and the [La Trobe AI Institute](https://www.latrobe.edu.au/ai?utm%5Fsource=luma), for a keynote by Dr. Jonathan Reichental on the most significant technological transformation of our time and what it means for the next generation of students, founders and innovators. Expect a practical framework for navigating the AI era, identifying where the real opportunities lie, and building businesses that can thrive in a rapidly changing world. A facilitated Q&A with Alan Tsen from Cremorne Digital Hub and networking will follow. Cremorne Connect: Building in the Cognitive Industrial Revolution 📅 Wednesday, 12 August | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-d24w?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **Potential Areas Explored:** - Why he frames AI as an industrial revolution, not just another software cycle - How careers and whole job categories shift when cognitive work can be automated - Which industries move first, and what that means for the people inside them - Where the genuine startup opportunities sit, and how to tell them from the noise - A practical framework for building something that lasts through the transition ### **Who should come** Founders and aspiring founders, especially anyone building in or around AI. Students and early-career people trying to work out where to place their bets. Operators and leaders thinking about what AI does to their industry. Investors, university and research people, and anyone who wants a clear-eyed read on where this is all heading. If you are trying to make sense of the AI era rather than just react to it, this is your evening. ### **Run of show** - **5:30** Doors, drinks and networking - **6:00** Welcome and introduction (Chatham Vidanagamage - La Trobe AI Institute and CDH) - **6:05** Keynote and in-conversation with Dr. Jonathan Reichental - **6:45** Audience Q&A - **7:10** Drinks and networking - **8:00** Close Walk away with a practical read on where the real AI opportunities are. Reserve your spot. [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-d24w?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Lunch & Learn: The Exit: An Honest Conversation About Selling Your Company URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/lunch-learn-the-exit-an-honest-conversation-about-selling-your-company/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T06:28:58.000Z There are countless podcasts and workshops on how to raise capital, build product and land your first customers. Very few talk about the ins and outs of selling a company to a big tech acquirer. Exiting is every bit as complex as fundraising, but for founders it's a one-time event with high stakes. It stays off-limits to even talk about until you're in the middle of it, which is exactly when it's too late to learn. Join us for a session about the end of the founder story, not the beginning. The Exit: An Honest Conversation About Selling Your Company 📅 Wednesday, 29 July | 12:00PM – 1:00PM AEST 📍 Virtual [REGISTER ](https://luma.com/cremorne-qpx6?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Jessica Christiansen-Franks spent eight years building Neighbourlytics before selling it to REA. She's giving the honest version, the stuff that you don't learn till it's too late. ### We'll get into: - The moment the board stops rowing in the same direction (spoiler: it's the second an exit lands on the table) - Why founders and shareholders end up speaking completely different languages about the same deal - The early structural decisions that decide whether you do well or end up last money out - What actually happens after the deal closes, including the parts that can leave you personally exposed - Why founders never really do it for the money, and what that costs them at exit ### **Who should attend?** - Founders who want the unfiltered reality of selling a company - Founders weighing an exit who want to know what to look out for before it's on the table - Founders making early decisions right now that will quietly shape their exit later - Anyone startup-curious who wants a real founder story, not the press-release version [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-qpx6?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Co-Founder Connect: Meet Your Potential Co-Founder URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/co-founder-connect-meet-your-potential-co-founder/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T04:08:03.000Z At CDH, we know finding a co-founder can be one of the highest-stakes decisions you'll make, and it can be hard to find someone who's genuinely a good fit. Cold DMs, awkward meetups, or just hoping the right person happens to sit next to you. Too often, founders end up building alone not because they want to, but because they lack the right kind of support and environment. On August 5, we’re running Co-founder Connect: a structured evening with a single goal. You’ll leave with two or three people genuinely worth following up with as potential co-founders. ****Co-Founder Connect** 📅 Wednesday, 5 Aug | 5:00PM – 7:30PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-e176?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) This isn't speed networking with a new label. Every part of the night is designed around how co-founder matches actually form: guided rounds that skip the small talk, deeper conversations with the people you click with, and a final push to get the follow-up booked before you walk out the door. ### **Who's this for:** - Founders actively looking for a co-founder (technical, commercial, product, or domain experts) - Builders with an idea who know they can't (and shouldn't) do it alone - Operators ready to jump into something early with the right person ### **How the night works** - **Before you arrive.** Fill in a short questionnaire telling us what you're looking for, what you're working on, and where your expertise sits. We use this to sort the room before the night, so conversations you have is with someone worth meeting. - **5:00pm. Doors + networking.** Arrive, get a name tag (your name tag tells the room what you bring), grab a drink. - **5:30pm. Kickoff.** We set the goal for the night and how it all runs. Come with an open mind. The aim isn't to find your co-founder tonight, it's to leave with the right coffees booked. - **5:45pm. The rounds.** We sort the room based on your categories, and you'll find yourself sitting with people who bring what you don't. Guided prompts get you straight past "so what do you do." - **6:15pm. Open floor.** Move around, find the people you clicked with, and get into the whys. What are you building? Why are you building it? Cut through the usual questions by asking each other the harder ones. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to ask, we’ll provide the questions you should be asking. - **6:45pm. Lock it in.** Phones out. If you've found someone worth exploring, you book the coffee or online chat before you leave. That's the whole point. - **7:00 to 7:30pm. Open networking.** Drinks, free flow, wind down. ### **How to register:** Spots are limited and registration is by short application — four quick questions so we can balance the room across technical, commercial, product, and domain expertise. Takes 90 seconds. [JOIN THE CO-FOUNDER CONNECT](https://luma.com/cremorne-e176?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Issue #7: The Global Startup Ecosystem Game: Who's Winning and Why URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-7-the-global-startup-ecosystem-game-whos-winning-and-why/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T08:21:27.000Z Welcome back to Innovation Download, our monthly look at the news shaping the Australian startup scene. This month we're zooming out from Cremorne to the global ecosystem. Three fresh reports landed within weeks of each other, and read together they paint a picture of what separates the world's best startup ecosystems from the rest. They're all things we've long known: density, talent that recycles back into the system, capital that moves fast, and a real reason for founders to stick around. Then we bring it home and put Melbourne under the same lens. Let's kick off with this month's read. Startup Genome just dropped its 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, and it's a big one. Here's what's worth knowing this month. ## This Month's Reads --- ## [](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/21/what-would-share-stock-market-saaspocalypse-mean-saas-apocalypse-meaning?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### [The State of the Global Startup Economy 2026](https://startupgenome.com/report/the-global-startup-ecosystem-report-2026/state-of-the-global-startup-economy?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Startup Genome (GSER 2026)* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/07/1E6097BA-5740-482B-BE3E-3FFB1F046F80.png) Screenshot from Startup Genome Youtube Video of Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 | Launch & Panel Discussion | VivaTech Paris **The Rundown:** Startup Genome's flagship report, drawn from data on 5.5 million startups across 350+ ecosystems, puts total global ecosystem value at $10.9 trillion, up 40% year on year. Late-stage funding hit $210 billion in 2025 (up 17%), and exits rebounded hard to $800 billion (up 164%), with large exits over $50 million up 112% by value. AI-Native startup funding has grown 218% since 2021 while the rest of tech funding contracted 36%. **Takeaway:** Seed funding is projected to roughly double 2024 levels, Series A is climbing again, and exits, the thing that had been frozen since 2022, more than doubled. If you only read the top line, 2026 looks like the best year for startups in a long time. What a time to be a founder! Then you look at the distribution of funds and the story is way more nuanced. AI-Native companies now pull in more than half of all late-stage funding, and North America captures 86% of that AI money and 64% of global late-stage funding, up from 56% in 2021\. Silicon Valley on its own is worth $3 trillion, nearly three times the next ecosystem. The recovery is real, but it is concentrated in a way we haven't seen in a while. So what do we take from this? Well, the most natural takeaway is that "everything is AI". AI is no longer a sector, it's a general-purpose technology, like electricity or the internet, or so it's shaping up to be. That reframing matters because it means "our ecosystem needs an AI strategy" is no longer optional. Every vertical, from DefenseTech (up 60% in Series A value and the fastest grower outside AI) to health to logistics, is now an AI story whether the founders call it that or not. The regional splits are the quiet tragedy in the data. Europe generates 37% of global exit volume but only 11% of the value, which could be read as a sign it builds good companies and sells them too early and too cheaply. Another read is that it only builds small to mid-sized companies. Asia is the mirror image: 12% of exits, 30% of the value. Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa saw Series A fall 30% and 36% respectively. The rising tide is not lifting all boats. It's lifting a few, very high, and leaving the rest where they were. ### [Australia Jumps Back Into the Global Top 10 After Three Years of Decline](https://dynamicbusiness.com/topics/news/australia-jumps-back-into-the-global-top-10-startup-ecosystems-after-three-years-of-decline.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Dynamic Business (StartupBlink Index 2026)* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/07/BeFunky-collage-3--1-.jpg) Image of from Dynamic Business **The Rundown:** In StartupBlink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, Australia climbed from 12th to 9th, the largest single-year gain among the world's top 15 countries. It's the first reversal after three straight years of decline from a 2022 peak at 8th. The ecosystem is now valued at US$195.2 billion with eight unicorns, and grew 22.9% year on year, third-fastest in the top 10 behind Singapore and the US. Melbourne jumped eight places to 34th globally, Sydney rose to 30th, and the Gold Coast surged 37 spots. **Takeaway:** This is the local counterpoint to the concentration story, and it's a genuinely good one. Three years of drift, then a sharp bounce back into the top 10\. For anyone building here, it's the first data in a while that says the slide has stopped. The Melbourne number is the standout. Up eight places, 37.8% growth, the fastest-moving of the major Australian cities. That's not a rounding error, that's a city that's added real weight in twelve months. Sydney is still ahead on the raw rank, but Melbourne is closing the gap faster than Sydney is extending it, and the Gold Coast jumping 37 places is a reminder that ecosystem growth in Australia is no longer just a two-city conversation. But, and there's always a but. Australia ranks 5th globally on ecommerce and 5th on ecosystem returns, yet 17th on business environment. That gap is the whole story. We are producing outcomes that punch well above the conditions we give founders to operate in, which is either a testament to the quality of the people or a warning about how much further we'd go if the settings were better. Honestly, it's probably both. The rebound is real, but it's happening despite the policy backdrop, not because of it. Which is exactly the thread the next report pulls on. ### [Ecosystem Leaders Must Prioritize Startup Policy or Risk Being Left Behind](https://startupgenome.com/insights/gser-2026-ecosystem-leaders-must-prioritize-startup-policy-or-risk-being-left-behind?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Startup Genome (GSER 2026)* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1537.jpg) CDH Founder Day 2026 **The Rundown:** Startup Genome's policy analysis argues that the ecosystems rising in 2026 are the ones treating AI-Native startup development as a policy priority, not just an infrastructure line item. Toronto-Waterloo and Seattle climbed on the strength of their AI-Native sectors, Stockholm jumped eight places to #23, Auckland surged more than 75 positions, and Abu Dhabi added $69 billion in ecosystem value. Nearly every Chinese ecosystem in the top 40 fell. Founder and CEO JF Gauthier warns of "a concerning re-concentration" of capital and talent. **Takeaway:** If the first report tells you the money is concentrating, this one tells you it isn't "written in the stars". It's policy. Auckland didn't move 75 places by accident, and Abu Dhabi didn't add $69 billion in value for no good reason. These are places that decided, deliberately, to compete for founders and capital, and wrote policy to back it. Gauthier's line about re-concentration is the one that jumped out at me. After a decade of the startup model spreading out, of the idea that you could build a real company in Lagos or Lisbon or Auckland, the AI wave is pulling capital and talent back toward a handful of hotspots. That's the risk sitting under the whole 2026 recovery. The default outcome, if governments do nothing, is that North America keeps 86% of the AI money and everyone else fights over the scraps. The ecosystems that break out of that are the ones that take policy as a lever. So what actually makes an ecosystem robust, pulling the three reports together? As you might expect, it's not one thing, it's the stack. Capital that can be deployed at scale and speed. Access to talent, which in 2026 means AI talent. Dense networks where operators, founders, and investors actually collide. And, underneath all of it, policy settings that make the place worth building in. Australia's story is instructive precisely because it's winning on the first three while lagging on the policy front. The ecosystems that will still be ascending in three years are the ones that fix all four before the re-concentration hardens into something permanent. ## Videos Worth Your Time --- ### [**Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026: Launch & Panel Discussion**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNQsOcW5%5FMc&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), *Startup Genome, VivaTech Paris* If you want the findings straight from the source, this is the GSER 2026 launch from VivaTech in Paris, with Startup Genome walking through the headline numbers and a panel unpacking what they mean for the people actually building ecosystems. A good way to get the context behind the data we've pulled apart above. Worth a watch. --- ### [NEXT] Branding for Founders: Your Minimum Viable Brand URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/next-branding-for-founders-your-minimum-viable-brand/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T08:12:06.000Z Anyone can ship a product now. What they can't ship overnight is how the market sees them. ​Brand isn't your logo. It's your position, and the feeling people attach to it. It's also the one thing you can't vibe code. ​Simon Hakim from Hunter has spent years helping founders work out what their brand actually is before they spend a cent making it look good. This one is about the smallest set of brand decisions that lets you go to market with conviction, and knowing when to stop there. We'll close on a live deconstruction of a real start-up brand. 📅 Wednesday, 22 July | 12:00PM – 1:00PM AEST 📍 Virtual [REGISTER ](https://luma.com/cremorne-jw6i?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### ​Who should come along - ​First-time founders who can build the product but freeze when asked what makes it different - ​Non-technical builders who already know the look isn't the point - ​Anyone about to drop money on a logo or a rebrand before they've nailed their positioning ### ​What you'll walk away with - ​A definition of brand you can actually use to sharpen your positioning - ​A clear line between what's worth building now and what can wait - ​A real start-up brand pulled apart end to end, so you can see the process in action [JOIN THE LUNCH & LEARN](https://luma.com/cremorne-jw6i?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### From the Lab to Salesforce: Inside the Apromore Exit URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/from-the-lab-to-salesforce-inside-the-apromore-exit/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T01:40:31.000Z In November 2025, Salesforce acquired [Apromore](https://www.linkedin.com/company/apromore/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), a process intelligence company that started as open-source research code at the University of Melbourne. That is not the usual Australian startup story. No pivot-of-the-week, no overnight raise. Apromore was built patiently over more than a decade of academic research, grew out of university consulting when customers started asking to buy the software, and ended up important enough that Salesforce bought it to power its AI agents. [Marcello La Rosa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellolarosa/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) is the CEO and co-founder, and still a professor at the University of Melbourne. Join us at Cremorne Digital Hub for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a deep-tech company out of a research lab and carry it all the way to a global exit. [SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT](https://luma.com/cremorne-3zjw?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **What we'll get into** - How a research demo became a product when customers asked to buy it - Why he kept the talent and the company in Melbourne, next to the University - Raising a Series B from Salesforce Ventures, years before Salesforce became the buyer - The decision to sell, and why joining Salesforce beat staying independent - Why "process intelligence" suddenly matters in a world of AI agents - What he'd tell any researcher sitting on technology that could be a company 📅 Wednesday, 22 July | 5:30PM – 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub [REGISTER NOW ](https://luma.com/cremorne-3zjw?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Who should come:** Founders, especially deep-tech and B2B SaaS. University and research commercialisation people. Investors who back technical teams. Anyone curious about process mining and where agentic AI is heading. [JOIN THE EVENT](https://luma.com/cremorne-3zjw?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Building AI-Native: Inside the [NEXT] Founder Day & Guzzle URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/building-ai-native-inside-the-next-founder-day-guzzle/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T10:10:36.000Z ## **\[NEXT\] Founder Day & The Cremorne Guzzle — A Day Built for What's Next** On Thursday 25 June, Cremorne Digital Hub hosted one of its most ambitious days yet. Over 150 people filled the building from 11am to well past sunset — founders, builders, operators, and ecosystem partners — all gathered around one through line: what does it actually look like to build a company in the age of AI? \[NEXT\] Founder Day was a working day. Three sessions from practitioners who are deep in it, followed by open-build rooms where the learning kept going. Then, as the sun went down, the crowd shifted into The Cremorne Guzzle — drinks, energy, and six founders who got up and showed the room what they're building. And if you want to catch the sessions in full, we are bringing them to our YouTube channel. Subscribe so you do not miss them when they drop. [Cremorne Digital HubCremorne Digital Hub (CDH) is where innovation meets industry. Melbourne’s home for founders who are building something real. Subscribe for talks, workshops, and events straight from the heart of Melbourne’s tech precinct — covering AI, product, fundraising, sales, and everything in between that founders actually need to hear. This is also the home of CDH Lunch & Learn: founder-focused sessions with practitioners, operators, and experts who’ve actually done the thing.![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144-d9f9b6f0-b79a-4506-b831-78f6a32efbaa.png)YouTube![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/TPzRFUGiILK_jZ9FK-bGcNfnJkT70Ac13O1OV9CCSvqzyR2o-DOUT3_5um_yaUVC0iKRc7u7ZJo-s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj-4e0c7f06-b28b-4cc5-97cb-44866ba50bf1)](https://www.youtube.com/@CremorneDigitalHub?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Here's what went down. ### **Building an AI-Native Company** Darius Monsef opened the day by reframing what it actually means to build with AI — not as a tool layered on top of a business, but as the operating system underneath it. Fresh from building Calling Round, he shared how he runs his entire company from his phone, a couple of hours a day, with Claude as the central orchestrator. - An AI-native company is built around AI as the operating layer, where the founder is the decision-maker but not the bottleneck - SaaS built dashboards for humans to see metrics and take action — the shift now is building for agents to do the same - One Claude orchestrator with dedicated threads for Sales, Ops, Product, Legal, and Marketing connects the whole company through a shared brain - The engineering workflow removes almost every human bottleneck — a need gets described, an agent specs it, a second agent challenges it, and code gets built, reviewed, and shipped to a PR before Darius touches it - The only human gate is at the merge point - The starting framework: use Claude for all thinking and strategy first, get a shared brain set up, add connectors, then progressively hand more work off **Takeaway:** Start with the one task that takes the most time and adds the least value. Automate that first. Then build from there. ### **Talk to My Agent with Notion with Tim Jeffries** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/1-1.jpg) Tim Jeffries of SmoothOps has spent nearly a decade helping businesses structure their information before AI made that work matter. In this session, he showed exactly how that foundation translates into a Notion-powered operating system that runs most of the sales process without human input. - The quality of AI output is a direct function of the quality of thinking behind it. Structured data and documented process are the foundation. - Skills are the detailed SOPs: scope, inputs, steps, edge cases, and outputs, written the way you would brief a new hire - Guides are the IP layer: the reasoning, the voice, and the decision logic that makes output sound like the person who built the business - Skills without guides produce confident but generic results. The guides are where the edge lives - A 13-step sales pipeline runs almost entirely through Notion AI: intake automation, lead qualification against a real IP-backed rubric, and on-brand email drafting, all before a human gets involved - Not everything should run through a language model. Deterministic tasks belong in code or workers, LLMs should be reserved for reasoning-heavy work **Takeaway:** The edge is not in which model you use. It is in how well you have encoded what you know. Strong guides and rich context matter more than model selection. ### **Best Practices for Claude Code with Rye Smith** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/Post-event-BlogLinkedIn-Photos.jpg) Rye Smith, Claude Ambassador for Australia and fresh from presenting at Anthropic's Code with Claude conference in Tokyo, opened with a story about a 25-year dream that Claude finally made real. Manager Eleven, a live multiplayer football management game built on a 1999 C++ engine, now runs in 16 countries. He shared the tools and mindset behind that kind of output. - The barrier to building ambitious things has collapsed — the constraint now is depth of focus, not capability - /goal is a terminal command that loops until a complex task is complete, removing the need to re-prompt every few minutes - A Council of Agents spins up specialised roles across SEO, UI, QA, and copywriting to work in parallel on multi-disciplinary tasks - Consulting the Skeptic introduces a critical agent that challenges confident outputs before they become problems - Claude CoWork handles scheduled tasks like lead triage, proposal drafting, and live dashboard generation without human input - Stop describing the work. Start delegating it - Build vertically into the specific problem only you are solving — the models will handle the wide **Takeaway:** Pick the one task you do more than once and hate doing. Automate it through CoWork. That is the start of the workflow automation journey. --- ### **Building on Solana with Sal Samani** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/3.jpg) Sal Samani from Superteam Australia brought a different angle to the afternoon. Setting aside the noise around price action and speculation, he made the case that on-chain infrastructure is now a legitimate and practical foundation for building real companies — and that the timing has never been better for founders to explore it. - Stablecoins have unlocked business models that were not viable before — streaming payments, micropayments, and pay-per-use services that card infrastructure cannot support - X402 pay-to-proceed flows let founders charge cents for microservices like ABN lookups, KYC validations, and API reports — creating new revenue models around tasks that previously had no monetisation path - Building on-chain means building with immutable, public, decentralised infrastructure — no intermediary can block a transaction, modify a record, or shut a program down - The Solana Superstack at sol.new/dev gives founders a full build environment: Next.js frontend, Rust smart contracts, X402 payments, and automated deployment in one place - A working product with a booking flow, photo upload, and payment layer went from idea to deployed app in under 45 minutes during the session — not as a demo, but as a genuine build - The /roast my product feature stress-tests an idea before a founder invests weeks in the wrong direction **Takeaway:** On-chain is not a category. It is an infrastructure choice. If the business model involves payments, verification, or access control, it is worth asking whether building on Solana makes the product more defensible and the revenue model more direct. --- ## The Cremorne Guzzle: Founder Asks & Lightning Pitches ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/Post-event-BlogLinkedIn-Photos--1--1.jpg) The Guzzle brought a different kind of energy to close out the day. With drinks in hand and the room buzzing from a full day of sessions, six founders took the floor and made their case to a crowd that had spent the last seven hours thinking about what it means to build something real. Each pitch was two minutes — tight, focused, and personal. Antler's was on hand to offer the winner a 1:1 session, with CDH adding two months of membership on top. The six founders who pitched: - **Kyra Gupta, Founder of Z Signal** — a platform where young people aged 13 to 19 provide structured, certified feedback on founder pitches, with reviewer credentials recorded on Solana - **Jed Wong Founder of CareNeighbour** — a context layer for aged care coordinators that surfaces all relevant participant information directly to their cursor, cutting hours of admin from incident reports - **Jane Korneyko Founder of Sova** — a data-driven diagnostic platform that maps a founder's stage, surfaces relevant playbooks, and gives access to frameworks used by the world's leading accelerators - **Peter Christo from DACS (Digital Asset Compliance Solutions)** — audit-grade cryptographic proof of cryptocurrency ownership, built for the SMSF market and expanding into exchanges and custodial services - **Samin Haque Founder of The Melbourne Bionics Company** — multi-modal athlete data across video, lidar, and sound to predict injuries and generate robotics training data from elite athletes - **Tom Kellett Founder of Effit** — a community accountability platform for movement, partnered with Beyond Blue, with 50% retention at eight weeks and a UK founding partner about to run 5,000 kilometres across 77 cities in 99 days Tom Kellett and Effit took the night. Born from a personal 35-kilogram transformation, Effit is building the home for movement communities — connecting people, keeping them accountable, and proving that retention is possible when accountability is shared. The passion was obvious. The traction backed it up. Joining the room for the evening was the Hon. Minister Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Minister for Sport and Major Events, whose presence added a meaningful signal of government support for what this ecosystem is building. ## **How CDH Supports Founders Through Events Like This** CDH programming is built around one principle and it is to bring in people who are actually doing the thing. Founder Day was designed to give founders a cut-through on the tools and mindsets shaping how AI-native companies are being built right now, and to create space for them to start applying it before they even left the building. The Guzzle adds another dimension. Founders pitch their real companies, make real asks, and walk away with real connections. When those two formats run back to back on the same day, the learning from the morning feeds the energy of the evening. ## **Thank You to Everyone Who Joined** To every person who walked through the doors, a massive thank you. Over 150 people showed up to learn, build, connect, and back the founders in this room. And a lot of appreciation to the experts, Darius, Tim, Rye, and Sal, for sharing your real workflows, real tools, and real thinking so openly. To our partners at Notion, Claude Code, Solana, and Superteam Australia, none of this happens without you. A special thank you to the Hon. Minister Steve Dimopoulos for joining us at the Guzzle. His words to the founders in the room were a reminder of how far this ecosystem has come — and how much further it can go. To Kyra, Jed, Jane, Peter, Samin, and Tom, kudos to your courage to stand up and show your work. --- See you at the next one. ### Lunch and Learn Recap: Product Design Essentials URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/lunch-and-learn-recap-product-design-essentials/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T00:47:44.000Z Whether you watched our workshop live or missed it - here's a recap on what you missed with your key takeaways. The total addressable market has been mapped. The beachhead identified. The deck is built, the pitch rehearsed, and the conviction is there. That capturing even a fraction of this market means having something real. Chaz Mee has seen this story play out more times than he can count. As VP of Product at Keep Labs and a product veteran with years of experience building across industries, he's also lived it himself. And his message to early-stage founders is equal parts liberating and confronting: Being wrong isn't a risk to manage. It's the method. At a recent CDH Lunch & Learn, Chaz walked shared the framework he calls**The Art of Being Wrong.** Every founder has a version of the same story. The idea was sound. The market was real. The team was all in. And yet somewhere between the first prototype and the fifth pivot, something went sideways. For Chaz Mee, VP of Product at Keep Labs, that moment isn't a warning sign, it's the whole point. The art of building great products, he argues, isn't about avoiding being wrong, it's about learning to use it. Here are some of the insights we took away from the session — and a few that might just change how you think about your next product decision. --- ### Stop Selling to a Market. Start Finding Your 50. The TAM slide is a fixture of almost every pitch deck. We operate in a $X billion market, and if we capture just Y%, we have a business. Chaz calls this the "magical unicorn slide." Not because the market isn't real — but because it's the wrong unit of thinking entirely. "Markets are really people at the end of the day. As a startup, what you're trying to do is find a core group of people where that problem is so painful, so frequently felt, that they're literally clawing for your solution." The goal isn't market capture. It's finding the first 50 users — people with such an acute unmet need that they don't just try the product, they evangelize it. When a team optimises for 50 specific people, decisions get sharp. When they optimise for a percentage of a market, decisions stay broad. ### The Ladder: 50 → 500 → 5,000 Scale doesn't happen in a leap. It happens in a ladder. When a team nails the experience for its first 50 users, they learn what it takes to find the next 100\. From 100, the path to 500 becomes visible. Then 5,000. This is also a fundraising story. A founder with 50 deeply engaged users and a laddered growth path is far more compelling to a VC than one waving a TAM slide. The math works out but only after founders have done the work to earn the right to talk about it. ### Two Kinds of Wrong and One Is Far More Dangerous Most founders accept being wrong about features. Ship, learn, adjust. That kind of wrongness is productive. But there's a second kind that's far more costly: **being wrong about the value proposition.** Chaz lived this at Keep Labs — iterating extensively on a medication adherence product, only to realise they were solving a problem people didn't actually want solved. The real need was somewhere to talk about the lived experience of having a rare disease. A completely different direction. "Don't pivot away from what isn't working. Pivot into what is." If a team is refining endlessly without meaningful movement, it's rarely a design problem. It's a signal to question the foundation. ### The Superpower Standard Ben Horowitz once said the best software gives its users superpowers. Chaz has built his product philosophy around this idea. Most products solve pain points. The ones that stick do something more — they open up entirely new capabilities. They make people feel like they can do things they simply couldn't before. At every major product decision, the question worth asking is: *what is the superpower we are handing to people?* That one question reorients a team away from feature debates and back to what actually matters — the value being created. ### Earning the Right to Build Before thinking about what to build, teams need to earn the right to build it. That means prototyping, testing, and learning enough about the problem space to enter the build phase with conviction — not just enthusiasm. "The temptation is to ship and then think, when I ship the next thing, that's when it's going to happen. And then you get caught in the feature cycle." ## The Takeaway The feature cycle is a trap. Traction doesn't come from completeness. It comes from fit — and fit only comes from deeply understanding the job the product is hired to do. The best product builders share one quality: intellectual honesty. The willingness to sit with being wrong, question the value proposition when iteration stalls, and ask the harder question underneath the feature list. Being wrong, done well, isn't a failure state. It's a method. And for founders trying to build something people would genuinely miss — it might be the most important skill in the toolkit. --- *Based on a session from the CDH Lunch & Learn series — supporting founders with the skills and knowledge to scale. Watch the full session on the CDH YouTube channel.* ### SaaSpocalypse 2026: Hot Takes, Hard Truths, and the Future of SaaS URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/saaspocalypse-2026-hot-takes-hard-truths-and-the-future-of-saas/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T02:46:33.000Z ## Saaspocalypse Dilemma On one side: AI is moving fast enough to make entire SaaS categories redundant overnight. Features that took teams years to build are being replicated by a well-structured prompt. Margins are compressing. Churn is up. And buyers are asking harder questions about what they're actually paying for. The threat is real, and founders who aren't feeling it yet probably will soon. On the other side: Software isn't going anywhere. Humans still need systems, workflows, and structure, and someone still has to build them. The question isn't whether SaaS survives. It's whether your version of it does. This is the current argument and the SaaSpocalypse 2026 event started the conversation. ## What happened at SaaSpocalypse 2026 One question has been hanging over the ecosystem for months. SaaSpocalypse was built to answer it. Is SaaS really dead? ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/2.png) From the left: Jessica Christiansen-Franks, Darius Monsef, Alan Tsen, Kate Pollard, Alan Jones during the panel at Saaspocalypse 2026SaSas Through the partnership between Aussie Founders Club and Cremorne Digital Hub, we brought that debate to life and put it in front of the people who actually know. VCs, exited founders, and operators packed the room and brought their hottest takes. Some agreed. Some pushed back hard. All of it was worth hearing. "If you're building classic SaaS without AI helping you build it, you're operating at a fraction the speed of anybody else." **\- Jessica Christiansen-Franks* "You can spin up the best product — but if you can't sell it, 40% of deals die in procurement. Distribution kills more deals than anything else." - Kate Pollard "The valuable assets in SaaS now are brand, deep customer understanding, and distribution. Distribution is the one nobody talks about enough." - Alan Jones "I feel like I'm using more software than ever, but interfacing with less software than ever at the same time." **\- Alan Tsen* ### Takeaway: SaaS isn't dying but the way you build it, price it, sell it, and think about it is. The founders who move first on that realisation are the ones worth watching. Speed, distribution, and deep customer understanding are the new moats. Features can be copied overnight. Everything else is what compounds. The playbook is dead. The opportunity isn't. ### Why this conversation matters? The future of SaaS is still being written and founders are the ones holding the pen. The narrative around SaaS has been a little doom-and-gloom lately but what last night made clear is that the most interesting founders aren't mourning the old playbook, they're already building the next one. AI isn't just disrupting SaaS. For the right founders, it's the biggest opportunity the space has seen in years. The business models are shifting, yes. But the builders are adapting faster. ## The team that made it happen ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/3.png) From the left: Darius Monsef, Alan Jones, Megan Lutrell, Alan Tsen, Kate Pollard, Jessica Christiansen-Franks and Darren Huang at SaaSpocalypse 2026 Kudos to Aussie Founders Club who had a hand in bringing SaaSpocalypse 2026 together. And to the experts who took charge of the conversation, Jessica Christiansen-Franks, Darius Monsef, Kate Pollard, and Alan Jones. Massive thank you for showing up with lived experience, from exits, investments, builds, and failures that gave every founder a roadmap to what's next for SaaS. ### How to Raise Capital in Australia: A Founder's Legal Roadmap URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/how-to-raise-capital-in-australia-a-founders-legal-roadmap/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T01:00:27.000Z ### **The problem most founders don't see coming** For most founders, the biggest fear going into a raise is the pitch. Getting the deck right, nailing the story, surviving the Q&A. But what often derails a raise — or quietly costs founders equity, control, and leverage — isn't the pitch at all. It's the paperwork. The legal side of raising capital is dense, jargon-heavy, and largely written by people who have done it a hundred times before. Your investors have. You probably haven't. And by the time you're staring at a term sheet, it can feel too late to ask the questions you should have asked months ago. At our recent CDH Lunch & Learn, we sat down with Claire Thompson, Partner and Co-Head of Venture at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, for an honest, jargon-free walkthrough of everything founders need to understand before they raise. The full recording of this Lunch & Learn is now live on YouTube. Whether you're preparing for your first raise or already in the process, it's worth watching end to end. ## Tips every founder should know before raising: ### Understand your raise structure before you talk to anyone There are three main ways to structure a raise: - A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), - Priced Equity (shares) - Convertible Notes. Most early-stage founders will start with a SAFE, it's simple, only a few pages long, and doesn't require agreeing on a valuation upfront. The investor puts money in now, and converts into shares at your next priced round, typically at around a 20% discount as a reward for backing you early. The catch? The conversion calculation can get complicated especially if you have multiple SAFEs and other convertible instruments on your cap table. Model it out before you sign anything. ### Your first priced round sets the tone for everything that follows Your first shareholders' deed sets the standard for every round that follows. Whatever rights you grant in round one, future investors will expect the same and more. Rights don't go backwards. Go in knowing what you're comfortable with and treat that first document as the high watermark of founder control. ### Read your term sheet like it's already binding A term sheet is technically non-binding, but once you sign, everyone moves based on those terms. Changing things later wastes time, money, and goodwill. If there's anything you don't understand, get advice before you sign, not after. ### **Know what preference shares and anti-dilution actually mean** Investors receive preference shares, not ordinary shares. The founder-friendly standard is a 1x non-participating liquidation preference. Investors get their money back first on exit, but nothing more. If the upside is bigger, they convert and participate like everyone else. Anti-dilution clauses kick in during a down round, adjusting investor shareholdings to account for the discount. Stick to the market standard, broad-based weighted average, and you'll be fine. It's when founders accept 2x or participating preferences that things get complicated. ### **The ESOP dilutes you, not your investor** The ESOP pool, typically 8–10%, dilutes you, not your incoming investor. Put the cap table on the back cover of every term sheet, so everyone is clear on the maths before anything is signed. On structure, the standard is a four-year vesting period with a one-year cliff. Employees earn nothing in year one, then vest pro rata from there. ### **Be deliberate about your cap table from day one** In Australia, proprietary companies are capped at 50 shareholders. Issue 30 SAFEs in a pre-seed round and you've burned through more than half before your first priced round. Be selective about who you take money from and make sure your angels are people you can actually reach, because you'll need their signatures at every future milestone. Good cap table hygiene from day one will save you headaches later. Tools like Carta can help. ### **Think carefully about who you raise from, not just how much** Capital is just the starting point. The right investor brings mentorship, board guidance, networks, and even brand association. Angels, exited founders, strategic partners, celebrities, and athletes are all fair game. Think about what your business actually needs right now, and find an investor whose experience genuinely complements it. ### **Start earlier than you think in your journey and in the calendar year** Raises always take longer than you think. In Australia, the market closes over summer so if you're considering raising, start now. Aim for a clear inflection point where your numbers are strong and the opportunity ahead is compelling. And if you're on the fence about raising at all: a smaller slice of a much bigger pie is the logic. Just remember, it comes with a partner, not just a cheque. ## **Why this matters** Most raises don't fall apart in the pitch room — they fall apart in the paperwork. The founders who get it right are the ones who understand their structure before they start, read every document before they sign, and build a cap table they can actually manage. Know your raise structure. Respect your term sheet. Guard your cap table. And choose your investors like the partners they are — because the right ones bring far more than a cheque. Start early, get good advice, and go raise. ### Issue #6: The SaaSpocalypse: the End of Easy SaaS URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-6-the-saaspocalypse-the-end-of-easy-saas/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T01:00:52.000Z Welcome back to Innovation Download, our monthly look at the news impacting Australia's startup scene. This month we’re talking about the SaaSpocalypse. It's dramatic, but has become the go-to phrase to describe the sudden turn against traditional SaaS companies in the public markets, and it had a clear trigger. Anthropic dropped a set of Claude features that just do the work for you, data analysis, expense tracking, the stuff that used to need a paid seat, all in plain language. Investors responded by going into full “voting machine” mode, as the Warren Buffett quote goes (ps. here's a great read on [Mr Market](https://fs.blog/mr-market/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)). And the selling has come in waves, one Claude release at a time. Claude Cowork, launched in January, and on its own took double digits off Adobe and Salesforce. Then the security tools landed: Claude Code Security pulled around 5% off the cybersecurity sector in February, and in March, word of a model that finds software vulnerabilities on its own, Claude Mythos, sent CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks down roughly 6% in a single day. So in this issue we dig into what’s causing the voting machine to go into overdrive and why it may head back to being a “weighing machine”. Hint: it’s unlikely SaaS is dead. Let’s kick things off with a video, and who better than Nvidia's Jensen Huang, the man arming the AI companies with their weapons of choice, GPUs. He has a view which you might not expect. ## ▶️ [Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on AI's pressure on software stocks (CNBC)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odARk%5FcFhig&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) In the clip, Jensen Huang argues the market has overreacted. As you might expect, he thinks the disruption is real, just nowhere near as deep as the selloff might suggest, and points to the companies using the tools that are apparently going to destroy them. He goes on to say that what is more likely than collapse is that the incumbents adjust, and his example is ServiceNow (the most prehistoric of all enterprise companies): his view is that data is the game, and the players that have it are in the driver’s seat. Obviously, Jensen is selling the GPU firearms that the AI upstarts and the incumbents will be using in their battle for customer supremacy, so he wins either way. However, the fact that he thinks the incumbents aren’t dead in the water is likely reassuring to many in their C-suites – or at the very least, they can forward the video to their boards. Hit play, then read on. ## This Month's Reads --- ## [Is the share market headed toward a ‘SaaS-pocalypse’ – and what would that mean? (The Guardian)](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/21/what-would-share-stock-market-saaspocalypse-mean-saas-apocalypse-meaning?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/Untitled-design--1-.png) **Rundown**: This is the piece that put a name to the panic. The Guardian lays out how a US software selloff became the “SaaS-pocalypse,” and why it travelled so fast: if an LLM can do the job, why keep paying for bespoke software seat by seat. The same local names from up top all got caught in it, though they’ve clawed back a fair bit in the last few weeks. The line that sticks is Morningstar’s, in a somewhat reductionist tone: if one person can now do the work of two, seat counts fall. **The Takeaway**: "AI makes software redundant" is what many will take from this, and you can see why. The FUD writes itself: digital photography killed Kodak and Netflix marked the end of Blockbuster. But a selloff, as I noted above, is the voting machine doing what it does. We saw it with the GameStop short squeeze in 2021, when the meme stock rocketed on nothing but a Reddit narrative. The “wisdom of the crowds” isn’t always wisdom, sometimes it’s just sheep following each other sheep. As the build part gets easier, the other parts remain hard. Maintaining and improving software is still difficult. Granted it’s easier with agents running around making PRs, but we’re still not at the point where the whole stack is self-driving. That day may come, but do you really want to build, maintain and improve your own HR or payroll software? Maybe just leave that to ServiceNow. Which is what I think the vast majority of companies will do. ## [Rethinking the SaaS Apocalypse (Forbes)](https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2026/03/26/rethinking-the-saas-apocalypse/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/06/Untitled-design--3-.png) **Rundown:** Steve Banker, who covers supply chain and enterprise software for Forbes, reckons the selloff that wiped hundreds of billions in software value is a massive overreaction. His own first take was that pure workflow apps were exposed and optimisation tools safer, until a LinkedIn piece by ReverseLogix CMO Chuck Fuerst changed his mind. Fuerst's argument: AI made the easy part fast, writing code, which creates a dangerous illusion that building software was ever the hard part. It isn't. AI handles the visible layer, the interface and the first version. It doesn't touch architecture, reliability, integration, compliance or maintenance, and most internal builds don't fail at version one. They fail at everything after, as APIs change and what worked six months ago quietly breaks. That's why companies aren't ripping out core systems for AI-built replacements. They're extending the platforms they already trust, not rebuilding them. **The Takeaway:** AI did collapse the cost of building, and the weekend-build stories are real. But building was never the business. As Fuerst puts it, the maintenance, the compliance, the integrations that break at 2am aren't edge cases, they are the operating environment. Version one is the easy part. Version two is where companies quietly go to die, and AI only made the first one free. The value moved to the part AI can't carry. An agent is brilliant at processing information but still needs a filing cabinet, and the firms holding decades of data aren't going anywhere, the same point Jensen made up top. So if you're an incumbent, your moat was never the software, it's the data and the trust nobody wants to leave. If you're building new, become the operating environment, or bring AI to where the data already lives. The real question isn't whether a customer can build version one without you. It's whether they want to hold the filing cabinet when version two breaks. --- # [Salesforce CEO, Marc Benioff on the All-in Podcast](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJRAvZNGUvI&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) On the All-In Podcast, the hosts sit down with the SaaS GOAT Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce and a 40-year veteran of enterprise software. Everyone right now is debating whether AI is triggering a SaaSpocalypse. Benioff's response is that it isn’t his first rodeo. The more interesting line of questioning from the Besties isn't whether software dies, it's whether the AI hype ever shows up in the revenue, because so far the market has re-rated hard on a story the numbers haven't told. Salesforce is down 37% and its compadres are down too, yet by his account they all just posted strong quarters while trading at two times sales. His take is that there's a hypnosis around AI the financials have yet to confirm, and in the meantime a lot of software is still being sold. In a moment of lucidity, Chamath splits the market in two: the low end is finished, but the high end, the large incumbents with deep C-suite relationships and twenty years of trust, is safe and arguably positioned to win. Benioff explains why. AI is probabilistic, so it only works when it's grounded in real data and a single source of truth. As he puts it, none of this stuff works if you don't have context. The companies that own that context, the decades of customer data locked inside their platforms (here’s the data hypothesis again), hold the thing a generic agent cannot conjure. It's the same conclusion the rest of the issue keeps reaching. The moat was never the software, it's the data underneath it. He closes on something that is sure to land with anyone building right now. You can't get drunk on the stock price, he tells his team, because it's the one thing you can't control. The anchor is customer success, revenue, cash flow, the work itself (amen). To the founders nursing private valuations and waiting for the market to love them again, his advice is blunter: valuation is fantasyland until someone actually pays you. Focus on the customer, and let the multiple sort itself out. Coming from a man on at least his third SaaSpocalypse tour of duty, buying his own stock back while everyone else heads for the exits, the calm is hard to argue with. He has watched this story play out before, and software was still standing at the end of it. --- ## Want to discuss more? We're running an entire event about this topic on June 10th with AFC at CDH! [Register for the Saaspocalypse Event ](https://luma.com/1eg3koj2?mc%5Fcid=ea308fa02c&tk=wiiizq&utm%5Fcampaign=ea308fa02c-20251015%5FLaunchVic%5FDec%20Newsletter%5FCOPY%5F01&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=LaunchVic&utm%5Fterm=0%5Fc3474e4d7a-ea308fa02c-572204773) ## You could be featured in Innovation Download! If you have an opinion or comments based on this month's topic, reply to this email with your take and we might publish your comments to our base of over 3,000 readers next month! ### Cremorne Guzzle: Post Founder Day — Build Connections & Make a Pitch URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-guzzle-post-founder-day-build-connections-make-a-pitch/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T06:27:39.000Z Join us for another Guzzle! The evening is the second half of a big day for founders. Earlier, we spent the morning and afternoon at Founder Day, upskilling on the tools and workflows that make you move faster in 2026, with Claude, Vercel, and Notion in the room. 🗓️ 25 June 2026 | 5:30PM - 8:00PM 📍Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain Street) ​Now we keep the energy going into the night. The Guzzle is where the community comes together and tonight we're ending it with a spin on our Founder Asks, partnering with Antler. [JOIN THE CREMORNE GUZZLE](https://luma.com/cremorne-guzzle?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **What to expect: Lightning Pitches** ​Selected founders and 2 minutes each. They share what they're building and introduce their company to the room. ​No slides required, no investor panel just founders in front of a community that's already bought in to helping each other. EOIs go out ahead of time so we can curate for a good mix of use cases and stages. Submit your entry here for a chance to pitch in front of some exciting tech companies and win prizes from CDH and our friends! [SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/36ef8c597dfa808998c0f6fb48300426?utm%5Fsource=luma) ​Whether you came or missed Founder Day, come and network with the broader tech community in Cremorne! [JOIN THE CREMORNE GUZZLE](https://luma.com/cremorne-guzzle?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Founder Day is Coming & We're Going AI Native URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/founder-day-is-coming-were-going-ai-native/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T06:15:46.000Z Building a venture-scale company has never been easier than it is right now. The tools have changed completely in the last 18 months, and the founders using them well are pulling ahead, not by months, but by quarters. On June 25, we're hosting \[NEXT\] Founder Day to put those tools in your hands. We're bringing experts from Vercel, Notion, and Anthropic into one room to show you what the latest generation of tools can actually do, how to use them to ship product faster, and how to wire them into the way you run the business day to day. ### Who's this for? - Founders building with AI today who want to sharpen their stack - Technical and non-technical founders, all welcome - Builders looking to get across the latest tools 🗓️25 June 2026 | 11:00AM - 4:30PM AEST 📍Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain Street) [SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW!](https://luma.com/cremorne-ai-native?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## The sessions: Three sessions, each led by one of our partners. - **11:00 – 12:00 | v0 to 1 with Vercel.** You don't need a developer to put something on the internet anymore. Vercel walks through what v0 actually does in 2026: capabilities, deployment, and the kinds of products founders are already building with it. Live demos and Q&A throughout. - **12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch and network** - **1:00 – 2:00 | Talk to My Agent with Notion.** Workspace agents and AI-native operations. Notion walks through how founders are setting up real agents to automate the busy work, with examples you can drop straight into your own Notion after the talk. - **2:00 – 3:00 | Best Practices for Claude Code.** An AI engineer who ships software alongside you. This session covers what Claude Code actually unlocks for non-technical founders, from automating workflows that needed a dev team last year, to shipping internal tools without writing code, to turning plain English into working software. Live demos and real examples throughout. - **From 3:00 | Open Build, Networking & Partner Connect.** Set up shop next to other founders and ship something side by side, with all four partner teams at their stations ready to chat. Bring your blockers, grab tips and tricks from the speakers, and walk out with your workflow sharper than it was when you came in. Speakers to be announced soon. Bonus: giveaways from all the partner teams throughout the day 👀 [JOIN THE FOUNDER DAY EVENT](https://luma.com/cremorne-ai-native?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## The Guzzle We close the day with The Guzzle (our regular open social for founders and builders to hang out, swap notes, and wind down together). For this one, we're adding a twist: select founders will do 2-minute lightning pitches in front of Antler and the wider VC community in the room, the people backing founders building with this stack. [REGISTER & LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GUZZLE](https://luma.com/cremorne-guzzle?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Be Wrong Faster: A Founder's Guide to Early Product Design URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/be-wrong-faster-a-founders-guide-to-early-product-design/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T07:23:27.000Z You've updated feature after feature, and that drive is exactly what it takes. The next step is learning how to point it in the right direction. The best early-stage founders aren't building less but they're learning faster. Often, this means getting something out before it feels perfect. Finding the users who are genuinely invested. With the end goal of building something so right for their market that others feel like a compromise. That is why we're bringing in [**Chaz Mee**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazmee/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), VP of Product at [Keep Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/keep-labs/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), for a Lunch and Learn and a hands-on conversation about early product design. How to ship before you feel ready. How to get real signal from 50 committed users instead of chasing 500 passive ones. ****Event Details:** 🗓️ 10 June 2026 | 12PM - 1PM AEST 📍 Virtual [JOIN THE EVENT ](https://luma.com/cremorne-product-design?utm%5Fsource=edm&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=be%5Fwrong%5Ffaster%5Fa%5Ffounders%5Fguide%5Fto%5Fearly%5Fproduct%5Fdesign) If you're ready to build smarter, join us! Register via link below. [JOIN THE EVENT](https://luma.com/cremorne-product-design?utm%5Fsource=edm&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=be%5Fwrong%5Ffaster%5Fa%5Ffounders%5Fguide%5Fto%5Fearly%5Fproduct%5Fdesign) Want a chance to sit with Chaz Mee for a mentoring session? Be a clubhouse member and access exclusive perks. [BE A CDH CLUBHOUSE MEMBER](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1e4f8c597dfa803182dbee4ea99290e7?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Notion 101: Building Your Notion Workspace Around Your Business Needs URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/notion-101-building-your-notion-workspace-around-your-business-needs/ Last updated: 2026-05-23T00:00:48.000Z Most founders need a system that works hand-in-hand with their business, but end up stuck in a Notion graveyard. Starting projects without a clear plan or outcome is one of the most common mistakes founders make in Notion. Without boundaries, the system sprawls and quietly stops doing what it was built for. As part of our Lunch & Learn series, we invited Notion expert Tim Jeffries from Smooth Ops Consulting to lead a session on how to build Notion pages that align with your business and turn day-to-day workflows from chaotic into efficient. Tim walked us through everything: figuring out what your business actually needs, building a minimum viable Notion setup, mapping your digital operating system, and where Notion AI and agents fit into the picture. If you'd like to join in-person mentoring with our Lunch & Learn mentors and hear about opportunities before they go public, you can join our \[NEXT\] Founder Community. [JOIN THE \[NEXT\] FOUNDER COMMUNITY ](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## Where Do You Start? ### Don't Start with The Tool People assume that having the tool means they can do anything. Then they blame the system when it goes wrong. They ask, "What can Notion do for me?", but that's the wrong question. The right one is, "What does the business need?" There are three things you need to identify before starting in Notion: - **Outcome:** the actual result you're looking for. - **Components:** the pieces you need to get there. Clients, projects, tasks, status, people. - **Connections:** the workflows linking those components. These need to be intentional, not accidental. ### How to really start? After working with dozens of teams, Tim landed on six core databases that almost every organisation needs: Companies, People, Projects, Tasks, Meetings, and Knowledge. Start here, make them your own, and build from there. Every business is different, but the bones behind every organisation are consistent. Tim calls these *The Starting Six.* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/05/image.png) - **Companies:** the organisations your business deals with. Mostly clients, suppliers, and partners, all in one place. Tim's advice is to keep it generic and consolidated. Have as few as possible, but as many as you need. Start with one Companies database and only split it when the differences between client, supplier, and partner become genuinely hard to manage together. - **People:** the humans connected to those companies. The most common early mistake is not grouping and segmenting people properly. Linking them to companies creates the interconnected web where one company surfaces all of its related contacts. - **Projects:** the spine of the whole system. Everything relates back to projects. Tim defines projects broadly on purpose: the container, the grouping of the work. Start with one Projects database and split only when the differences between project types become genuinely too hard to manage together. - **Tasks:** the granular, day-to-day actions connected to your projects. The actual actions tied to a project. What used to be a sticky note. Only add properties like priority or urgency if your team will actually use them. Unused fields are just friction. - **Meetings:** where your calendar and workspace connect. Tim's key point here is avoiding duplicate records. Your Meetings database links back to People, Projects, and Tasks so everything stays in one place. - **Knowledge:** the catchall for reference information that doesn't belong anywhere else. Unstructured information builds up in the corners of every business. The Knowledge database is where it lives. ### Keeping a Minimum Viable Operating System People tend to over-engineer Notion. As Tim says, we're not building a spaceship, we're building a skateboard. The point: that's all you need to get going. Start simple and add complexity later. If you're building a system, set your priorities. It's a balance between what you need and what you can use. Here's a template to get you started [Minimum Viable Operating Systems Notion Template ](https://www.smoothops.consulting/mvos?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### AI in Notion Before you use AI, you need a structured system. If your databases are in chaos, you're likely making the agent hallucinate, and we don't want that. You can't leverage AI or build effective agents if there's no structured system behind the scenes for them to work on. The process should be run by you, and AI does the heavy lifting. ### How to Let AI Do Its Role: - **Set up your personal instructions.** This is the foundation that everything else sits on. Every time you open a new chat, the AI loads those instructions first, which means it already knows your context, your preferences, and where everything lives before you've typed a single word. - **Talk to it like a colleague, not a search engine.** Once your instructions are in place, you don't need to over-engineer your prompts. A voice-to-text shortcut is often enough. - **Build smarts into your skills, not your prompts.** When you're crafting skills, go beyond the basics. Give the AI ways to cross-reference its own work, check for consistency, and course-correct before it hands anything back to you. - **Stop rebuilding context from scratch every chat.** One of the most common frustrations with AI tools is having to re-explain everything at the start of a new conversation. The fix is well-built skills, which are focused, clearly-scoped instructions that define exactly what the AI needs to do and the output it's working toward. That's the framework. Now it's your move. Open your workspace and see what needs to change. ## Additional Resources Tim put together a Personal Agent Starter Kit to help you get your instructions right from the start, tested patterns, clear examples, and a practical framework to make your Personal Agent work the way your business actually thinks. [ Personal Agent Starter Kit](https://www.smoothops.consulting/personalagentstarterkit?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) If this Lunch & Learn session got you thinking, Notion in Practice is the podcast worth adding to your list. Each episode features real founders, consultants, operators, and marketing leaders sharing how they actually build and scale their workflows in Notion [Notion in Practice Podcast](https://www.notioninpractice.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Want bite-sized Notion tips straight to your inbox? Tim shares quick, practical insights on systems, workflows, and making Notion actually work for your business — no fluff, just the good stuff. Subscribe here: [https://substack.com/@smoothopsconsulting](https://substack.com/@smoothopsconsulting?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Dive deeper on the practical tips, Notion 101 full video is available on YouTube. ### SaaSpocalypse 2026 Is Here and You're Invited to Pick a Side URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/saaspocalypse-2026-is-here-and-youre-invited-to-pick-a-side/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T02:51:01.000Z ## The SaaSpocalypse Software has changed more in the last 12 months than in the previous decade. So where does SaaS go from here? Is SaaS on the way out, or just changing shape? Is AI replacing software, or just how we build it? And who's actually right? Melbourne's SaaS and AI crowd is getting together to find out. Are you in? ****Event Details:** 🗓️ 10 June 2026 | 5:30PM - 8:00PM AEST 📍Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St. Cremorne) [JOIN THE EVENT ](https://luma.com/1eg3koj2?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) We're bringing the SaaSpocalypse and it's not the usual panel and fireside. Expect genuine disagreement, unfiltered takes, and voices from VC, startups, and tech all on one stage. [REGISTER FOR THE SAASPOCALYPSE](https://luma.com/1eg3koj2?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Together with Aussie Founders Club, we're hosting SaaSpocalypse. This isn't the usual panel-and-fireside. Expect genuine disagreement, unfiltered takes, and voices from VC, startups, and tech all on one stage. ## **What to expect:** - **Panel discussion:** An open conversation with our experts about the future of SaaS, what AI changes, and what doesn't. - **Audience Q&A:** This isn't a spectator sport. Ask the hard questions, challenge the panel, say what's on your mind. - **Drinks and networking:** the conversation doesn't stop when the panel does. Keep it going, share your own take, and meet the people building what's next. ## **Experts Taking the Lead:** - **Darius Monsef:** A multiple-time founder and YC alum who's raised serious capital across his ventures. - **Alan Jones:** Partner at M8 Ventures and one of the most direct voices in Australian venture. ****Want to take the stage and lead the conversation? Two seats from the panel are still open!** **We want more voices in the room, especially women! Two panel seats are still open: one for a founder with SaaS in their DNA, one for a VC with a clear view on what comes next.* **If that's you, tell us why you'd like to get involved and email:* ***alan@cremornedigitalhub.au** Come join the conversation with the people building, funding, and let's get to the truth about where SaaS actually stands. [REGISTER FOR THE SAASPOCALYPSE](https://luma.com/1eg3koj2?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Lunch & Learn: VC Deck Breakdown URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/lunch-learn-vc-deck-breakdown/ Last updated: 2026-05-19T05:34:40.000Z Is your pitch deck actually working or are you just hoping it is? Founders spend weeks perfecting a pitch deck. The story feels right, the numbers are in, the design is clean but the moment it lands in a VC's inbox, they go blind. What is the VC thinking on slide one? Where do they start to lose interest? What would make them want to take the meeting? Most founders never get that feedback and without it, every pitch is a shot in the dark. To help founders navigate the art of crafting their decks, we're hosting another Lunch & Learn series that puts a real startup deck in front of a VC with no briefing, no background, no heads-up on what's inside. A live breakdown, an unfiltered first read, and feedback that helps founders know exactly what belongs on their deck. ****Event Details:** 🗓️ 27 May 2026 | 12PM-1PM AEST 📍 Virtual Join us on for a virtual Lunch and Learn session where [Hugh Stephens of Galileo Ventures](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughstephensau/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) pulls back the curtain on how VCs really evaluate a pitch deck. He will be reviewing the deck for the very first time, live. [REGISTER FOR THE VC DECK BREAKDOWN](https://luma.com/pv0h19d1?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=vc-deck-breakdown-may-2026) Want your deck to be the one Hugh reviews live? We're accepting deck submissions from founders who'd like a real VC's feedback, in front of an audience. If that's you, submit below and we'll be in touch. [SUBMIT YOUR DECK](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/234f8c597dfa8100bd03c13df54bc83f?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Cremorne Connect: Building a Bridge Between Melbourne and Singapore URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/cremorne-connect-building-a-bridge-between-melbourne-and-singapore/ Last updated: 2026-05-14T22:00:44.000Z The best opportunities for founders rarely sit inside one city or one market. They show up when ecosystems start connecting to each other. That's where new customers, partners and capital get unlocked, and it's how the ecosystems themselves grow stronger, more open, and better wired into the world. The businesses moving fastest already know this. They build relationships across borders early, in person, and grow alongside them. That's the thinking behind Cremorne Connect: Singapore Meets Melbourne. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/05/2-1.png) **Andrea Plawutsky, Senior Program Manager from Haymarket HQ delivering her welcome message* ## When Singapore Came to Melbourne Singapore has been one of the world's key innovation hubs for years now. It's home to the APAC headquarters of many of the world's leading companies, a thriving startup scene, and a government that actively backs its founders in taking their ideas global. For one evening, we had a slice of that ecosystem right here in Cremorne. In partnership with Haymarket HQ and Enterprise Singapore, we brought 12 of Singapore's most promising startups to Cremorne Digital Hub. What followed was one of those nights that reminds you why in-person still beats everything else. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/05/3.png) **Raymon Moh from ICOMPASS doing a one minute pitch* ## Twelve Founders, Sixty Seconds Each Each of the 12 founders had one minute. One minute to tell the room who they are, what they're building, and why Australia is the next move. It sounds tight, and it is, but a one-minute pitch has a way of cutting through the noise. Here are the founders who took the floor: - [**Vishnu Saran**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishnu-saran/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO,** [**Invigilo**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/invigilo-technologies/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for high-risk industries where workplace safety is a top priority. - [**James Miles**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesalexandermiles/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, COO,** [**TalentHero**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/talenthero1/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for Shopify, ServiceNow and Salesforce partners, and companies building tech teams in Southeast Asia. - [**Rohini Krishnamurthi**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohinik/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, Co-Founder,** [**Eight Vectors**](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/p/)**.** Looking for 3PL operators, warehouse operators, and service providers. - [**Johnny Slattery**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-slattery/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO,** [**EarthTrack**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthtrack-io/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for distributors and connections into the mining and heavy industry sector. - [**Joo Seng Wong**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wongjooseng/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO,** [**Spark Systems**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparksystems-sg/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for banks and institutional trading firms needing e-FX solutions. - [**Raymond Moh**](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/p/)**, CEO,** [**iCOMPASS**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-compass/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for compliance advisory firms and regulated businesses. - [**Glenn Tan**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntwh/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO,** [**Zavior**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/zavior/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for organisations wanting to streamline governance and compliance. - **Dr. Billy Yu, Chief AI Architect,** [**PadmaAI**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/padma-ai-pte-ltd/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for multilingual enterprises wanting to simplify how they search and access knowledge. - [**Helene Mayne**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-mayne-96b27a16/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, Director of Customer Success,** [**AIQURIS**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aiquris/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for enterprises deploying AI systems, and tech vendors. - [**Jonathan Tostevin**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathantostevin/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO,** [**Muuse**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/muuse-io/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for high-footfall hospitality venues ready to ditch single-use packaging. - [**Joshua Errett**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaerrett/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, Founder & CEO,** [**Friends & Family Pet Food**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/friends-family-pet-food/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for pet food distributors, retailers, and influencers. - **Ivan Mun, Founder,** [**ELLO**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hello-ello/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**.** Looking for channel partners in the assisted living and elderly care space. Want to connect with any of them? Find them on LinkedIn and start the conversation. After the pitches, the founders took the floor for a panel and went deep on the things that actually matter when you're entering a new market. We covered the gaps in Australia's industrial tech stack, what it really takes to work with Australian financial institutions, and where the AU and SG consumer markets line up versus where they genuinely diverge. We wrapped with open networking, which is where the real value lived. Founders connected directly with potential partners, distributors, and collaborators from across Victoria's startup ecosystem. New relationships, new conversations, new doors, all opened over drinks. 🤝 **Interested in connecting with any of them? Find them on LinkedIn and start the conversation.* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/05/Cremorne-Connect---Singapore-meet-Melbourne---May-2026---Blog-Post.png) **Cremorne Connect: Singapore Meets Melbourne ecosystem* ## What the Night Proved The Australia and Southeast Asia opportunity is real, but access has always been the gap. Events like Cremorne Connect exist to close it by putting the right people in the same room and letting the conversations do the work. The night proved what we already suspected. When you bring motivated founders together with a curious, open ecosystem, good things happen fast. The strongest ecosystems are built on genuine connection, not just locally but globally. Shaping a community that looks outward, welcomes the world in, and grows together is at the heart of what we do at Cremorne Digital Hub. ### So You Want to Raise: A Founder's Fundraising Playbook URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/so-you-want-to-raise-a-founders-fundraising-playbook/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T05:37:16.000Z Most founders spend weeks perfecting their pitch deck and barely an afternoon on their legal setup. The result? Cap tables that don't reflect reality, founder arrangements that fall apart under pressure, and a due diligence process that grinds everything to a halt. Join us for a hands-on session with [Claire Thompson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-thompson-9b443163/?utm%5Fsource=luma) from [Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer](https://www.hsfkramer.com/?utm%5Fsource=luma) as she walks through the legal roadmap for an early-stage raise in Australia. You'll see exactly how investors read your cap table, what founder arrangements need to be in place before you start conversations, and the common legal missteps that slow down — or kill — a round. ****Event Details:** 🗓️ 13 May 2026 | 12PM - 1PM AEST 📍 Virtual Expect real scenarios drawn from deals Claire has worked on, practical frameworks you can apply immediately, and a clear checklist of what to fix before due diligence starts. [REGISTER NOW!](https://luma.com/mrll2zqi?utm%5Fsource=newsletter&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fcampaign=so-you-want-to-raise) 👉 This is a live online session, open to the public. Come ready to ask the questions you've been too embarrassed to Google. ### Notion AI Labs: Build An Agent Recap URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/notion-ai-labs-build-an-agent-recap/ Last updated: 2026-05-02T03:00:34.000Z Most people know AI can help them work faster. Yet many are still figuring out how to make it work for them. The gap between "I've been meaning to try this" and "I shipped something real" is where most of us get stuck. Not for lack of interest, but for lack of structure, time, and someone to build alongside. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/3.png) ### **What Happened** Notion AI Labs Melbourne brought together people from the community for an afternoon of doing, not just watching. The event kicked off with a live agent demo and a walkthrough of the three things that make an agent build actually succeed. Then came the real part: everyone built a simple agent together, before branching off to tackle their own real workflows with expert support floating around the room to help troubleshoot. The day closed with some teams sharing what they'd made. Live agents. Real use cases. ### **Kudos to Notion Team** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/2.png) None of this would have happened without the incredible Notion leads who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and shared their expertise. Many thanks to Vanessa Intan, Maddison Silk, Louisa McSpedden plus Notion expert Tim Jeffries! ### Issue #5: Reshaped or Replaced: Global Layoffs and AI Accelerating URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-5-reshaped-or-replaced-global-layoffs-and-ai-accelerating/ Last updated: 2026-05-01T01:00:37.000Z This is Innovation Download, a monthly update on what's moving in Australia's startup and innovation ecosystem. This issue is about AI and the workforce. Who is losing jobs, where the investment is going, and what happens when the technology promising efficiency is quietly making work harder. We dig into the wave of layoffs hitting Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle, and ask whether this is a market correction, "AI taking all the jobs," or something else. We look at why Australia's Employment Minister is less worried about job losses and more worried about burnout, and at Microsoft's $25 billion bet that skilling three million Australians is how this country gets ahead of the curve. Plus Balaji Srinivasan on why the SaaS apocalypse is overhyped, and why AI inside the right team is genuinely transformative. # This Month's Reads --- ## [20,000 job cuts at Meta, Microsoft raise concern that AI-driven labor crisis is here](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/24/20k-job-cuts-at-meta-microsoft-raise-concern-of-ai-labor-crisis-.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (CNBC) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-4.png) Image of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and Satya Nadell CEO of Microsoft **(Getty Images & Reuters)* **Rundown:** Major tech companies are cutting jobs at an alarming rate while pouring record sums into AI, and the tension is hard to ignore. Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, and Nike have announced tens of thousands of layoffs in 2026, pushing the year's tech job losses past 92,000 and the total since 2020 to nearly 900,000\. Yet Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are projected to spend roughly $700 billion on AI infrastructure this year alone, with Oracle cutting up to 30,000 roles partly to free up cash for its own AI buildout. In the startup world, lean AI-native teams are reaching $50 million in revenue with fewer than 50 staff, and investors are increasingly backing small headcounts over traditional team sizes. The result is a workforce caught in a difficult spot. The same technology driving record investment is the one eliminating their jobs. **The Takeaway:** "AI is replacing jobs" is the easy narrative, and it isn't wrong. But it isn't the whole story either. The more interesting read is that AI is refactoring what work actually looks like, and that's a different conversation. Every previous platform shift, the internet being the most recent, ended the same way: jobs disappeared, new ones emerged, and the shape of work changed. New categories of work will emerge here too. What's different this time is the breadth. AI doesn't just create new jobs at the edges, it changes how everyone in the middle does their existing one. The most useful frame for what's coming isn't replacement, it's that everyone becomes a manager. A manager of agents. The skill that compounds over the next decade isn't writing the email or the code or the brief, it's knowing what to delegate, how to brief it, and how to verify the output. Some of the 92,000 will land in jobs that didn't exist two years ago. Most of the people who keep theirs will find the job has quietly changed underneath them. The real question for leaders isn't whether AI replaces workers. It's whether their organisation is set up to help everyone become a good manager of the work AI now does. ## [AI burnout and phony productivity gains among minister’s top concerns](https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/ai-burnout-and-phony-productivity-gains-among-minister-s-top-concerns-20260428-p5zrlc?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (AFR) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-5.png) Photo of Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth from AFR News **The Rundown:** Australia's Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth is sounding the alarm on AI in the workplace, not over job losses, but over work intensification. At the Financial Review Workforce Summit, she warned that AI's constant, real-time performance tracking is raising expectations faster than it's reducing workload, citing a Harvard Business Review study showing generative AI tools intensified work rather than lightened it. Safe Work Australia is reviewing AI through a health and safety lens as part of its national Best Practice Review of the model WHS laws. NSW has already passed the Digital Work Systems Act, the first Australian law to make excessive AI-driven workloads, surveillance, and performance metrics a workplace safety issue. Recent Jobs and Skills Australia data also shows a slight softening in growth for the occupations most exposed to AI, such as filing clerks and keyboard operators. On regulation, Rishworth is keeping the door open without committing to a bottom line, but her position on the productivity question is firm: where AI delivers gains, workers should share in them, through pay rises and more fulfilling work. **The Takeaway:** Rishworth's view is one of the more interesting takes on where we are with AI right now, whether you ultimately agree with it or not. The framing is that AI is intensifying work rather than reducing it, and the gains, such as they are, are being absorbed into expectations rather than shared with the people producing them. That might be exactly right. But it's also worth holding open the possibility that what looks like intensification is the early shape of work changing, and the two are genuinely hard to tell apart from the inside. Every previous platform shift produced the same tension at the start. Email made everyone feel busier, not freer. The same was said of the smartphone, of online collaboration tools and so on. Some of that effect resolved into actual productivity gains. Some of it just became the new floor. Yes, the productivity question is a real one. It might also just be the question of work changing, which is the same conversation in a different costume. This is the messy middle of AI, and a lot of the regulatory and corporate posture being set right now is being set before the question is settled. The leaders most likely to navigate it well are the ones treating their own organisation as a place to gather evidence rather than a place to defend a thesis, because AI will look like both stories at once for a while, and being honest about which one you're actually in is harder than it sounds. ## [Tech giant Microsoft unveiles $25 billion plan to reshape the Australian workplace](https://www.9news.com.au/technology/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-exclusive-australian-workers-ai-training/ad59e869-eb6d-4b86-a5f0-5c703aed920b?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (9News) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-6.png) Image of Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft interview with Trevor Long from 9News **The Rundown**: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a A$25 billion investment in Australia through 2029, covering AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce skilling. Announced in Sydney alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it is Microsoft's largest commitment in Australia to date and will expand its local cloud and AI footprint by more than 140 per cent. On jobs, Nadella was reassuring, framing AI as an amplifier of Australia's existing strengths rather than a force replacing the people doing the work. On skills, Microsoft tripled its previous target to three million Australians by 2028 and launched the Microsoft Elevate for Educators program. It also signed on with the newly established Australian AI Safety Institute, expanded the Microsoft–ASD Cyber Shield to more federal agencies, and convened a first-of-its-kind summit with the ACTU on AI in the workforce. Nadella's closing message: AI will amplify what Australia does well, not disrupt it. **The Takeaway:** A $25 billion is a serious commitment by Australian standards, and worth recognising as such. For global context, the four largest US hyperscalers are projected to spend around US$700 billion on AI infrastructure this year alone, so what looks transformative locally is meaningful but modest at that scale. The more useful read is what the package unlocks for the Australian startup ecosystem. Three million people gaining workforce-ready AI skills by 2028 is roughly twenty per cent of the workforce, which lifts the floor on AI literacy across every hiring funnel. Pair that with the Educator program reaching teachers and students, the AI Safety Institute collaboration, the expanded Cyber Shield, and the ACTU dialogue, and the investment starts to look less like a single deal and more like a foundation. The rails get laid down once. If they are laid down well, the hope is the one Nadella named: AI amplifies what Australia already does best. # Podcast Episodes Worth Your Time --- ## [Why Balaji Srinivasan Thinks the SaaS Apocalypse Is Overhyped (The a16z Show)](https://youtu.be/oheUsh7VtKY?si=ZEMBfQRKLWFZp5w6&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-7.png) Screenshot from a16z Youtube Channel | a16z general partner Erik Torenberg with Balaji Srinivasan On The a16z Show, host Erik Torenberg sits down with Balaji Srinivasan, angel investor, former Coinbase CTO and former a16z partner. Everyone right now is debating whether AI is triggering a SaaSpocalypse. Balaji thinks this isn't actually the most interesting question. The more interesting one is what happens when AI lowers the cost of creating things and raises the cost of verifying them. That asymmetry, not the SaaS panic, is what reshapes the AI economy (or so his theory goes). The framework worth taking from the conversation is about where humans still do the work AI cannot. AI doesn't sense the world. It waits for a prompt, executes, and stops. It doesn't read markets, culture, or the room. Humans do. In a world where everyone has access to the same tools, the edge isn't the tool, it's the quality of thinking you bring to it. As Balaji puts it, humans are the sensor, AI is the actuator. Taste is the sense. He closes on something that lands for anyone building a team right now. Inside a trusted circle, where context, goals and standards are shared, AI is genuinely transformative. Between tribes, it generates noise. Spam, low-quality outputs, content that costs more to verify than it is worth. His rule is short. No public, undisclosed AI. Be transparent about when AI is in the mix, because the moment people can't trust what they are receiving, the whole thing breaks down. ### **Resources:** - [Why Australian businesses are offshoring – and it’s not about cutting costs](https://www.sourcewiser.com/blog/why-australian-businesses-are-offshoring-and-its-not-about-cutting-costs?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) - [The Lean AI Startup: How Founders Are Building $10M Businesses With Teams of 5](https://www.venturepulsemag.com/2026/04/11/the-lean-ai-startup-how-founders-are-building-10m-businesses-with-teams-of-5/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) - [AI in Product Development: Redefining How We Innovate in 2026](https://blog.appomate.com.au/2025/12/23/ai-in-product-development-redefining-how-we-innovate-in-2026/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### What a Former Daily Mail Journalist Taught Our Founders About PR URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/what-a-former-daily-mail-journalist-taught-our-founders-about-pr/ Last updated: 2026-04-27T07:43:29.000Z Most founders think PR starts when you have news. Greg Kirby thinks that's already too late. [Greg Kirby is a CDH and Startmate mentor, former journalist, and founder of Signala.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-kirby/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Greg has reported from some of the UK’s biggest newsrooms, including the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail, as well as newswire services such as PA Media and SWNS. Now he helps founders get the coverage their startup deserves through Signala, his AI-assisted PR platform, currently onboarding pilot partners with upcoming company announcements. At our latest Lunch and Learn, he spent an hour telling founders why their pitches often fall flat, and what to do to boost your chances. Here's what we took away. [![CTA Image](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/CDH_LI_Social_Profile.webp)](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Want to attend our next Lunch and Learn? [Sign up to our \[NEXT\] Community here ](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## PR is not about blasting generic press releases to as many journalists as you can find It's about what people think when they hear your name. That's the frame Greg opened with, and it resets everything else. Before you do anything, know who you're actually trying to reach and why. Investors need credibility and social proof. Customers need trust. Potential staff want to see somewhere worth joining. Each audience needs a different approach. One generic press release doesn't serve any of them well. ## **Start before you have something to announce** The founders who get consistent coverage aren't the ones with the biggest news. They're the ones who built relationships before they needed them. If you wait until you have an announcement to start pitching journalists, you have no relationships, no track record, and no one knows who you are. By then you're starting from zero. Start engaging with relevant journalists right away. You should know the journalists and publications that will cover your company by name. Even just reading those publications puts you ahead of most founders. There's no rigid rule that says you need a Series A to land a national. Pre-seed founders do get into Tier 1 papers, if the story is right. And Series A raises often fall flat too if the news hook is buried. Signs of traction help. A funding round, a recognisable customer, a credible investor, all of it justifies a story and gives it legs. But traction on its own isn't enough. There needs to be a stronger story sitting behind it. That story can take a lot of shapes. A founder journey, like someone who launched their company while still at school. A product innovation that opens up something genuinely new, like Death Tech, or AI bots helping butchers run their deliveries. A broader trend your announcement encapsulates, proves, or contradicts. A gap in what journalists are currently covering that you happen to fill. The raise amount matters more for some publications than others. The AFR weights financial scale heavily, especially when it comes to company valuations. The Age and The Australian care less about the dollar figure and more about whether the story stands up on its own, and has a strong Australian merit. The honest test isn't "what stage am I at?". It's "would a the intended audience care about this story even if they didn't care about my company?" If yes, you're in the conversation. Figuring out which angle clears that bar, and which publication it fits, is what Signala exists to do. 💡 ****Try this:** Pick two or three journalists who cover your space. Follow them. Read their work. When they write something relevant, leave a genuine comment. Don't pitch yet. Just exist in their peripheral vision so that when you do reach out, you're not a stranger. ## **A product launch is not a story** This is where most pitches die. "We launched a product" gets deleted. "We launched a product that's already saved 200 nurses three hours a day" gets read. The hook is almost never the product. It's the outcome, the human behind it, the problem it solves in a way people can feel. And most founders bury that hook in paragraph four. The things that reliably work: a market nobody else has tackled, a personal founder story directly tied to the problem, something technically new that eliminates a recognisable frustration, a trend your company proves or disproves, taking on a well-known rival, landing a recognisable partner or customer, or being first in your category. Signala uses a structured newsworthiness model to assess whether a story is ready for a journalist. It looks at multiple dimensions, including the strength of the hook, the human story, the trend it speaks to, the numbers behind it, and the gap it fills in what's currently being covered. A published story almost always scores highly on more than one measure. ## **Different publications want completely different things** Greg broke this down clearly. The AFR wants financial scale and external validation. SMH and The Age want a story a non-founder would retell at dinner. Forbes Australia wants a founder worth profiling, the company is almost secondary. TechCrunch wants a defensible technical claim and a reason it's happening now. SmartCompany covers relatable founder wins where narrative matters more than scale. Capital Brief wants deal mechanics and market context, often requiring little or no founder story. And regional news or trade publications? They're screaming out for content, easier to land, and national journalists pick up local stories too. Don't overlook them. 💡 Try this: Before you pitch anyone, read their last five articles. Ask yourself: does my story fit the pattern of what they actually publish? If you're pitching the AFR, do you have numbers? If you're pitching Forbes Australia, is there a compelling founder angle? If the answer is no, don't pitch them yet. Find the publication where the answer is yes. Better still, ask yourself why you want to be featured in those outlets in the first place, and check your media motivations. Are they aligned to your business goals? ## **You don't need a big announcement to build a media presence** LinkedIn is the highest-return channel most founders aren't using properly, especially if you harness video properly. You don't need a big following. You need one post the right person sees. Opinion pieces in trade publications can be quick wins and build real credibility in your sector. When a major story breaks that relates to your company, pitch yourself as a source, journalists are actively looking for comment when a trend is in the news cycle. Build relationships with journalists before you need them. Follow their work. Comment genuinely. Offer yourself as a source, not a story. Who knows, you might become the story? **On pitching over email** Keep it short, five sentences maximum. Personalise every single pitch, but be genuine. One line showing you've engaged with their work is enough. If your story is a strong fit for multiple publications, offer one journalist an exclusive rather than blasting the same pitch to everyone. And one more thing Greg stressed: the funding raise is not the story. It's the credibility signal that makes the story worth running now. The actual news hook is something else. [![CTA Image](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/favicon.svg)](https://www.signala.ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Found this helpful? Greg and Signala can help you craft a story that lands. [Get in contact with Signala here ](https://www.signala.ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## **This is what mentorship looks like at CDH** Greg didn't gate this behind a course or a consulting retainer. He walked into a room of founders, shared what he knows, and made everyone in it sharper for it. That's the Lunch and Learn format. One expert practitioner, one topic, one hour. Real knowledge from someone who's lived it — shared freely with founders who need it. We run these regularly at Cremorne Digital Hub, and we're always looking for founders and operators who have something worth sharing. Whether it's fundraising, hiring, product, sales, legal, or — clearly — PR. If you've got hard-won expertise that could save another founder six months of trial and error, we'd love to hear from you. [EOI to lead a CDH Lunch and Learn](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/34af8c597dfa81769ad3d466019460ac?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### What If a Hackathon Didn't Have to Be Stressful? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/what-if-a-hackathon-didnt-have-to-be-stressful/ Last updated: 2026-04-26T05:00:29.000Z Here's something most people won't tell you about hackathons: the technology is never the hard part. The hard part is the blank page. The moment you have an idea, a teammate you just met, and six hours to prove it's real. That's exactly what the Vibe-a-thon event, hosted by Archangel Ventures in partnership with AWS, Vercel, Cremorne Digital Hub, and Heidi, set out to solve. ## **Why "Vibe-a-thon" and not just another hackathon?** Traditional hackathons can feel like a pressure cooker given the limited time for ideas, what to build, and the team plan. We wanted something different. The Vibe-a-thon was designed around a simple belief: the best products come from people who are genuinely excited about what they're making. The name isn't just a gimmick; it signals a different energy in the room. Less competing, more creating. Less fear of failure, more momentum from curiosity. ## **How the Day Unfold** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-3.png) The day kicked off with a welcome session that set the tone and focused on making the most of the day: how to scope an idea quickly, how to find the right collaborators, and how to stay focused on the user rather than the tech stack. The message was simple: start with the problem, not the solution. Then came one of the most insightful moments of the day. Brandon Vincent, Engineering Lead at Heidi, shared his insights on how to build products that people actually love. Brandon explained how tools like vibe coding and Claude Code have fundamentally shifted how his team works. Then he said something that made the room pause. In 10 to 15 years, he believes there won't be developers in the traditional sense, just product developers. People who understand users deeply, make sharp decisions quickly, and use AI as the hands that build what their minds design. The focus then shifted from mindset to execution. The workshop on accelerating MVPs with Vercel's v0 and AWS gave attendees a hands-on look at how quickly a working prototype could take shape when they have the right infrastructure behind them. The gap between idea and product has never been smaller, and this session made that tangible for everyone in the room. And then the building began in earnest. Roaming support from experts at Vercel, AWS, Heidi, and Archangel Ventures meant that no team stayed blocked for long. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/Vibe-A-thon-EDM-Image--3-.jpg) The day closed with demos, drinks, and the particular kind of energy that only follows a day of genuine effort. Teams presented what they'd built honest and real. ## **A Huge Thanks for the Champions** ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/Vibe-A-thon-EDM-Image--2-.jpg) None of this happens without the people who believe in it before it's proven. The vibe-a-thon wasn't just an event, it was a statement about what building a community around product creation can actually look like. And that statement only gets made when the right people stand behind it. A heartfelt thank you to **Archangel Ventures** for leading this from the front for seeing the gap between traditional hackathons and what builders actually need, and for having the conviction to fill it. And to AWS, and Vercel for guiding every builder in that room. Your expertise, your energy, and your willingness to share what you know is exactly what this community needs to keep building, keep shipping, and keep growing. ### The Cremorne Guzzle: Where Founders Ask and the Community Shows Up URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/the-cremorne-guzzle-where-founders-ask-and-the-community-shows-up/ Last updated: 2026-04-25T06:05:59.000Z Last Friday, we brought Melbourne's founder community together at the Cremorne Digital Hub for another Cremorne Guzzle. Cold drinks, warm conversations, and the kind of connections that stick after you leave the room. Founders got to meet, swap stories, and geek out over what they're building. And just when the room was warmed up, we took it a step further. A few brave founders took the floor for Founder Asks, sharing their biggest challenges and asking the community for help. It's more than drinks and networking. The Cremorne Guzzle was built to connect people, but what we keep seeing is something bigger than that. It's a testament to what we're trying to do at CDH: drive an ecosystem where people genuinely help each other. No agendas, no awkward small talk. Just good people showing up for one another, which is what Founder Asks is all about. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/guzzle-edm-2.png) ### **Why this works** There's no polished deck, no pitch-ready script, no formal setup. Founder Asks exists because the most powerful thing you can do at an early stage is build in public. Take people along on the growth journey. Say what you're working on, say what you need. All it takes is two minutes of sharing your challenges, and the right person might already be in the room. They just didn't know where to find you, and the Guzzle is making it possible. Every founder who took the floor last Friday left with something: a connection, a solution, or a peer who gets it. Not because their pitch was polished, but because they were willing to ask. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/guzzle-edm-2-1.png) ### The Founder “Ask” Each founder got a two-minute slot to tell the room who they are, what they're building, and what they need. No slides. No formal pitch. Just them, their logo, and a room full of helping hands. The conversation doesn't stop here. They might still need your help. Here are the founders who asked: - [**Dan Borthwick,**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danborthwick/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Founder at NiceGit** Dan is looking for a COO co-founder to take his platform from beta to boom rolling out to thousands of users and leading the charge through a full commercial launch. - [**Athy Giannopolous**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/athy-giannopoulos/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, Founder at StrataBoss** Athy is keen to connect with Strata property owners, particularly owners corporation committee members, to understand the challenges they're experiencing with their strata property management. - [**Billy Ka Keung Chan**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-chan-4527818b/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, CEO & Co-Founder at Alfred Travel Technology** Billy is looking for user feedback, particularly on user experience. - [Narendra Santosh Nagarajan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/narensan/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), Co-Founder at Edithly Narendra wants to validate whether his product truly fits the market and get a better feel for what's happening in Melbourne's startup world. - [Grant Fullsto**n**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantfullston/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**, Founder at Just Say Hey** Grant is on the lookout for beta testers for to step in as event hosts and share real feedback from the ground up. Got something that could help? Connect with them and keep the momentum going. ### **Want in on the next one?** Founder Asks slots are open to the CDH community, and Clubhouse members get priority. If you want to be front of the queue next time, [find out more about CDH Clubhouse membership here](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/). If you're coming to the next Guzzle and you're working on something, put your hand up. Submit your Ask by filling out the form below. [SUBMIT YOUR "ASK"](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/3e45c68f14b04d6782655ab0a6b47150?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Singapore's Most Promising Startups are Coming to Melbourne URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/singapores-most-promising-startups-are-coming-to-melbourne/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T11:56:40.000Z Thirteen of Singapore's most promising startups are coming to Melbourne, and they're looking to connect with the local ecosystem. This is your chance to meet them, explore potential partnerships, and be part of the conversation as these companies look to enter the Australian market. In collaboration with Haymarket HQ and Enterprise Singapore, we're bringing these companies to Cremorne Digital Hub for an evening of pitches, panels, and real conversations. Whether you're a founder, operator, investor, or advisor, if you're part of Melbourne's innovation community, you won’t want to miss this event. ****Event Details:** 🗓️ 12 May 2026 | 5:30PM - 8:00PM AEST 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub (80 Balmain St., Cremorne) [REGISTER NOW](https://luma.com/bp51u2jf?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### What to expect: Each company will pitch what they're building and who they're looking to connect with. You'll hear directly from founders across AI, compliance, sustainability, fintech, and more, all actively seeking Australian partners, distributors, and collaborators. Then we'll open the floor for networking, where you can connect directly with the teams that interest you. ### The evening: - **5:30 PM** — Doors open, drinks and networking - **6:00 PM** — Startup pitches, panel discussion, and Q&A - **7:15 PM** — Open networking, drinks, and nibbles - **8:00 PM** — Close Whether you're exploring Southeast Asian partnerships, venture-curious, or just want to see what's coming out of Singapore's startup scene, this is a must-attend event. [REGISTER NOW](https://luma.com/bp51u2jf?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Issue #4: Local Capital, Global Ambition URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-4-local-capital-global-ambition/ Last updated: 2026-04-12T03:00:56.000Z This is the Innovation Download, a monthly update on what's happening in Australia's startup and innovation ecosystem. This issue is about capital. Who has it, where it's going, and what happens when it gets cheaper to build but harder to exit. We dig into the Cut Through Venture and Carta reports on Australian startup funding, look at why the country that produces more unicorns per VC dollar than anywhere else still can't take its best companies public. Plus Marc Andreessen on the cost of not backing something versus the cost of backing something that fails. # This Month's Reads --- ### [State of Australian Startup Funding 2025 (Cut Through Venture](https://www.cutthrough.com/insights/state-of-australian-startup-funding-2025?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/03/image-8.png) **Image Credit: Folklore Ventures* **The rundown:** Australia's startups raised $5.4 billion across 390 deals in 2025, a 31% jump and the third-largest funding year on record. But the headline simplifies the picture. Deal count dropped 20%, the top 20 deals captured 58% of all capital, and two companies alone account for a disproportionate share of the total. What the report describes is a two-speed ecosystem: AI-native companies with strong metrics moved fast, everyone else waited longer and worked harder. 66% of deals included at least one international investor, with local cheque sizes struggling to keep pace at Series A and beyond. The exit engine remains stalled, with just two ASX tech IPOs in all of 2025. **Takeaway:** The headline number is real, but it obscures more than it reveals. Strip out the top deals and the picture looks different. What this report describes is an ecosystem maturing in the places investors can see, deal quality, founder discipline, international interest, while a structural problem builds in the places they can't. The exit backlog isn't just a liquidity issue. It's a recycling issue. Capital that doesn't return to investors doesn't return to founders. And capital that doesn't return to founders means the next generation of companies gets funded by a smaller, more selective pool than the one before it. ### [The Next Phase of Australia’s Tech Story Depends on Deeper Global Capital (HSBC Innovation Banking)](https://www.hsbcinnovationbanking.com/en/resources/the-next-phase-of-australias-tech-story-depends-on-deeper-global-capital?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/03/image-9.png) **Image Credit: Aura Group* **The rundown:** Australia enters 2026 producing 1.22 unicorns for every billion dollars of VC invested, more than any other country on earth. The piece argues that Australian founders are capital-efficient by necessity. The small domestic market forces founders to think globally from day one. Australia sits on $4.5 trillion in superannuation, one of the largest pools of retirement savings on earth. This isn't a country short on capital. It's a country where the capital is pointing in a different direction. Only 4.4 cents in every dollar touches venture. Global pension funds allocate three times that. The money exists. It's just parked somewhere else. **Takeaway:** 1.22 unicorns per billion sounds impressive. But per-capita and per-dollar stats can flatter small sample sizes. Australia has produced roughly 30 unicorns total. The US has produced hundreds. When your denominator is small, a handful of outliers can move the ratio dramatically. The stat tells you something about efficiency, but it doesn't tell you whether that efficiency is repeatable, structural, or just a few strong cohorts doing the heavy lifting. The more useful question isn't whether Australian founders are efficient. It's whether that efficiency survives contact with more capital, or whether it was always a product of having less of it. ## [The Australian Startup Outlook 2026 (Carta)](https://carta.com/data/australian-startup-outlook-2026/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image.png) **Image Credit: Carta* **The rundown:** Carta surveyed 500 Australian startup decision-makers and found a market caught between ambition and survival. 96% of founders still plan for an IPO. But 65% have less than 12 months of runway, and 86% saw burn increase over the past year. Exit timelines are stretching, with 47% now expecting a listing five or more years away. On AI, 80% privately believe there's a bubble, and 63% think the pressure will fade within 12 months, yet 40% have already reshaped their investor pitch around it. More than half of founders planning an IPO are eyeing dual or offshore listings, with Nasdaq the most cited target. **Takeaway:** The gap between what founders believe and what they say is the real story here. When 80% think AI is a bubble but 40% have already reframed their pitch around it, it's hard not to wonder how much of the current AI positioning is conviction and how much is just good fundraising strategy. The offshore listing data is less surprising than it looks. Founders outgrowing their domestic exchange isn't unique to Australia. It happens in the UK, Canada, and most mid-sized markets. The difference is scale. When your best companies list elsewhere, the local market loses the signal that attracts the next generation of capital. In a market already short on exits, that feedback loop matters more than it would somewhere with a deeper bench. # Podcast Episodes Worth Your Time --- ### [Marc Andreessen: Will a16z Go Public & Why Labour Displacement with AI is Wrong? (20VC with Harry Stebbings](https://www.thetwentyminutevc.com/marc-andreessen?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/image-1.png) **Image Credit: 20VC with Harry Stebbings* Marc Andreessen is the A in a16z and probably doesn't need an introduction, but for context: he co-created the first widely used web browser, co-founded Netscape, and now runs a venture firm managing over $90 billion. He spends a lot of this conversation with Harry Stebbings on how venture capitalists (namely him) think about risk, and why most of them get it backwards. His argument: the biggest losses in venture don't come from bad bets. They come from the ones you never make. He calls it the "scalded stove" effect. An investor backs a category, it doesn't work out, and they avoid the whole space for years. AI was a reliable way to lose money in venture from 1945 to 2017\. The investors who stayed away in 2018 because they'd been burned before made a category error dressed up as experience. He also argues that the tech industry is more concentrated in Silicon Valley than at any point in its history, and that AI is the reason. Nearly 100% of what he calls "quality AI companies" sit within a 20-mile radius. For Australian founders who've always had to think globally from day one, "global" may increasingly mean getting to San Francisco earlier than previous generations needed to, for the capital and the been-there-done-it talent that's consolidating there. The broader question he raises, and the one that sits beneath the surface of this whole issue, is what AI actually changes about work. In his view, large companies are overstaffed by 25 to 75%, and AI isn't displacing workers so much as giving companies a socially acceptable reason to fix hiring decisions they made during COVID. If that's true, it reframes the competitive landscape for startups. There's a window between "incumbents are distracted by their own restructuring" and "incumbents emerge leaner and more dangerous." The question for founders is whether they're building fast enough to matter before the other side finishes sorting itself out. ## Helpful Resources: 💻 [UTS Startup Guide for new founders](https://www.uts.edu.au/globalassets/sites/default/files/2020-09/LegalVision%5FStartup%5FManual%5F0.pdf?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 📝[ Download the State of Australian Startup Funding 2025](https://2025.australianstartupfunding.com/pdf/State-of-Australian-Startup-Funding-2025?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🤖 [Vibecoding basics for your first app](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lSbVIDmJL0&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 💻 [Airtree: What investors look for in early-stage startup investments ](https://www.airtree.vc/open-source-vc/what-investors-look-for-in-early-stage-startup-investments?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### The Cremorne Guzzle: Ecosystem Networking & Founder "Asks" URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/thecosystem-networking-founder-asks/ Last updated: 2026-04-13T03:14:41.000Z Cremorne Digital Hub is hosting another Guzzle — an evening of high-impact networking where Melbourne's builders, backers, and ecosystem people actually talk to each other. Whether you're fundraising, hiring, looking for a co-founder, or just keeping a pulse on what's being built — this is the space to find your next collaborator. This isn’t just about swapping business cards. We’re carving out time for “Selected Founder Asks” [REGISTER FOR THE CREMORNE GUZZLE](https://luma.com/2mrshssx?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## What to Expect: - **Casual Networking:** Cold drinks and warm introductions with Melbourne’s best tech minds. - **The "Founder Asks" Segment:** A few selected founders will take the floor to ask for specific help, think product beta testers, UX feedback, or niche industry intros. - **Community in Action:** Not just who you'll meet, but what you'll contribute. The ecosystem grows when the room shows up for each other. [SUBMIT YOUR "ASK"](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/3e45c68f14b04d6782655ab0a6b47150?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ****The Details:** ****📅** Friday 24th April 2026 (4:30pm - 6:30pm) 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub 💰 Free (Registration required) **Building something?** Come prepared with your biggest challenge—you never know who’s in the room with the solution. [REGISTER FOR THE CREMORNE GUZZLE](https://luma.com/2mrshssx?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### GTC 2026: Bringing the Future of AI to Melbourne URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/gtc-2026-bringing-the-future-of-ai-to-melbourne/ Last updated: 2026-04-02T05:05:06.000Z GTC is one of the best windows into where AI is actually heading. Not just the next product cycle, but the next decade. Every year, Jensen Huang takes the stage and lays out a vision that shapes how industries think, invest, and build. For founders and builders in Melbourne, that matters. The pressure to stay ahead of AI isn't abstract. It's daily. And knowing what's coming is only half the challenge. Having the tools, the training, and the right people around you to act on it is the other half. That's exactly why we wanted to bring a piece of it to Melbourne. The Best of NVIDIA GTC 2026 was our way of taking the most important conversations from this year's event and making them relevant for Australian founders and builders. A half-day of hands-on learning and honest discussion about what GTC 2026 really means for the local industry. ## Building Deeper: Hands-On Learning with NVIDIA and MMT Knowing AI is moving fast is one thing. Knowing where to get the skills and how to use the tools is another. That's the gap these two sessions were built to close. Luke Boyce from NVIDIA walked through NVIDIA's Deep Learning Institute (DLI), one of the world's most comprehensive AI learning platforms. It's a practical resource for developers, engineers, and technical founders who want structured, hands-on training to build and deploy AI with confidence. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3101.jpg) Luke Boyce from NVIDIA walking Melbourne founders through the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute Carey Hassall from MMT followed with a deep dive into robotics, unpacking NVIDIA's robotics stack and giving attendees a clear picture of how NVIDIA is shaping the next generation of intelligent machines. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3116.jpg) MMT's Carey Hassall unpacking how NVIDIA is powering the next generation of robotics For anyone in the room still figuring out where to start with AI, both sessions gave them somewhere concrete to go. ## Unpacking Jensen Huang's Keynote GTC's keynote is always more than a product announcement. It's a signal. Jensen Huang has a track record of laying out ideas that feel ambitious in the moment and obvious in hindsight, and this year was no different. We cut the keynote into clips, pulling out the moments we thought would resonate most with an Australian audience. The shifts in how AI is being built, bought, and deployed. Those clips anchored a panel discussion with leaders from across Australia's AI sector, turning a global stage into a local conversation. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3130.jpg) Here are some of the key insights they shared: **Tokenomics will define AI strategy** > It's really important to understand those tokenomics as we move forward. And for Australians, if we're not educated buyers of AI, we're gonna be buying and spending the wrong money in the wrong place.— Bass Salah **Orchestration is where we are headed** > When I think about the future of my engineers, I think that it's orchestration. That is the future, which is the ability to orchestrate multiple things and bring together an outcome. — Christopher Bartlett **Proprietary data and distribution are the new moats** > Proprietary data and distribution are the biggest things they're looking for right now. — Leila Oliveira **Human-first approach in robotics builds trust** > We wanna make sure that people will accept the human load. We're gonna be human first. We wanna make sure that people will accept the human load and then we add capability when that's been finalized.— Yan Chen The clips gave us a shared starting point. What followed was a genuinely useful conversation about what AI means for Australian businesses right now. **Our Special Giveaways** To top off an incredible day, we ran a special giveaway made possible by our friends at NVIDIA and MMT — featuring an NVIDIA DGX Spark, a Jetson Orin Nano, and NVIDIA Brev Credits for the builders ready to hit the ground running. A huge congratulations to our winners — may these tools take your AI journey further than you ever imagined. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1076---Edited--1-.jpg) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1065---Edited.jpg) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/04/IMG_2124.jpeg) Our lucky winners from the day ## What This Means for Australian Builders The gap between global AI innovation and local application is closing. Australian developers no longer have to watch the AI revolution from the sidelines. They have access to world-class tools, expert guidance, and a community that's moving fast. At CDH, that's exactly the kind of environment we're building. A place where founders, innovators, and investors can come together, share what they know, and build what's next. Events like this one are a big part of how we get there. ### Jensen's Keynote Just Dropped - It's Time To Win a Spark! URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/jensens-keynote-just-dropped-its-time-to-win-a-spark/ Last updated: 2026-03-17T05:13:57.000Z Big news! Jensen Huang's GTC 2026 keynote is LIVE. Thanks for submitting your EOI - the quiz is now open and you're the first to know! 🎉 Here's everything you need to do: ### Step 1: Register on the GTC Virtual Portal - Head to the [GTC Virtual Portal website](https://www.nvidia.com/gtc/?ncid=ref-inpa-296-prsp-en-gb-1-l9&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). - Click 'Register' and create your free account - it takes about 2 minutes. - Check your inbox for a confirmation email and verify your account ### Step 2: Find Jensen's Keynote - **Log in to the GTC Virtual Portal.** Use the account you just created. - **Find Jensen's keynote.** Search for "GTC 2026 Keynote" or look for the Jensen Huang session - it'll be front and centre on the homepage. - **Watch the keynote.** Jensen will unveil NVIDIA's biggest AI announcements of the year. Check out the quiz questions first so you know what to look out for! ### Step 3: Enter the Competition - **Answer 3 short multiple-choice questions.** Check out the quiz questions first so you know what to look out for! [TAKE ME TO THE QUIZ](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/db4f8c597dfa8325b09181233ce53a7a?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) - **You're in the draw!** We'll announce the winner LIVE at The Best of GTC 2026 on 31 March at CDH Clubhouse. Need extra help? Here's a step-by-step guide to walk you through it: [TAKE ME TO THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE](https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDtam3dMM/mEAhgES-1sCw4hVMVHnlFA/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAHDtam3dMM&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=hdb0aec76e3) --- 💡 ****Key Dates to Remember:** ****Now**: Register, watch the keynote and submit your quiz answers. ****27 March, 5:59PM AEDT:** Last chance to submit your answers - don't miss the cut-off! ****31 March, 12PM - 8PM AEDT:** Winner announced LIVE at CDH Clubhouse Any trouble registering? Reply to this email and we'll help you out. **Good luck! 🤞** ### Selling Before You're Ready: Structure, Process, and the Mindset That Makes It Work URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/selling-before-youre-ready-structure-process-and-the-mindset-that-makes-it-work/ Last updated: 2026-03-12T23:44:39.000Z I've spent most of my career in conversations with people. Hospitality, where you learn quickly that every interaction is a transaction (and opportunity) of some kind — trust, goodwill, experience. High-volume real estate, where lead generation is a numbers game and the feedback is immediate and potentially brutal. High-ticket EdTech, where you're asking someone to invest serious money in something intangible, and the sale lives or dies on whether they see the value that will follow the progress. Across all of it, I've learnt that sales is not the dark art people make it out to be. It's not a personality type, and it doesn't require you to become Jordan Belfort — celebrating a close like you've just conned someone. Modern customers are too educated for that. With the internet and LLMs, anyone can get across a topic in minutes. The old tricks don't land the way they used to. I built the *Selling Before You're Ready* workshop off the back of conversations with founders — smart, capable people who had built something genuinely useful but couldn't see themselves selling it. Not because they lacked the ability, but because they were missing structure, systems, and the right mentality. The trepidation was the obstacle, not the skill gap. Usually, you just need to start and keep going. Here are a few key lessons I've learnt to make sales seem less daunting: --- ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/02/image-8.png) **Image Credit: Cameron Poole Sales Coach (LinkedIn)* ### The best salespeople don't sell. They coach. The most effective sales conversations are almost entirely problem-focused. Your job in the first meeting isn't to explain what your product does — it's to make the prospect feel *genuinely* understood. To demonstrate that you're listening and you've seen their situation before, you know the shape of the problem, and that you understand what it costs them to leave it unsolved. A great coach wouldn't force a solution on you before understanding what you're looking for. Quality coaching starts with discovering, why you're here, what's being felt, what you've tried so far. A complete picture. Then comes the diagnosis in the form of a tailored solution + demo. One of the highest performing sales consultants I ever worked with started out coaching a local footy team. He told me: 💡 "Selling's no different to coaching. You're not telling people what to do, you're asking questions until they figure it out themselves. The only difference is the destination. You're coaching them toward a decision." I still think about this. The best coaches don't impose a game plan on their players — they ask questions until a solution emerges. Your relationship with a prospect should work exactly the same way. Less pitch, more dialogue. Less presentation, more understanding. --- ### **Email to Set Up Calls, Calls to Set Up Emails** Early in the sales process, overuse of email can be a trap. It feels safer: you can craft your words carefully, you don't have to handle a live reaction, you can write something once and send it to many. That safety, however, comes at a cost. Email is a one-way mirror. Silence doesn't tell you whether someone is interested, busy, sceptical, or has already moved on. A call tells you all of that rather quickly. Emails to give your calls a reason, calls give your emails weight. The same concept applies to your prospects, especially with how easy it now is to paste a sales email into an LLM and generate a low-signal, low-effort response that gives you nothing to work with. Calls also let you practice the essential skill of holding a sustained conversation about the problem — the closest thing to an in-person meeting short of being in the room. They double as market research, keeping you in touch with what's actually happening on the ground. Pair that with the unmatched feedback loop of a live conversation, and it firmly cements customer calls as one of the highest-leverage activities available to an early founder. At the exact stage when customer feedback is most valuable, defaulting to mass email means choosing comfort over learning. The practical rule: calls for discovery and relationship-building, email for light touches and solidifying on things already discussed. A visual, customised summary sent after a strong first call — one that reflects back what you heard and maps your solution to their specific situation, with an actionable next step — is one of the most effective sales tools available. Meeting note AI makes this easier than ever. Tools like Granola and Notion AI can transcribe and structure your calls in real time, so the hard work of capture is already done before you sit down to write the follow-up. The best sales processes use both. Strong written and verbal touchpoints, working together. --- ### Follow-up is where deals actually live This concept doesn't just apply to sales — it applies to all outreach. Those who win are almost always the ones who follow up consistently and track their pipeline meticulously, as much as Hollywood would like us to believe there's a magic closing technique. The fortune *really* is in the follow-up. It's the least glamorous part of sales and the most important. And I get it: where does consistent follow-up end and being the person who just doesn't take the hint begin? The answer is in the foundation you lay earlier. Stay curious, don't *always* have the deal in mind, and vary your touchpoints — LinkedIn, email, calls. A "not right now" or "not interested" is actually useful signal. It might just mean they're not your customer yet, or not at all. Either way, it's far better than a pipeline full of maybes — that purgatory will cost you more time and energy than a clean no ever will. A solid batch of nos tells you something. A hundred maybes tells you *nothing*. Every meeting should end with an explicit next step — and contrary to popular belief, this can be low-touch. "I'll be in touch" is fine, as long as you *actually* follow through. Think of it like catching up with an old friend: without a concrete date in the calendar, things drift. A conversation without a next step is just a conversation. When a prospect goes quiet, you haven't lost them *yet*. Use what you know — the pain points they shared, the objections they raised — to re-engage in a way that shows you were listening. If a direct ask goes unanswered, pivot to asking for feedback instead. It's a lower-commitment request and it often reopens the conversation. A "no" should almost always become a "not right now" with a specific future date attached. People's circumstances change. Budget cycles turn over. Priorities shift. If you've genuinely helped someone understand their problem better, you've built goodwill that survives a missed close — and that door stays open. The foundation will always be there. --- ### Rejection isn't the end of the data Sales involves rejection. That's not an insight. But how founders process rejection often determines whether their sales function lives or dies. Sometimes, your instinct is to treat a "no" as a verdict — on the product, on the idea, sometimes on yourself. The more useful frame is to treat every "no" as an unanswered question. And most of the time, it *isn't* a no — it's a no *right now*. Circumstances change. The important thing about getting a no is understanding *why*. Was it timing? Budget? Is this genuinely a low-priority problem for them, or is it a high-priority problem they don't yet believe you can solve? Each of those answers points somewhere different. A "no" you understand is a piece of market intelligence. A "no" you accept without curiosity is just a closed door. Think of rejection like weather. You can't stop it and you can't take it personally, but you can dress for it. A process gives you that — something to revisit when a conversation goes cold, so that one bad day doesn't knock you off course for a week. Social literacy plays a part too. Know when to push and know when to move on gracefully. Some doors are worth knocking on twice. Sales isn't a dark art. It's a series of conversations, each one building on the last — with structure underneath and curiosity driving it forward. Most founders who struggle with sales aren't missing talent. They're missing a system and the willingness to start. The willingness to start is on you. The system is learnable. *The best time to build it was before your first customer. The second best time is now.* --- Here's my sales workshop with the Q&A cut out. 0:00 /21:25 1× --- If this resonated, we run community workshops that go deeper on all of it — and well beyond sales. If you're an early-stage founder looking for a space that takes this stuff seriously, come find us. [Apply for our \[NEXT\] Community here!](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) Or drop me a line at [darren@cremornedigitalhub.com.au](mailto:darren@cremornedigitalhub.com.au) — always happy to chop it up about your current process and where you're at. ### Issue #3: The New Infrastructure URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-3-the-new-infrastructure/ Last updated: 2026-03-06T08:30:08.000Z ## Welcome to The Monthly Signal --- This is Innovation Download — a monthly update on what's moving in Australia's startup and innovation ecosystem, translated into everyday takeaways worth considering. Something happened last year. It really feels like something changed with the release of Anthropic's Opus 4.5 model. On the back of that, we've seen a rapid acceleration of the new tools that go beyond simply prompting to get an answer. In fact, it's been a tidal wave. The infrastructure surrounding how we work is changing (again), and this time it doesn't wait to be asked. All of a sudden, the agentic world came to life. It just started working. To understand why this moment feels different, it helps to reflect on how we got here. GPT-1 laid the groundwork for a new way of working, a 117 million parameter model trained on over 7,000 books. Quietly impressive, but narrow. Then ChatGPT arrived in late 2022, built on 175 billion parameters, and proved the concept to the world, triggering a wave of adoption that hasn't slowed since. The underlying models expanded frighteningly quickly, from hundreds of millions to billions and now potentially trillions of parameters. But for all that power, most of it still required a human in the loop. You still needed to write the prompt, review the output, and ultimately put the pieces together yourself. That's the part that's just changed. It took four years to get from GPT-1 to ChatGPT. It's now taken just under two years for the agentic world we were promised to go from concept to tools that can run autonomously across your entire work stack. The iteration cycles are shrinking rapidly. The leaps are getting bigger. AI isn't just moving fast; it's getting faster at getting faster. It's easy, in hindsight, to look back at 2018 and recognise GPT-1 as the beginning of something enormous. But the speed with which we got here is, well, crazy. As one might expect, this has had a number of second-order effects. The need for compute, energy, and the physical layer of data centres is growing faster than most predicted. This is where the hardware story meets the software story, and where Australia finds itself in an unusually strong position — with AI data centres being established across the country at a pace that would have seemed unlikely two years ago. The infrastructure is arriving. The agents are here. Infrastructure and access don't automatically produce capability. But the opportunity is here. Whether that opportunity is captured depends entirely on the user sitting on top of it all. It turns out it's "turtles all the way down." ## Stories On Our Radar --- ### [Australia's AI infrastructure bet is getting serious](https://firmus.co/newsroom/southgate-expansion?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **(Firmus)** **The rundown**: Project Southgate is Firmus Technologies' national AI infrastructure program, built in partnership with CDC Data Centres and NVIDIA. The first stages are under construction in Tasmania and Melbourne, delivering up to 150MW and 18,500 NVIDIA GB300 GPUs expected online by April 2026\. Total planned capacity scales to 1.6GW by 2028, backed by an initial $4.5 billion investment and a potential build-out to $73.3 billion. All facilities will run on 100% renewable energy, and the project is majority Australian-owned. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/02/image-2.png) **Image Credit: Firmus* **Takeaway:** Australia is building world-class AI infrastructure at the same moment its workforce is being reshaped by the very technology that infrastructure supports. [WiseTech cut 2,000 jobs citing AI transformation](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-25/wisetech-job-losses-losing-2000-over-next-two-years-coding-era/106387486?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). [Block cut 4,000](https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2026/4-000-jobs-cut-as-block-goes-all-in-on-ai.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). Given the trajectory AI is on, it's no surprise, but the question sitting underneath all of it is whether the people being displaced will upskill fast enough to stay relevant — or whether the path of least resistance for most organisations is simply to hire more agents instead. ### [Agents are officially here and Notion just showed us what that actually looks like](https://www.notion.com/blog/how-notion-uses-custom-agents?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (Notion) **The rundown**: Notion published a behind-the-scenes look at how their new custom agents are running across their own teams. Knowledge bots answering repeat Slack questions, feedback routers triaging incoming work, security agents filtering noise from real alerts. The agents work across Slack, Calendar, Mail and external tools, so the context your team has already built travels with them. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/02/image-4.png) **Image Credit: Notion* **Takeaway:** What Notion is really showing here isn't a productivity upgrade. It's the early version of a single operating system for work, one that spans every platform and absorbs every repetitive task. What's interesting is who's building them. This (just like Claude Cowork) is built not just for engineers — anyone with a clear goal and a conversational prompt can now make agents work for them. The LLM itself will help you spec and build the agent if you tell it what you're trying to solve. The barrier isn't technical anymore, it's knowing what problem you actually want to hand off. As some have said, this really is the time of the proverbial "ideas guy". We were lucky enough to host Notion at CDH last week to get a hands on look at their new agent platform. Here's a [wrap of the event](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/inside-notions-agent-revolution-what-we-learned/). ### [Anthropic ships Claude for your desktop — and the coworking space](https://claude.com/blog/cowork-research-preview?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (Claude) **The rundown**: Anthropic launched Claude Cowork in January, describing it as Claude Code for everyone who isn't a developer. Where a regular Claude conversation is a back-and-forth, Cowork can be given access to a folder or files on your computer and works autonomously through it — reading, editing, creating and organising files while you queue up the next task. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/02/image-5.png) **Image Credit: Claude* **Takeaway:** The agent conversation has largely been had by people who are "technically inclined" — developers, founders, and early adopters comfortable with new interfaces. Cowork shifts that. When AI can work directly inside Excel, Word, or a folder of PDFs on someone's desktop without requiring them to learn a new tool or change how they work, the addressable market expands dramatically. When products expand their addressable market, new questions arise. Excel proficiency has been a career cornerstone for decades. Financial modeling, data analysis, reporting — entire professional identities have been built on the mastery of tools that Cowork can now navigate autonomously. Where does that leave the millions of workers who spent years becoming genuinely excellent at the tools AI can now operate? And if the barrier to entry drops, does the premium on specialisation drop with it? Maybe. But what gets rewarded next isn't the ability to use the tool. It's the judgment to know what to build with it, what questions to ask of it, and when to steer it in the right direction. Just like using an LLM to write, the skill isn't in the output — it's in knowing when to step in. ## Podcast Episodes Worth Your Time --- ### [OpenClaw: The Viral AI Agent that Broke the Internet - Peter Steinberger | Lex Fridman Podcast #491](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFjfBk8HI5o&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/03/image.png) **Image Credit: Youtube* [Peter Steinberger](https://www.linkedin.com/in/steipete/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), creator of [OpenClaw,](https://openclaw.ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) spends much of this conversation tracing a line between curiosity and agency — the idea that the best things get built not because someone planned them, but because they were annoyed something didn't exist yet. OpenClaw started as a WhatsApp relay to his own computer while travelling in Marrakesh. When he accidentally sent a voice message the agent had no support for, it independently figured out the file format, found his API key, and transcribed the audio via Curl. He hadn't taught it any of that. From these humble (and surprising beginnings) what is now OpenClaw was born. The conversation gets more interesting when Steinberger describes an agent modifying its own source code — not because he programmed it to, but because it understood its own architecture well enough to rewrite itself. His distinction between agentic engineering and vibe coding runs through everything. Agentic engineering is knowing the system well enough to direct it. Vibe coding is prompting blindly and hoping. The output might look the same. The control is completely different. And that distinction maps directly onto the question this month keeps circling: as agents take on more of the work, what does the human in the loop actually need to bring? His answer, implicitly, is understanding. Not just of the task, but of the system executing it. His claim that agents will replace around 80% of existing apps lands differently when you consider he built a billion-device product from scratch. This isn't speculation from someone on the sidelines. It's pattern recognition from someone who's shipped at scale — and who can see clearly what the current tools are pointing toward. The bottleneck isn't production anymore. It's judgment. The teams that get the most from agents won't be the ones who prompt the most. They'll be the ones who understand their systems well enough to know when the agent is right, when it's wrong, and when to step in. That's the question this issue keeps returning to. The hard part was never the data centres or the compute. It's the human layer sitting on top of all of it. ## Helpful Resources: 💻 [Claude Cowork Prompt for LinkedIn hooks by Ruben Hassid](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7432756360095784960/?originTrackingId=mPezkb2COoHzA0hsl7ndJw%3D%3D&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 📝 [How to create a content IP by Brendan Hufford](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7424081706510372864/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🤖 [Best practices for creating and optimizing a Custom Agent by Notion](https://www.notion.com/help/best-practices-for-creating-and-optimizing-a-custom-agent?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 💻 [10 Claude Cowork Workflows that actually work By the AI Corner](https://www.the-ai-corner.com/p/10-claude-cowork-workflows-that-actually?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🎉 [6 months of free Notion Business for all CDH friends (T&Cs apply)](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fntn.so%2Fcremornedigitalhub%3Freferrer%3Dluma&data=05%7C02%7Cdarren%40cremornedigitalhub.com.au%7C2fb821e32fe84cabbd4408de753c0537%7C79fc27172a6549d1a9beb4bd3b670e56%7C0%7C0%7C639077097816105756%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HneR%2Fmzbubw0Pw1hnXw8abyKbfIdABLSvywfZRXCO8k%3D&reserved=0&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🎮 [Join us for Best of NVIDIA GTC — and be in the running to win a DGX Spark personal AI supercomputer](https://gtc26.cdhevents.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Inside Notion's Agent Revolution — What We Learned URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/inside-notions-agent-revolution-what-we-learned/ Last updated: 2026-03-02T08:44:50.000Z There's a version of a tech event where someone shows you a product, tells you it's the future, and leaves you with a slide deck and a promo code. Last Thursday's evening at Cremorne Digital Hub wasn't that. We had the pleasure of hosting [**Alex Dam**, Notion's APAC Startup Lead and former VC](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-th-dam/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), for a two-part evening that was equal parts practical and candid. The room was full of founders, operators, and small team leads. What followed was an hour of live demos, honest conversation, and a few genuine "wait, it can do that?" moments, before the evening opened up into something broader. Here's everything that happened — and what you can take from it. ## Part One: The Workshop Alex was hosted by [**Darren Huang, our Community and Memberships Coordinator**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenshuang/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), and we were joined by [**Tim Jeffries, Certified Notion Consultant and Founder of Smooth Ops Consulting**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/timjeffries/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), for a hands-on deep dive into Notion's new agentic AI updates. The group built a live investor CRM from scratch, using the Notion's new agent product to populate records and surface contact details in real time. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0351-1.jpg) ### From Chatbot to Custom Agent If you've used Notion AI before, you're probably familiar with the chat experience — you ask a question, and it responds based on whatever page you're on. Custom agents flip that dynamic entirely. Instead of waiting to be asked, they monitor your workspace and act autonomously based on triggers: a database property changes, a meeting ends, or a checkbox gets ticked. The analogy that resonated best in the room was this — the old model is like tapping an assistant on the shoulder every time you need something. Custom agents are like hiring someone who watches your systems, notices when something needs attention, and handles it without being asked. [Get 6 months of Notion Business here!](https://ntn.so/cremornedigitalhub?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### What We Built — and What It Takes AI is only as good as the context you give it, and in Notion, that context lives in your databases. Not spreadsheets, but smart lists that talk to each other across your workspace. A Projects database connects to Tasks, connects to Meetings, and connects to your CRM. That web of relationships is what gives an agent something real to act on. Building a live investor CRM in the room made this concrete: what might take hours of manual research was done in minutes, with the agent populating records, surfacing contacts, and flagging duplicates for human review, all from a standing start. From there, the workshop walked through how custom agents are actually configured: defining a purpose, setting permissions, choosing a trigger, and chaining multi-step instructions in sequence. A meeting processing agent, for example, reads the transcript, extracts action items, creates tasks, assigns them, and updates the relevant CRM record without anyone touching anything. The practical tip that stuck was to prompt your agent to draft its own operating instructions first. A super useful tip. ## Part Two: The Fireside Chat After the workshop wrapped, [**Alan Tsen, our General Manager**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-tsen-22742716/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), sat down with Alex for a more personal conversation. It was a chance to hear directly from someone who's sat on both sides of the table, as an investor and now as an operator, on what's actually changing, and what isn't in startup land. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/03/IMG_2793.jpeg) During the conversation, Alex spoke about why he made the move from investor to operator. Unsurprisingly, one of the major reasons he moved to the other side of the table was that he genuinely loved what Notion had built. On Notion's place in the market, two things stood out. First, the Australian expansion wasn't a top-down push. It was a response to over two million users who were already here before Notion officially launched in the market. Second, Notion deliberately chose to go beyond project management as a category by adopting a "Lego box" approach rather than a finished kit with instructions on the lid. That restraint is what keeps the platform's ceiling high, allowing users to build a product that suits their needs in a flexible way. ## Some Insights Worth Taking With You → It's harder than ever to build a successful SaaS business. The differentiator now isn't features — it's brand, content, and how you show up in the market. Building in public, creating content, owning a narrative — Alex sees this as the real moat for the next generation of SaaS companies. → AI makes it dangerously easy to hoard data nobody ever uses. Transcripts that pile up. Meeting notes that never get read. The risk isn't that AI does too little — it's that it produces *so much* that none of it gets acted on. → Australian founders move fast, think globally from day one, and carry a balance of humility and sales confidence that translates well in the US market. An underrated edge. → Enterprise search is one of the most overlooked AI use cases. The ability to instantly surface the right information from across your tools saves real time every day. Unglamorous, but compounding. → When asked for a contrarian belief, Alex said he's extremely bullish on voice dictation — *not as a future trend, but right now.* Faster, more accurate than typing, and almost nobody is using it seriously yet. ### THE BEST OF NVIDIA GTC 2026 (MELBOURNE) URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/the-best-of-nvidia-gtc-2026-melbourne/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T04:51:39.000Z Every year, NVIDIA's GTC sets the agenda for the future of AI. This year, CDH is bringing it to your doorstep. The Best of GTC 2026 (Melbourne) is a curated half-day event we'll be hosting on **Tuesday 31st March** featuring hands-on workshops, expert panels, and a GTC Watch Party to close out the day. And thanks to our friends at NVIDIA and MMT, **we're also giving away an NVIDIA DGX Spark** — a personal AI supercomputer worth thousands of dollars! [Find Out More About The Day ↗](https://gtc26.cdhevents.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) --- The Best of GTC 2026 runs across two parts — come for one, or stay for both. Whether you're a developer looking to get hands-on with NVIDIA's latest tools, or simply want to understand what the biggest AI announcements of the year mean for you, there's a place for you on the day! #### 🎫 PART 1: BUILD | 12pm – 4pm | For developers, engineers & technical founders. **🕐 12:00pm – 1:30pm** *Session 1: Accelerate Your AI Journey with NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute* Led by Luke Boyce, Solutions Architect at NVIDIA. A hands-on session covering the DLI platform — course catalogues, certification pathways, and how to find the right learning path for your goals. Bring your laptop and leave ready to build. **🕐 2:00pm – 3:00pm** *Session 2: Co-working & Connect with NVIDIA and MMT Experts* *With buffet lunch.* Explore the DLI platform at your own pace with NVIDIA experts on hand, grab lunch, and connect with local supply chain experts from MMT alongside other builders, founders, and AI enthusiasts. **🕐 3:00pm – 4:00pm** *Session 3: Introduction to the Physical AI Development Ecosystem* *Presented by MMT and Connect Tech.* Ever wondered what it actually takes to build and train an AI robot? This session covers NVIDIA's full-stack Physical AI platform — the hardware, simulation tools, AI models, and SDKs powering the next generation of robots and autonomous systems. Real-world case studies included. *Plus MMT are giving away a Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit on the day.* [Register for Part 1 ↗](https://luma.com/qluewgv1?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) --- #### 🎫 PART 2: CELEBRATE | 5:30pm – 8pm| Open to Melbourne's entire AI ecosystem. **🕐 5:30pm – 8:00pm** *GTC Watch Party with Expert Panel Discussion* This one's for everyone! Kick off the evening with drinks and networking, then settle in for something a little different. We're screening highlights from Jensen Huang's GTC keynote — the biggest AI announcements of the year — and having a panel of AI leaders break it all down live, rapid-fire. This is going to be fun! 🎤 ****Panellists include:** ****Bass Salah** (Co-CEO, Reset Data) ****Yan Chen** (CTO & Co-Founder, Andromeda Robotics) ****Christopher Bartlett** (CEO, Tapestry AI) ****Leila Oliveira** (Scouting Manager, Antler) And to close out the night — **we're announcing the winner of our NVIDIA DGX Spark live giveaway!** [Register for The GTC Watch Party ↗](https://luma.com/fefwj0p7?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) --- ## **🏆 WIN A DGX SPARK** *A Grace Blackwell AI Supercomputer — on your desk.* Thanks to NVIDIA and MMT, we're giving away an NVIDIA DGX Spark to one lucky member of our community. Here's how to enter: 1️⃣ Register your EOI → gtccomp.cdhevents.com 2️⃣ Sign up for GTC Virtual (free) and watch Jensen's keynote 3️⃣ Complete our 3-question quiz (opens 20th March, closes midnight 27th March) 4️⃣ Winner announced live on 31st March [Register Your EOI ↗](https://gtccomp.cdhevents.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) --- Spots are limited — register now for Part 1, Part 2, or both, and we'll see you on the 31st March at Cremorne Digital Hub! 🎫 ****THE BEST OF GTC 2026 (MELBOURNE)** 📅 Tuesday, 31st March 2026 🕛 12pm – 4pm (Part 1: Build) + 5:30pm – 8pm (Part 2: Celebrate) 📍 Cremorne Digital Hub, 80 Balmain St Cremorne ### Cremorne Connect: Build Smarter, Scale Faster with Notion URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-connect-build-smarter-scale-faster-with-notion/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T04:45:55.000Z **The founders winning right now? They're building different.** We're kicking off 2026 with something special - Notion is coming to CDH on **Thursday** **26th February** for a double feature event you won't want to miss! Notion's APAC Startup Lead Alex Dam is heading to the Hub to help you work smarter and scale faster - with a hands-on workshop AND a fireside chat with Alan Tsen! ### **Here's what's on:** 🔧 **PART 1: Building Your Edge - AI Workflows for Fundraising Workshop** Fundraising is a grind. What if your workflows did the heavy lifting? Build AI workflows that automate your founder fundraiser pain points. Hands-on, practical - you'll leave with tools you can use straight away. → 30 spots only. EOI required. [Click Here To Learn More and Submit Your EOI](https://luma.com/pqnz1tky?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🎤 **Fireside Chat (5:30pm):** 🎤 **PART 2: Building at Scale - Notion's Journey into APAC (Fireside Chat)** What does it take to scale across APAC - and what are the smartest founders building with right now? We sit down with Alex for an unfiltered conversation on Notion's expansion into the region, what he's learned working with startups across APAC, and how Notion is doubling down on the Australian startup ecosystem.Plus drinks, nibbles, and networking. → Open to all. [Click Here to Register](https://luma.com/mrgqeutu?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Meet our Speaker: [Alex Dam](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-th-dam/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) leads Notion's startup program across APAC, helping early-stage companies scale faster with AI-powered tools. Before Notion, he spent 3+ years as a VC Principal at Hillfarrance Venture Capital, giving him a deep understanding of what founders need to succeed. He's also part of Airtree's Explorer Cohort 9. We're thrilled to have Alex join us at the Hub to share his knowledge with our community - see you there! **Whether you're deep in a raise or just want to level up your systems - this one's for you. See you (and your workflows!) at the Hub 👊** 🎫 ****Cremorne Connect: Build Smarter, Scale Faster with Notion** ****📅** Thursday 26th February 🕘 4:30pm - 7:30pm ****💰** Free (Registration required) 🔗 Fundraising Workshop (EOI): [https://luma.com/pqnz1tky](https://luma.com/pqnz1tky?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 🔗 Fireside Chat with Alex Dam: [https://luma.com/mrgqeutu](https://luma.com/mrgqeutu?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Issue #2: Substance Over Speed URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-2-substance-over-speed/ Last updated: 2026-01-29T02:39:49.000Z ## Welcome to The Monthly Signal --- Welcome to **The Innovation Download** — a monthly read on what’s shifting in Australia’s startup and innovation ecosystem, and what it means for people building inside it. This isn’t a link dump. Each issue pulls together a small set of signals worth paying attention to, then does the harder part: translating them into practical implications for founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders. This is our **first issue for 2026**, and this month's theme feels hard to ignore: **Substance over Speed**. It’s easier to build than ever. Thanks to AI, you can prototype a product in a weekend, generate a brand in an afternoon, and spin up a pitch deck in an hour. The surface area of “done” has expanded — and so has the volume of work that looks finished but doesn’t survive contact with reality: unclear positioning, brittle systems, messy handovers, governance gaps, and experiences that feel polished until a real user tries to rely on them. Gradient AI design slop anyone? That’s why advantage is shifting. Not to the teams who can produce the most (or just the fastest), but to the ones who can turn speed into something durable: products that feel coherent, operations that run cleanly, and decisions that are obvious to the next person who has to execute them. In Australia, this compounds quickly. It’s a smaller market with long memories. Buyers are cautious, especially in enterprise and government. Credibility is earned through execution, integration, and trust. Speed still matters — but the teams that pair it with craft, clarity, and real-world rigour will keep pulling ahead. ## Stories On Our Radar --- ### [**Gen Z won’t settle for boring design. Here’s what it means for the future of work**](https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/gen-z-work-research?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **(Canva)** Canva’s research finds that most Gen Z workers prefer visual communication over text, yet many workplaces still rely heavily on written documents and linear processes. The article outlines how this mismatch affects comprehension, collaboration, and productivity, drawing on survey data and workplace examples to illustrate the gap between modern communication preferences and current organisational practices. 0:00 /0:12 1× **Video Credit: Canva* **Takeaway:** The real implication is structural, not generational. Visual communication reduces cognitive load, shortens feedback loops, and accelerates decision-making, while text-heavy systems quietly slow organisations down. Teams that treat visual thinking as a core operating capability gain speed and alignment. Those that don’t accumulate friction, misinterpretation, and delay. This is not about aesthetics. It is about how efficiently work moves from idea to execution. ### [Government's New AI Plan](https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2025/12/06/labors-new-ai-plan-puts-faith-self-regulation?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) (The Saturday Paper) The Albanese government has released its National AI Plan, pivoting Australia’s approach to artificial intelligence toward an “opportunity first” model that largely relies on self-regulation rather than a standalone AI law. The plan emphasises building an AI-enabled economy, leveraging existing consumer protection and privacy laws instead of prescribing new, overarching legal guardrails, and encouraging voluntary transparency and best practices for businesses deploying AI. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-23-130207-1-1.png) **Image Credit: @joanneryanmp on Instagram* **Takeaway:** Australia’s decision to lean on self-regulation makes it easier to build and ship AI, particularly for large companies and fast-moving teams that are comfortable operating in grey areas. By avoiding hard rules, the system prioritises speed and flexibility, but shifts responsibility away from government and onto individual organisations to decide what is acceptable. This rewards those with the resources and appetite to move first, while leaving smaller, more cautious teams waiting for norms to form. In practice, innovation accelerates, but accountability becomes uneven, defined less by law and more by who is willing to take on risk. ### [Leverage has shifted to the builder](https://www.startupdaily.net/advice/future-of-work/fastest-growing-jobs-in-2026-ais-new-roles-and-a-booming-sector/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) (Startup Daily) The roles rising fastest in Australia are not purely technical or purely creative. They sit at the intersection of capability, risk, and execution. Alongside AI engineers and directors of AI, the job market is dominated by roles responsible for regulation, safety, governance, partnerships, and delivery. Mechanical engineers, power system engineers, legal and regulatory roles, and organisational leaders feature prominently. What stands out is that as technology accelerates, so does the demand for people who can stabilise, integrate, and operationalise it. Innovation is expanding, but so is the need to manage complexity, risk, and real-world impact. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/01/JOTR-2026-1-1-1.png) **Image Credit: LinkedIn* **Takeaway:** The market has already shifted toward builders. What matters now is who can make progress safely, legally, and at scale. As tools become more powerful and accessible, value is moving away from creation alone and toward translation. It’s easy to build quickly. Much harder to integrate that work into systems organisations can actually run. Execution, governance, and integration are no longer supporting functions. They are central to growth. The future of work isn’t just about unlocking new ideas and capability. It’s about making that capability compliant and sustainable in the real world. ## Podcast Episodes Worth Your Time --- ### [Dialectic #35: Brie Wolfson - Loving Attention & Ease in Craft](https://www.dialectic.fm/brie-wolfson?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au#2df46137d58880cd9e00d4201f46675a) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2026/01/35-Brie_Wolfson-1.webp) **Image Credit: Dialectic* [**Brie Wolfson**,](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-wolfson-17758724/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) the Head of Employee Experience at[ **Cursor**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cursorai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), spends much of this conversation reflecting on the role of *craft* in building. Craft is usually associated with physical objects. A well-made chair. A solid table. Something you can inspect, feel the weight of, and trust because of the care that’s gone into it. In technology, craft is harder to point to, but no less real. It lives in how something feels to use. The clarity of an interface. The coherence of an experience. The way an article reads, an app responds, or a workflow holds together without friction. It’s not always visible, but it’s immediately felt. Brie returns to the idea that this kind of judgement can’t be rushed or outsourced. It’s developed through doing. Through iteration. Through paying attention and calibrating taste over time. Advanced tools make it easier to produce quickly, but they don’t shorten the path to discernment. If anything, the standards are raised as a result. This is where expectations often break. Moving fast is attractive, but quality product usually takes longer than you think. What's needed is often more thought. More care. More attention. Craft isn’t about slowing down. It’s about building with enough focus and patience to develop that *je ne sais quoi*. The "finger feel" of excellence that tells you something is truly well made, even if you can’t quite explain why. ## Helpful Resources: 💻 [Free Replit Vibe Coding Guide ](https://www.deeplearning.ai/short-courses/vibe-coding-101-with-replit/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 💻 [Lovable's Ultimate Prompt Guide](https://mastering-lovable.lovable.app/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 💻 [12 Rules to Vibe Code Without Frustration by Peter Yang](https://creatoreconomy.so/p/12-rules-to-vibe-code-without-frustration?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 📤 [The Ultimate Cold Email Guide for 2024 by Yurii Veremchuk](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7241787267877359616/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### 🥂 Ecosystem Networking & Founder "Asks" URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/ecosystem-networking-founder-asks/ Last updated: 2026-01-13T06:06:38.000Z Join us at the **Cremorne Digital Hub** for an evening of high-impact networking. Whether you’re a founder building the next big thing, an investor looking for talent, or an ecosystem supporter, this is the space to find your next collaborator. This isn’t just about swapping business cards. We’re carving out time for **Selected Founder Requests.** What to Expect: - **Casual Networking:** Cold drinks and warm introductions with Melbourne’s best tech minds. - **The "Request" Segment:** A few selected founders will take the floor to ask for specific help—think product beta testers, UX feedback, or niche industry intros. - **Community Spirit:** A chance to give back to the ecosystem while growing your own circle. ### The Details: 🎫 Event Details ****📍 Where:** Cremorne Digital Hub ****📅 When:** Fri 30th January 2026 (4:30pm - 6:30pm) ****💰 Cost:** Free (Registration required) **Building something?** Come prepared with your biggest challenge—you never know who’s in the room with the solution. [Apply Here](https://luma.com/hs6u8d56?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Reflecting on 2025 at Cremorne Digital Hub URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/reflecting-on-2025-at-cremorne-digital-hub/ Last updated: 2025-12-22T06:15:08.000Z As we close out 2025, it’s clear this has been a big year at Cremorne Digital Hub. One where we’ve meaningfully accelerated our goal: to be the best platform for connecting industry with Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. That focus has sharpened what we do and why we do it. And at the centre of it all has been our community, the founders, partners, and supporters who have helped turn ideas into action. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/CC-Corp-Dev-2-1.jpg) Cremorne Connect: Behind the Deal - How Corporate Development Really Works, August 2025 This year, we hosted over 120 events and welcomed more than 2,500 people through our doors. Founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders all came together to push Victoria’s innovation ecosystem forward. We hosted numerous international delegations, reinforcing CDH’s role as a global gateway to Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. Our [NEXT \[Founder Community\]](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/) has also grown to 140 members, founders who are building, scaling, and supporting each other through the challenges that come with building a startup. This year we launched NEXT \[Founder Day\], an event series designed to be an access point to the markets, talent, and capital every startup needs to scale. From our first event in April, [From Front Door To Funded](https://luma.com/qazdbial?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), to our ecosystem-focused [NEXT \[Founder Community Day\]](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7388867338600660992?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), which connected founders with organisations such as LaunchVic, Breakthrough Victoria, Euphemia, and Antler, these events have become a cornerstone of how we support founders as they scale. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/Workshop-1.jpg) NEXT \[Founder Community Day\], October 2025 We also officially launched the CDH Clubhouse, the “third space” for industry and innovators to work from. REA Group came on board alongside Versa AI as corporate members, and we welcomed our first cohort of startup members. But the Clubhouse is more than desks and meeting rooms. It includes hands-on workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and capability building designed to help industry and innovators accelerate their growth. It is shaping up to be exactly what we hoped: a value-led membership platform that meets founders and innovators where they are. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-27-1.jpg) Some of our proudest moments this year came from collaboration: - Kicking off 2025 with Melbourne’s only official [NVIDIA GTC satellite event](https://luma.com/rgmwp9o1?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) - Hosting LaunchVic’s Basecamp and CivVic Labs accelerator cohorts - Co-hosting events with Aussie Founders Club, including The Great Victorian Startup Debate and the Big Christmas Bash (if you missed it,[ check the video ](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7403599632674791424?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)and prepare for FOMO) - Hosting Artesian’s inaugural [Yield](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/artesian-capital-management%5Fagrifood-agtech-startups-activity-7402564133709111296-bZTi?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAv0YkcByZv07nQcCagdQYsW-DkxfXo82Ss) agrifood innovation summit, two days, 80+ leaders, and real conversations about Australia’s agricultural future - Working with brilliant partners like Carta, Breakthrough Victoria, The Community Collective, and more We also got out and about, from Coffee and Croissants at SXSW Sydney with FKS and The Community Collective, to judging a hackathon with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and IT, to partnering with HEX on HEXPO 2025\. Every event reinforced the same lesson: when you bring the right people together, great things happen. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/innovation-week-1.jpg) Cremorne Connect: VC Rosetta Stone - Decoding the VC Dialect (Part of Melbourne Connect Innovation Week), September 2025 ### **Looking ahead to 2026** As we head into 2026, we are kicking things off with [CDH Cowork and Connect Day](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/looking-to-start-2026-with-momentum/), a selective, application-only founder immersion day designed to help start the year with focus, momentum, and the right people around you. It’s also a chance to experience what the CDH Clubhouse can do to help startups accelerate their growth. [EOIs are open now](https://www.notion.so/2caf8c597dfa817cbb8dd8f2a6e39b04?pvs=21&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), with limited spots available. We will also be back with more of what our community loves through our 2026 event program. Expect more VC deck breakdowns with our friends at Galileo, high-value Lunch and Learn sessions from our community, stellar guests for our next Cremorne Connect, a new networking series, and much more. Make sure you are signed up to our [Luma calendar](https://luma.com/cremornedigitalhub?k=c&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) so you do not miss what we have planned for the new year. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/Resetdata-1.jpg) Australia’s Place in The Global AI Race (Presented in Partnership with Reset Data), September 2025 To everyone who walked through our doors this year, whether for the first time or the fiftieth, thank you. Your ambition, generosity, and willingness to show up for each other is what makes this community what it is. Wishing you a well-deserved break with the people who matter most. We will see you in 2026, ready to build. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/xmas-Cremorne-1.jpg) The Big Christmas Bash (Presented in Partnership with Aussie Founders Club), December 2025 ### Looking to start 2026 with momentum? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/looking-to-start-2026-with-momentum/ Last updated: 2026-01-09T03:13:03.000Z Ready to start 2026 with real momentum, not just good intentions? Join us at Cremorne Digital Hub for the CDH Cowork and Connect Day, a curated, full-day founder experience for people who are actively building and want to move with more momentum, clarity, and confidence. This isn’t a coworking trial. It’s a full day inside the CDH Clubhouse, designed for focused work and value-driven conversations. You’ll spend the day alongside serious founders who are actively building, want to move forward, and value being in a room with others who share the same mindset. Attendance is free, but places are limited and selected via expression of interest. [Apply Here](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/2caf8c597dfa817cbb8dd8f2a6e39b04?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Why Are We Hosting This? Building a startup can feel lonely, distracting, and fragmented. This day is designed to cut through that noise. It gives you dedicated time to work, space to think clearly, and access to people who genuinely understand the founder journey. ### What to expect: - We'll kick the day off with a facilitated Founder Hour, a time for founders to connect and support each other on their journey. - Mentoring from [Dan Thomas from One Clear Story ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-thomas-90282714/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)and office hours with our GM, [Alan Tsen](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-tsen-22742716/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au), an experienced ex-founder and operator. - A live VC Deck Breakdown with [Hugh Stephens from Galileo Ventures](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughstephensau/?originalSubdomain=au&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). - Finish off the day with networking drinks alongside others from the ecosystem. ### Who This Is Designed For: - Founders who are actively building a startup or scaling a product. - Builder and founders serious about progress, not just activity. - Founders who are open to contributing to the ecosystem. - Those looking for their people and a place to connect with them. ### Why CDH and Why Cremorne Cremorne is where Australian startups collide with capital, talent, and opportunity. CDH sits at the centre of this ecosystem. Connecting founders, operators, corporates, and investors through space, programs, and community. This day is your chance to experience that density, not just hear about it. 🎫 ****Event Details** ****Date**: Friday, January 30th, 2026\. ****Time**: 10.00 AM to 4.30 PM. Full-day commitment required. ****Location**: Cremorne Digital Hub - 80 Balmain St, Cremorne, VIC. ****Cost**: Free. Application required. ****Capacity**: Intentionally limited. Looking for 15-20 founders. ### How Selection Works: This is a curated event designed to bring together an aligned group of founders. Every expression of interest is reviewed to ensure the room is a good fit for everyone involved. If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation email with full details and next steps. [Apply Here](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/2caf8c597dfa817cbb8dd8f2a6e39b04?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Australian Venture in 2025: A Market Back on Its Feet — and Moving Faster Than Ever URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/australian-venture-in-2025-a-market-back-on-its-feet-and-moving-faster-than-ever/ Last updated: 2025-12-03T07:29:11.000Z If 2024 marked the slow climb out of the trough, 2025 showed us what a rebound looks like at full speed. At last night’s event — with our amazing panel, [**Thea Ngo**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theango/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **(**[**Archangel Ventures**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/archangel-ventures/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**)**, [**Mitchell Hughes**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchjhughes/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **(**[**NextGen Ventures**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextgen-ventur3s/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**)**, and [**Emma Tibballs**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmatibballs/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **(**[**Gandel Invest**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gandel-invest/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)**)** — the conversation centred on where Australian venture really sits today and the shifts reshaping how founders build and how investors back them. Across the panel, one thing was unmistakable: the market is more competitive than ever again, and the pace is only accelerating. ## **AI Fueled the Rebound — But Depth Now Matters More Than Hype** The surge in investment across 2024 and into 2025 wasn’t random. AI was the engine. Capital flowed into teams exploring new modalities, rethinking workflows, and building products that stretched beyond incremental improvements. But the panel drew a hard line:AI alone doesn’t make a company investable. The strongest businesses aren’t thin wrappers on models; they’re the ones tackling real problems with genuine depth. They build defensible technology, draw on deep domain insight, and create distribution advantages that competitors can’t simply replicate overnight. In other words, AI was the catalyst — but execution was the differentiator. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/IMG_9799-1-1.jpg) ## **Australian Founders Aren’t Waiting Anymore — They’re Going Global Earlier** One of the clearest shifts of the past year is how early Australian startups are entering global markets. This isn’t a “post-Series A” decision anymore. Founders are now going overseas a lot earlier. This early push is reshaping the ecosystem in meaningful ways. Rounds are forming sooner, global investors are appearing earlier in the pipeline, and local VCs are being forced to move faster and build conviction far earlier than before. The overall bar for ambition has lifted, and founders are responding by operating with a sharper pace and a much broader horizon. ## **Pre-Seed Became a Knife-Edge Competitive Stage** With founders accelerating their timelines, investors have followed. Pre-seed and seed rounds in 2025 were getting more competitive according to the panelists. They were contested spaces where funds had to show more than capital to earn a place at on the captable. It’s no longer enough to be early. You need to be show conviction and more importantly value. ## **Resilience: The Quiet Signal That Still Predicts Outcomes** Amidst all the noise — AI breakthroughs, global expansion, competitive rounds — one theme continued to anchor the discussion: **founder mentality**. The panel emphasised that the founders who broke through this year were the ones who: - stayed grounded through uncertainty - used capital with discipline - held conviction in their direction - didn’t get distracted by the noise In a year defined by speed, resilience still separated the durable from the fleeting companies. ## **A Contrarian View: Fundraising Might Be Easier Than We Pretend** One of the night’s boldest points came from Thea, who argued that fundraising can be one of the easiest problems for the right founder to solve. Her reasoning was simple: When a founder is exceptional — sharp insight, strong execution, clear ambition — their incentives naturally align with investors. The money follows. It’s a refreshing counterpoint in a market that often treats fundraising as a barrier rather than a by-product of building something compelling. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/IMG_4318-1.jpg) ## **Onwards and Upwards** It feels less like a return to 2021 and more like the start of a new cycle — one driven by depth, speed, and ambition rather than exuberance. Australian venture didn’t just rebound.It's levelled up. ### Cremorne Connect: The Year That Was in Australian Venture Capital URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/cremorne-connect-the-year-that-was-in-australian-venture-capital/ Last updated: 2025-11-20T05:07:39.000Z 🗓**Tuesday 2 December**​ 🕘**5:30pm – 7:30pm**​ 📍**Cremorne Digital Hub, 80 Balmain Street, Cremorne**​ 🔗**Register Here:** [https://luma.com/h6qi7rln](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick.convertkit-mail2.com%2Fqdun53g22vu7h4n8edoulh82dzdkki4h869mr%2Fl2hehmhl676v0rc6%2FaHR0cHM6Ly9sdW1hLmNvbS9oNnFpN3Jsbg%3D%3D&data=05%7C02%7Crochelle%40cremornedigitalhub.com.au%7C6b7700e43e154f667ad608de227a7842%7C79fc27172a6549d1a9beb4bd3b670e56%7C0%7C0%7C638986106573686760%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Qay%2FvTE%2BQR6yRJ6gK4AT20%2FQfMP2RsDAyBDm4TtKqps%3D&reserved=0&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)​ 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. 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! **Our Speakers: *More to be announced soon!*** [Thea Ngo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theango/?originalSubdomain=au&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) \- Investment Analyst, [Archangel](https://www.archangel.vc/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) 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](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchjhughes/?originalSubdomain=au&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) \- Founder, [Nextgen Ventures](https://www.nextgenventures.com.au/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). 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](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmatibballs/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) \- Investment Analyst, [Gandel Invest](https://www.gandelinvest.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ​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. **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. [Click here to register ](https://luma.com/h6qi7rln?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Has Melbourne Lost Its Spark? Reflections from The Great Victorian Startup Debate URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/has-melbourne-lost-its-spark-reflections-from-the-great-victorian-startup-debate/ Last updated: 2025-12-23T03:09:50.000Z On Thursday night, we decided to stop speculating and start talking. Cremorne Digital Hub partnered with Aussie Founders Club to host The Great Victorian Startup Debate—bringing together some of the ecosystem's most influential voices for an honest, unfiltered conversation about where we stand, what we're getting right, and what needs to change. The room was packed. The panel was stacked: Kate Cornick (LaunchVic), Paul Naphtali (Rampersand), Garry Williams (Group Group), Jodie Imam (Tractor Ventures), and Andrew Rowse (City of Melbourne). And moderator Megan Luttrell (Aussie Founders Club) wasn't here for surface-level answers. ## **The Numbers Don't Lie** Let's start with the data, because perception and reality don't always match. Kate opened with a reality check: "Back in 2016 when we began, \[the ecosystem\] was $5 billion and 1,000 startups. Today there are 4,300 startups and we're valued at $146 billion." That's 26x growth in valuation. By any measure, that's momentum. But Kate also acknowledged the gap: "If we want to get to those top ecosystems, we've got to be worth about $600 billion. So we've got quite a long way to grow in maturity." Translation? We're growing—but we're not done yet. ## **The Conversations That Needed to Happen** Then came the moment that got the room buzzing. Paul Naphtali didn't hold back: "Melbourne is the only place in the world that's still talking about COVID." His message? "Let's draw a f\*\*\*\*ing line under it and move on." It landed. Hard. Because he's right—while other cities have moved forward, Melbourne has stayed stuck in the past, using it as a reference point instead of chapter we've closed. Garry Williams brought another uncomfortable truth to the table: "We've got a 20% productivity gap at the moment. It's called Fridays. Can we just get back to work and do our stuff?" ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/11/IMG_0199.jpg) The point wasn't about working harder for the sake of it—it was about ambition. About hunger. About showing up with the same intensity that ecosystems in Sydney, San Francisco, and Singapore bring every day. Andrew Rowse put it bluntly: "Melbourne produces 40% of the country's high-quality research and we do so little with it." He called out our tall poppy syndrome—the cultural tendency to downplay success instead of celebrating it—and imagined a future where "we see innovators and researchers celebrated like sports figures." And Jodie Imam delivered perhaps the most provocative take of the night: "If you're a founder and you think you have to rely on an ecosystem or the government to help you, then you're probably not going to be successful. Founders need to just make opportunity happen." ## **So, Who's Responsible?** When Megan asked the panel who needs to step up to build a better ecosystem, the answers were varied—but the message was consistent: *everyone*. Paul argued that government has a "fundamentally critical role to play," but that it's on the tech sector to educate them and make the case. Kate pushed back gently: "Ideas have to come from the community first—government backs great ideas, but if people aren't bringing them forward, where do you back?" Andrew pointed to infrastructure gaps like Fishermans Bend and called for stronger government leadership on big, strategic projects. Garry circled back to education, advocating for in-person, industry-led training models to close the talent gap. But perhaps the most powerful moment came when Paul said: "Stop caring about keeping people here. Start here, grow here, sell where the customers are, and come back as boomerangs to reinvest." It reframed the entire conversation. Melbourne doesn't need to compete with Sydney or San Francisco—it needs to be the best place to *start*, even if founders eventually scale elsewhere. ## **What Happens Next?** The debate didn't end with easy answers, and that's exactly the point. Real progress doesn't come from consensus—it comes from tension, from honest conversations, and from people willing to call out what's not working while championing what is. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/11/IMG_0198.jpg) What became clear is that Melbourne has the ingredients: world-class research, strong government programs like LaunchVic, The Cremorne Digital Hub and Breakthrough Victoria, affordable talent, and a tight-knit community. We just need to get better at being loud about it, ambitious with it, and relentless in building on it. ## **Making It Happen** A night like this doesn't come together without incredible people showing up and leaning in. Huge thanks to Megan Luttrell and Aussie Founders Club for co-creating this event and moderating with the perfect mix of curiosity and courage. Megan's ability to pull the best out of people while keeping the conversation sharp is exactly why she's become such a cornerstone of this ecosystem. To our panelists—Kate, Paul, Garry, Jodie, and Andrew—thank you for bringing bold perspectives, honest takes, and the kind of energy that reminded everyone why this work matters. A massive shout-out to Katie Troutman and FB Ventures for sponsoring the event and for backing Melbourne's ecosystem in such a tangible way. If you haven't checked out their new fund yet, it's worth your attention. Thanks also to Marty McCarthy Media for capturing the night, and to Deepak Singh, Liz, and Felicia Coco for helping make sure everything ran smoothly. And of course, to our CDH team—Alan Tsen, Tristan Dwyer, and Des—for bringing this vision to life. As the night wrapped up and the crowd moved into networking, you could feel it—the energy, the momentum, the sense that something is shifting. Melbourne's spark isn't lost. It's just waiting for more people to show up, speak up, and build something worth celebrating. At Cremorne Digital Hub, we're here to keep these conversations going—and to provide the space where industry, innovators, and ideas collide. *The Great Victorian Startup Debate was presented by Cremorne Digital Hub and Aussie Founders Club, sponsored by FB Ventures, and supported by LaunchVic.* ### Connecting Victoria’s Startup Ecosystem: Reflections from [NEXT]Founder Community Day URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/connecting-victorias-startup-ecosystem-reflections-from-next-founder-community-day/ Last updated: 2025-10-31T06:15:38.000Z Victoria’s startup ecosystem is thriving, but for founders, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. It’s something I hear time and time again: *“There’s so much out there – accelerators, investors, programs, networks – but which one’s right for me?”* It’s a good challenge to have. Victoria is home to one of the most vibrant and well-supported startup ecosystems in Australia, with an incredible mix of government programs, venture funds, accelerators, and founder communities. But the sheer range of options can make it difficult for founders to find the right path for their stage of growth. That’s exactly why we hosted the \[NEXT\]Founder Community Day at Cremorne Digital Hub — to help founders cut through the noise, connect directly with the people behind the programs, and walk away with practical insight into how to access the right support at the right time. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/IMG_1073-1.jpg) The LaunchVic team sharing all the amazing programmes they run and support ### A Day of Connection and Clarity We kicked off the day with an energising Founder Circle led by Desmond John, where founders spoke openly about the realities of scaling a startup while staying true to their values. It set the tone for the day — honest, thoughtful, and focused on community as much as capital. From there, we heard from some of Victoria’s leading ecosystem partners, including LaunchVic, Breakthrough Victoria, Euphemia, Antler, and Aussie Founders Club. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/IMG_1081.jpg) Megan sharing the story behind Aussie Founder Club. Each shared invaluable advice – from choosing the right accelerator to understanding investor expectations, refining storytelling, and navigating early-stage fundraising. The sessions were practical, interactive, and full of the kind of insights that come from real experience. ### The Startup Network Pitch Night: Energy, Insight, and Big Ideas To wrap up the day, we hosted in collaboration with The Startup Network their final Pitch Night of 2025 — and it did not disappoint. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-98.jpg) The room was packed with founders, investors, and supporters, all there to celebrate the ideas shaping the next wave of innovation in Victoria. The atmosphere captured what our ecosystem does best: founders showing up with bold ideas, investors leaning in, and a community cheering on their progress. The founders delivered high-quality pitches from right across the fintech spectrum: - Nichola Patterson – Billie Loans - Kian Jackson – Frontcover - Ishan Dan – RegenX ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-72.jpg) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-77.jpg) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-91.jpg) Kian Jackson from Frontcover, Ishan Dan of RegenX and Nichola Patterson of Billie Loans presenting their pitches. Congratulations to RegenX, winner of *People’s Choice*, and Frontcover, winner of *Judges’ Choice*. A huge thank you to our judging panel — Leila Oliveira (Antler), Kyle Austin (Triple Bubble), and Tony Hood (William Buck) — and to our surprise guest, Dom Pym, co-founder of Up Bank, who joined us for an impromptu fireside chat. Dom shared candid lessons from his journey building and backing some of Australia’s most successful startups, offering founders honest reflections on what it takes to build something enduring. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Cremorne-Digital-Hub-107.jpg) Dom Pym providing insights from his journey to the founders in the room. As I said on the night, it takes real courage to pitch to a packed room. Every founder who stepped up contributed to the energy that makes this community special. ### Why Events Like This Matter Days like these remind me why Victoria’s ecosystem is so unique. It’s not just the depth of programs and funding available, but the openness and generosity of the people who make it all work. When we bring founders, investors, and partners together in the same room – to share, collaborate, and support one another – that’s when real momentum builds. At Cremorne Digital Hub, we’re proud to help make those connections happen and to keep growing the networks that power Victoria’s innovation economy. ✋ ****Join the Clubhouse** If you’re a founder building something new and want to connect with other innovators, investors, and partners across Victoria’s ecosystem, the ****CDH Clubhouse** is where those conversations start. [Join the CDH Clubhouse](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/) → ### Artificial Intelligence Policies URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/courses/artificial-intelligence-policies/ Last updated: 2025-10-22T00:58:03.000Z **Description** Learn the importance of factoring artificial intelligence into policy design and implementation **Learning outcomes** By the end of this Melbourne MicroCert, you'll be able to: - Critically discuss and analyse social and ethical concerns of AI and automation and the implications for policy - Assess and critique AI policies, initiatives and strategies from leading global frameworks and workplaces **Study mode** Online - Facilitated and Self-paced **Study load** This course runs over six weeks, including four weeks of teaching and two weeks to complete the final assessment. Your total time commitment is approximately 42 hours, which includes: - 6 hours guided learning - 16 hours independent study - 20 hours assessment **Entry level** Foundational **Potential job outcomes** This course is ideal for working professionals who want to understand how their industries may be impacted by technology – and how they can future-proof their skillsets. It's particularly valuable for women who want to upskill to ensure they succeed in their professions now and into the future. There are no eligibility requirements. [Enrol](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/) ### [NEXT] Founder Community Day URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/next-founder-community-day/ Last updated: 2025-10-21T05:05:50.000Z ​***Your compass to navigating Victoria's startup ecosystem*** ​**Day**: Tuesday, 28th October **Time**: 9:00am – 5:00pm **Where**: Cremorne Digital Hub ​Melbourne's startup ecosystem is bursting with support for founders, accelerators, government programmes, investors, and community builders. But knowing who does what (and when to reach out) can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. ​\[NEXT\] Founder Community Day brings the ecosystem to you. ​Spend the day at Cremorne Digital Hub meeting the organisations that can actually help you move forward. From early-stage validation to scaling challenges, funding pathways to market access, hear directly from the people behind Victoria's most valuable founder resources.​ ​Each session cuts through the noise: ✅ **Who they are** – no jargon, just clarity ​✅ **How they help founders** – real support, not just theory ​✅ **When to reach out** – so you know exactly when to make the call ​✅ **Actionable insights** – take away something you can use immediately ​Whether you're pre-revenue or scaling fast, wrestling with product-market fit or planning your next raise, this is your chance to understand the ecosystem landscape and connect with the people who can help you succeed! ​**The day includes:** - ​Founder circles to share challenges and learn from peers - ​Sessions with ecosystem leaders - ​Live deck breakdown with **Antler's Leila Oliveira & Alan Tsen** – watch real pitches get honest VC feedback in real-time ​Then stick around: The programming leads straight into [The Start Up Network Pitch Night](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fintech-pitch-night-tickets-1089436557069?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) at 6:30pm – see founders pitch live, meet investors, and keep the momentum going over drinks. ​Spots are limited. RSVP now to map your ecosystem advantage! **Agenda** 10:00am - 10:45am - **Session 1: Founder Circle with Desmond John** Start the day connecting with fellow founders. Share challenges, swap insights, and hear what support others are tapping into across the ecosystem. 11:00am - 11:45am - **Session 2: Ecosystem partner session: LaunchVic with Josh Lipscombe & Elle Phillips** 12:30pm - 1:15pm - **Session 3: Breakthrough Victoria Ecosystem partner session: Nazieh Fazli** 1:30pm - 2:15pm - **Session 4:** **Aussie Founders Club Ecosystem partner session: Megan Lutrell** 2:30pm - 3:30pm - **Session 5:** **Deck Breakdown with Antler Leila Oliveira & Alan Tsen** Watch real pitch decks get broken down live. Hear honest VC feedback and see the decision-making process in action. [Register for the event](https://luma.com/025h3r1v?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### VC Deck Breakdown: with Galileo Ventures URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/vc-deck-breakdown-with-galileo-ventures/ Last updated: 2025-10-20T05:38:55.000Z **When:** Wednesday 29 October1 **Time:** 2:00 pm - 1:00 pm AEDT What really goes through a VC’s mind when they see your pitch deck? What makes them lean in… or tune out? ​Join us for a rare behind-the-scenes session with [**James Alexander**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesalexandersydney/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **from Galileo Ventures** as he breaks down real founder decks live. You’ll see exactly how investors think, what they notice first, and the red flags that can kill your pitch in seconds. ​Expect unfiltered feedback and a chance to watch the VC decision-making process in action, no sugar-coating, just honest insights you can apply to your own deck. ​👉 Founders are also invited to **submit their pitch deck** to be reviewed in this session. Get direct insights that could change how you pitch forever. [Submit your deck here](https://acute-magazine-949.notion.site/234f8c597dfa8100bd03c13df54bc83f?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). ​This event is exclusive to the Cremorne Digital Hub NEXT \[COMMUNITY\] for High Growth Founders. ​🎤 **Share your Questions in Slack** ​Do you have a question for James? As part of our CDH Founder Community, you’ll be able to share your pitch questions in Slack. ​Not in slack? Join [here](https://join.slack.com/t/cdhcommunity/shared%5Finvite/zt-36pyysnra-wRd4ldhw6cS9zGCoOqH4tQ?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). [Register for the event](https://luma.com/d6atsmrb?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Get Involved! URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-10-17T04:50:42.000Z Whether you’re a **startup looking to scale**, a **corporate searching for innovative solutions**, or an **investor wanting access to deal flow**, CDH is your entry point into Victoria’s most active innovation ecosystem. [Join Us Today](#/portal/signup/free) ### Join the Clubhouse URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:53:28.000Z Be part of Victoria’s most connected innovation community. Choose a membership that fits how you work — and who you want to work with. **Memberships start at $300 per month.** [Apply for Membership](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1e4f8c597dfa803182dbee4ea99290e7?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Built for Innovators URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T02:15:02.000Z At the Clubhouse, ambition meets community. It’s where Australia’s most driven founders, investors, and industry leaders gather to share ideas, form partnerships, and turn vision into impact — all from the heart of Victoria’s tech precinct. - **Founders** looking to grow their network and connect with capital and talent. - **Investors** seeking early access to high-potential startups. - **Corporate Innovators** exploring partnerships and new ideas. ### More Than a Membership URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T02:07:41.000Z At CDH, you’re part of a network — not just a space. The Clubhouse connects you to the people and opportunities shaping Australia’s innovation landscape. - Based in Cremorne’s tech heartland - Curated introductions and events - Backed by Victoria’s leading innovation ecosystem players ### Membership That Works Like You Do URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T02:03:12.000Z ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/desk.svg) #### ****Access to the Hub** Work from our premium space in Cremorne’s tech precinct. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/handshake.svg) #### Connections That Count Meet founders, corporates, and investors through curated events. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/user-list.svg) #### Member-Only Sessions Roundtables, briefings, and community gatherings. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/call-bell.svg) #### Priority Access Early access to CDH programs and events. ### A Community for Builders and Innovators URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T01:58:00.000Z The Clubhouse is more than a workspace — it’s where Melbourne’s innovation ecosystem comes together. Our members include founders, operators, investors, and corporate leaders who believe in building what’s next. Whether you’re scaling a startup, exploring partnerships, or just want to be part of a community that *gets it*, the Clubhouse gives you a front-row seat to Victoria’s tech ecosystem. ### Where Innovation Meets Community URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:50:16.000Z The Clubhouse is CDH’s membership community — a space built for founders, investors, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and create the future together. [Join the Clubhouse](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1e4f8c597dfa803182dbee4ea99290e7?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Ready to Land & Expand in Australia? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:59:00.000Z Whether you’re exploring market entry or ready to scale locally, CDH can help you find the right path. [Book a Discovery Call](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/28bf8c597dfa8040a284c375793db5ea?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Expand with the Right Partner URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T01:29:49.000Z Cremorne Digital Hub is Victoria’s home for innovation — connecting startups, corporates, and investors. We sit at the centre of Melbourne’s tech precinct, giving you direct access to the people and partners who matter. - Backed by leading companies, universities and government - Part of a connected network of partners - Proven track record supporting high-growth ventures ### Ready to Build What’s Next? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:57:16.000Z Let’s talk about how we can help you explore new opportunities, connect with startups, or bring your innovation strategy to life. [Connect with us to learn more](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/287f8c597dfa808f947ef6578cc6c451?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Corporate Innovation, Built for Impact URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-10-09T05:14:05.000Z Our team works with partners to design and deliver initiatives that fit their business needs and strategic priorities. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/person-simple-run.svg) #### Innovation Sprints Rapidly test and validate new ideas with cross-functional teams and startup partners. **From concept to prototype in weeks, not months.* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/building-office.svg) #### Corporate Challenges Co-develop real solutions to defined business problems with startups and researchers. **We handle scouting, selection, and facilitation.* ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/airplane-takeoff.svg) #### Accelerator & Pilot Programs Run structured innovation programs that build partnerships and deliver commercial outcomes. **Engage with top startups ready to deploy in enterprise environments.* ### We Help Corporates Innovate Smarter URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-10-09T05:08:03.000Z At CDH, we help corporates move beyond strategy decks and innovation theatre. Our programs are designed to turn ideas into outcomes — connecting you with cutting-edge startups, researchers, and emerging technologies that deliver measurable business impact. Whether you’re exploring new technology applications, building your innovation capability, or looking to engage directly with startups, we’ll help you design and execute the right approach. ### Your Innovation Gateway URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T04:31:19.000Z Cremorne Digital Hub sits at the centre of Victoria’s technology precinct — connecting corporates, startups, investors, and researchers. We bring together the right partners, networks, and execution capability to make innovation work in practice. [Connect with us to learn more](https://acute-magazine-949.notion.site/287f8c597dfa808f947ef6578cc6c451?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Unlock Innovation Through Collaboration URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:57:00.000Z Partner with Cremorne Digital Hub to accelerate innovation inside your organisation. We connect you with the right startups, talent, and ideas to turn challenges into opportunities. [Explore Partnership Opportunities](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/287f8c597dfa808f947ef6578cc6c451?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Ready to Be Part of It? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:49:25.000Z Joining the CDH Community is simple. Tell us a bit about who you are and what you’re building — we’ll take it from there. Once approved, you’ll get access to events, introductions, and community opportunities tailored to your journey. [Apply to Join the Community](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1e4f8c597dfa803182dbee4ea99290e7?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Who Should Join? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T01:43:37.000Z The CDH Community brings together the people shaping the next generation of innovation — from founders building the future, to the operators and investors who make it possible. Whether you’re starting up, scaling fast, or looking to connect with emerging talent and ideas, there’s a place for you here. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/12.png) #### Founders From pre-seed to Series B. [Connect with other founders](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/16.png) #### Operators Builders and team members scaling innovation. [Build your network](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/17.png) #### Investors & Partners Those backing and enabling Australia’s next wave of startups. [Meet founders and investors](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Why Join the CDH Community? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-10-07T07:24:49.000Z ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/ticket-1.svg) #### Access to Events Invitations to founder firesides, workshops, and community meetups. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/users-four.svg) #### ****Support Network** Tap into an ecosystem that helps startups grow faster. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/eye.svg) #### ****Visibility** Be featured across CDH’s network and community channels. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/chalkboard-teacher.svg) #### Learning Opportunities Workshops on scaling, fundraising, and leadership. ### What is the CDH Community? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-11-12T22:32:38.000Z The CDH Community is a network of founders, operators, investors, and industry leaders who are driving innovation across Victoria’s technology precinct. Whether you’re scaling a startup, exploring partnerships, or investing in the next big idea, CDH is where ideas meet opportunity. [Apply to join the community](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Connect. Collaborate. Grow. URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/ Last updated: 2025-11-12T22:34:00.000Z Be part of Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. Join a community of founders, operators, investors, and industry partners building what’s next — together at Cremorne Digital Hub. - Built for Builders - Connected by Purpose - Powered by CDH [Join the Community](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) [Learn More About CDH](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/) ### Host Your Next Event At Victoria’s Home of Innovation URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-11-06T02:40:35.000Z Whether it’s a workshop, board meeting, or product launch, CDH offers flexible, tech-enabled spaces designed to impress. Book your space today and bring your event to life in the heart of Cremorne. - Great modern facilities - Competitive pricing for premium events - Access to the startup ecosystem [Enquire Now →](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f5f8c597dfa807c9cd2ed471a00595c?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Frequently Asked Questions URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-10-07T06:47:43.000Z #### Can you manage my event end-to-end? Yes — our team can organise everything from concept to execution. Whether you’re hosting a workshop, panel, or launch, we’ll manage planning, logistics, AV setup, catering coordination, and on-site support so you can focus on your guests and content. #### What types of events can I host at CDH? Our flexible spaces are designed for a range of events including workshops, presentations, networking sessions, product launches, and corporate meetings. Each space can be configured to suit your format and audience size. #### What facilities and technology are included? All event bookings include access to in-built AV and hybrid presentation capabilities, high-speed internet, digital lecterns, handheld and lapel microphones, and hybrid Zoom streaming setups — ensuring your event runs seamlessly both in-person and online. #### Do you provide catering or can I bring my own? Catering can be organised through our preferred suppliers, or you can coordinate your own using our on-site commercial kitchen facilities. Our team can assist with recommendations and logistics. #### What is the venue capacity? Our main event space accommodates up to 80 guests seated or 100 standing for networking. The workshop space can host 24–40 people depending on configuration, and the boardroom fits up to 12 participants. #### Where is CDH located and how accessible is it? We’re located at ****80 Balmain Street, Cremorne**, in the heart of Victoria’s technology precinct. The venue offers street-level wheelchair access, is close to Richmond and East Richmond stations, and surrounded by cafés, bars, and parking options. #### What support is available on the day? Our events team provides hands-on support before and during your event — including setup, technical checks, and assistance with guest flow or AV troubleshooting. #### How do I book or check availability? Submit an enquiry via our [booking form](https://acute-magazine-949.notion.site/1f5f8c597dfa807c9cd2ed471a00595c?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) or contact us directly at events@cremornedigitalhub.com.au. We’ll confirm availability, provide a quote, and help tailor the space to your needs. ### Interactive Workshop Space & Boardroom URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-11-17T02:05:00.000Z Our venue also features a workshop space ideal team workshops, and training sessions and is easily configured with multiple set up options to fit 24, 40 or 50 people. The 12 person boardroom is deal for high-level meetings, with in-built video conference facilities. [Download the brochure](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsuDNPh0I/8QO5v2YzMxLiq1brzk2lTg/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAGsuDNPh0I&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=he822e1ae9a) ### Flexible Event Space URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-11-12T22:37:30.000Z Our facilities include a flexible event space, which includes a foyer/reception and presentation areas. Inbuilt AV + Hybrid capabilities (Zoom). A separate commercial kitchen for catering. Disability access (Street-level). Perfect for large presentations, workshops, and networking events. [Find out more](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsuDNPh0I/8QO5v2YzMxLiq1brzk2lTg/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAGsuDNPh0I&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=he822e1ae9a) ### Why host your next event at CDH? URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-10-07T04:29:41.000Z #### PRIME LOCATION Situated in the heart of Cremorne, Victoria’s tech innovation precinct, our venue offers: - Wheelchair access - Proximity to public transport - Modern, professional environment #### STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES Our venues are equipped with: - Modern presentation technology - Hybrid event capabilities - Flexible space configurations - High-speed internet connectivity #### NETWORK ACCESS Leverage the power of CDH’s extensive network: - Cross-promotion opportunities - Access to industry leaders - Connection to innovation partners - Amplification through CDH channels ### How We Support URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T01:13:38.000Z The CDH Landing Pad platform is designed to support companies as they land in the Australian market. We provide support for companies looking to succeed in the Australian market. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/users-three--1-.svg) #### Customers We can support connectivity to customers through our network and also provide support for expanding your sales function locally. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/rocket-launch--1-.svg) #### Community We help you connect with the local startup ecosystem to support your journey, which is what we do through our events and community. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/plugs-1.svg) #### Talent Landing in a new market is hard. Finding the talent you need to succeed can be challenging. We can support you through our network of operators and executives. ### The Cremorne Digital Hub Landing Pad URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T01:33:47.000Z The CDH Landing Pad gives international startups an unfair advantage when expanding into Australia. We combine deep market insight, curated introductions, and ongoing local support — helping you validate, connect, and scale faster. - Customers - Connections - Capital ### Experience Our Venue URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-10-07T00:58:47.000Z Our new, state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Cremorne, Victoria’s tech innovation precinct, is equipped with cutting-edge presentation technology, hybrid event capabilities, high-speed internet, and flexible space configurations. Our expert events team can provides: - end-to-end planning; - technical support; - on-site assistance; and - connectivity into the Victorian innovation ecosystem. ### Brands We've Worked With URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-09-22T04:07:39.000Z Trusted by some of the best brands for events ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/Logos.png) #### Nvidia ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/LogosCarta.png) #### Carta ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/LV-LOGO-1.png) #### LaunchVic ### Host Your Next Event At CDH URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/events/ Last updated: 2025-11-06T02:43:25.000Z Discover the brand-new premier venue for innovation and collaboration in victoria’s technology precinct. secure your booking. [Secure your Booking](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f5f8c597dfa807c9cd2ed471a00595c?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) [Learn More](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsuDNPh0I/8QO5v2YzMxLiq1brzk2lTg/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAGsuDNPh0I&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=he822e1ae9a) ### CDH Insights URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-09-17T05:02:04.000Z Insights, analysis, and perspectives from Victoria’s innovation ecosystem. Stay informed on the trends shaping startups, corporates, and technology. ### Issue #1: From startup launches to corporate acquisitions URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-1-from-startup-launches-to-corporate-acquisitions/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T05:20:02.000Z ## What's New In Corporate Innovation? --- **Acquisitions, partnerships, and key insights from the innovation ecosystem** > REA Group doubles down on investment in 3D Proptech Startup - REA Group increased its stake in IMMERSIV, building on its initial investment from October 2024. - The deal aims to help IMMERSIV scale teams in Melbourne and Sydney, enhance AI-driven 3D production, and support international expansion. The size of the investment was not disclosed. [Read the article](https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/asx/rea-group-doubles-down-on-3d-proptech-upping-stake-in-immersiv/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Anthropic pitches new financial services AI after CBA partnership - Anthropic launches Claude 4 tools aimed at financial services, claiming advanced modelling, due diligence, and rapid, “institutional‑quality” analysis using trusted data sources like Morningstar and PitchBook. - Backed by Commonwealth Bank partnership and endorsement, reflecting growing sector adoption of AI beyond traditional uses such as fraud prevention and chatbots. - Counterpoint: Open‑source enterprise AI is rising; startup New Dialogue touts Llama/Mistral-based, data-sovereign alternatives to proprietary “black‑box” systems for internal financial analysis and cost‑saving. [Read the article](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/anthropic-launches-financial-services-claude-model-commonwealth-bank/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Other news:** > Australian Unity to acquire Plena Healthcare from Zenitas for $70m - **Australian Unity** will acquire **Plena Healthcare** from Zenitas for **$70m**, paid in two tranches (**$45m now**, balance in February 2026), to expand mobile allied health within its Home Health division. - Post-ACCC clearance, the merged operations will employ **6,700+ staff**, deliver **\~4.5m care hours** to **160,000+ customers** annually, aiming to build a leading integrated healthcare provider. [Read the article](https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/australian-unity-to-acquire-plena-healthcare-from-zenitas-for--70m.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Wealth manager Insignia Financial agrees to $3.3 billion buyout from CC Capital - **Deal terms:** CC Capital to acquire Insignia Financial for **$3.3b** at **$4.80/share**—a **56.9% premium** to the pre-bid price—with implementation targeted for **H1 2026** pending shareholder and regulatory approvals (APRA, FIRB, ACCC). - **Context and rationale:** After Bain and Brookfield exited the bidding, Insignia’s board unanimously recommends the offer, citing eight prior indicative bids, CC’s due diligence, market volatility, and Insignia’s scale (**$330b FUM/FUA**) alongside recent **2.6%** quarterly growth and **$2.1b** net inflows. [Read the article](https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/wealth-manager-insignia-financial-agrees-to--3-3-billion-buyout-from-cc-capital.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## What's new Startup World? --- Key developments, funding rounds, and launches from the Australian startup ecosystem. > LaunchVic backs new VC funds and startup programs with $3.75M boost - $3.75m investment: LaunchVic is funding seven new VC funds ($2.1m total, $300k each) expected to raise $275m+ for local startups, plus backing student pre-accelerators at ACU, Deakin, Federation, and La Trobe ($1.45m) and Aussie Founders Club events ($200k). - Ecosystem lift focus: Strengthens early-stage capital, university entrepreneurship for 90,000+ students, and grassroots community, aiming for a whole-of-ecosystem boost across seed to Series A. [Read the article](https://launchvic.org/announcements/launchvic-backs-new-vc-funds-and-startup-programs-with-3-75m-boost/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Airtree’s Fund V: $650m to back Aussie and Kiwi founders from idea to global household name - Airtree launches Fund V: $650m split into a $250m Seed fund and $400m Growth fund to back ANZ software/AI founders from idea to global scale, with over 50% of the fund from tier‑one global institutions. - Focus remains on leading early (seed/pre‑seed), concentrated portfolios, deep founder support, and capacity to double down at growth. [Read the article](https://www.airtree.vc/open-source-vc/introducing-airtree-fund-v?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Other news:** > AI customer support startup Lorikeet has now raised $75 million in just 10 months - Series A and backers: Lorikeet raised US$35m (A$54m) led by QED, with Blackbird, Square Peg, Skip Capital, plus Capital49, Operator Partners, Airtree, Athletic Ventures also participating; notable angels include Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht. - Lorikeet is an AI support “concierge” that resolve complex issues end‑to‑end across chat, email, and voice; emphasis on regulated sectors and real problem resolution. [Read the article](https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/ai-customer-support-startup-lorikeet-has-now-raised-75-million-in-just-10-months/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Everlab raises $15 million to fight disease in ‘healthy’ people - Everlab raised $15m seed (led by Left Lane Capital) to expand clinics, teams, and AI infrastructure; claims tens of thousands on the waitlist and targets 20x growth this year. - They blend AI-driven analysis with full-body diagnostics (DEXA, CGM, VO2, advanced biomarkers) to centralise decades of health data and deliver personalized preventive interventions, with memberships at $3,000 (full) and $1,500 (diagnostic). - To date they've processed over 1,000,000 biomarkers; about 25% abnormal and 2.5% uncovering serious conditions; positions metabolic health as the core of chronic disease and aims for global rollout from Australia. [Read the article](https://www.forbes.com.au/covers/entrepreneurs/everlab-raised-15-million-to-fight-disease-in-healthy-people/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **What's new at CDH?** --- We've just launched our new startup membership program - workspace, exclusive events, and community to help you build your startup. [**Apply today!**](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hY3V0ZS1tYWdhemluZS05NDkubm90aW9uLnNpdGUvMjNmZjhjNTk3ZGZhODA2M2FlZWFjZGIwMmU1YjhmYTA%5FcHZzPTEwNQ==?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)​ Interested in Corporate Development? Tomorrow at Cremorne Connect: How to turn corporate development conversations into real deals, with insights from leaders from REA and Car Group. [**Register now!**](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdS5tYS90ZjNzYjQxZg==?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Helping to Power Victoria's Innovation Ecosystem URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T03:22:00.000Z #### 200+ Events #### 120+ Startup Community Members #### $20m In capital catalysed ### Our Platform URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-10-17T05:05:54.000Z The Cremorne Digital Hub platform for driving innovation ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/WILLEM_MADEFOR_CDH-10-small.jpg) #### Clubhouse A premium third space for innovators. Work, connect, and grow alongside Victoria’s most active community of founders, investors, and industry leaders. [Join the Clubhouse](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/clubhouse/) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/IMG_3251--2--1.webp) #### Events From flagship gatherings like TechWeek to tailored corporate workshops, our events create visibility, learning, and genuine connections across the ecosystem. [Explore our Events](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/CDH2024_TechWeekDay3-3584-copy.jpg) #### Startup Landing Pad Supporting inbound startups with market insights, regulatory guidance, and introductions to scale faster in Australia. [Explore the Landing Pad](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/lp/) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/CDH2024_TechWeekDay2-2992-1.jpg) #### Corporate Innovation Helping industry connect with startups to accelerate innovation and solve enterprise challenges. [Corporate innovation ](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ci/) ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/36.JPG) #### Community A community supporting founders on their journey from startup to scale up [Learn More](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/community/) ### Our Mission URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T02:52:41.000Z To create a platform where innovators, industry, and institutions come together to: - **Collaborate** on solving big challenges. - **Commercialise** breakthrough ideas and technologies. - **Grow** Victoria’s position as a global leader in digital innovation. [About Us](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/about-us) ### Connecting Victoria’s Innovation Ecosystem URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T02:52:31.000Z Cremorne Digital Hub is a **networked innovation ecosystem**. We bring together startups, corporates, universities, investors, and government to accelerate collaboration, commercialisation, and growth. Backed by Victoria’s leading companies, universities, and the Victorian Government, CDH is more than a place — it’s a platform. Through programmes, events, workspace, and community, we create the conditions for innovation to thrive and deliver real impact. ### Australia’s Place in The Global AI Race URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/feed/australias-place-in-the-global-ai-race/ Last updated: 2025-10-17T01:48:54.000Z ​Presented in partnership with [ResetData](https://resetdata.ai/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au). ​Australia sits on the cusp of becoming the Asia-Pacific's AI powerhouse. World-class research, deep sector expertise and fresh investment in on-shore GPU infrastructure give the nation a genuine shot at regional leadership - provided it can scale sovereign solutions, attract and keep top talent, and balance soaring energy demands. This session tackles both the promise and the pressure points, unpacking what it will take for Australia to claim the mantle as global competition intensifies. ​Join ResetData co-founder [Bass Salah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/basssalah/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) in conversation with Alan Tsen, GM of Cremorne Digital Hub, for a fireside chat on the road ahead for Australia's AI industry. Then switch gears to a rapid "Bullish or Bearish" round, where leading founders Tod Pedler (New Dialogue/Centric Minds) and Elena Tsalanidis (Deeligence) will join Bass on stage to trade views on regulation, sovereign data solutions, talent and more. Expect candid insights, audience interaction and practical takeaways as they go deep on what it'll take to sharpen Australia's competitive edge in the AI age. ​🌟 PLUS as a special offer for event attendees! ResetData is offering 90 days of complimentary access to their AI platform featuring cutting-edge LLMs (including Llama 4 Maverick). Build and test your solutions with full onboarding support, technical assistance, and potential future co-marketing opportunities! Join us at the event to receive your free access (and a huge thank you to ResetData for supporting our local founder ecosystem!). [Register for the event](https://luma.com/b5t78uq7?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### CREMORNE CONNECT: BEHIND THE DEAL - KEY TAKEAWAYS URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/cremorne-connect-behind-the-deal-key-takeaways/ Last updated: 2025-10-20T05:06:44.000Z ## Understanding Corporate Development Corporate development teams handle everything under the umbrella of acquisitions, investments, partnerships and divestments, as Stephanie Martin from REA Group explained. For her team, this means managing origination opportunities, live projects, and constantly monitoring whether they have the right assets in their portfolio. Vlad Gagovic, drawing from his experience at Car Group and Envato, emphasised that corporate development exists to accelerate company strategy. As he put it, there are capabilities that companies might not want to spend seven years building internally. When someone out there is already doing it well, corporate development steps in to explore whether acquisition or partnership makes more sense than building from scratch. The relationship between strategy and corporate development is crucial. Strategy teams work with executives annually or bi-annually to set forward-looking priorities, and corporate development's role is to execute against those strategic pillars through external opportunities. ## How Startups CAN Get Corporate Attention The process starts earlier than most founders realise. Once a company's strategic plan is clear, corporate development teams begin market mapping to identify complementary startups and businesses that could serve that vision. Vlad described this as proactive outbounding to meet startups and understand what they're doing, whether there's value to explore together, and what the right partnership or M&A construct might be to achieve a win-win outcome. When evaluating which companies to approach from their market maps, both speakers emphasised several key factors. They look for customer traction, unique points of difference, and founders with relevant experience who they feel they can work with. As Stephanie noted, when she worked with Vlad previously at REA, with her on the strategy side and him on M&A, they would work closely to identify market sets based on these criteria. Perhaps the most powerful signal comes from internal advocates. As Stephanie explained, business unit leads within REA are crucial advocates for new opportunities. When someone from inside the business reaches out saying they'd like to work with a particular startup, that provides an incredibly strong signal that it's worth investigation. These internal relationships often make the difference between getting noticed and being overlooked in the sea of startups. ## The Reality of Cold Outreach One of the evening's most encouraging stories came from REA's recent investment in a UK startup using natural language AI to transform property search. The company was too small to meet at major property conferences, so Stephanie cold-reached the CEO on LinkedIn. Despite the unconventional approach, this led to six months of conversations and ultimately REA leading their funding round. This example challenged the common fear among founders about approaching large corporates. As Stephanie admitted, she's personally much better with email than LinkedIn because LinkedIn messages get buried, though she acknowledged the irony given this successful example. Her advice was practical: include a teaser document when reaching out via email, as it's easier for someone to click into a document for a quick look rather than having to arrange a call immediately. ## Navigating the First Conversation The initial conversation between founders and corporate development can feel like an awkward dance, as Alan Tsen observed. Founders worry about revealing too much while corporate development needs enough information to assess opportunity. Stephanie's approach to this tension was refreshingly direct. Her message to founders is simple: don't share something you're not comfortable sharing. If you're not ready because you're concerned someone could replicate your business, then wait until you're comfortable pitching. As she put it, "We don't have those conversations to get ideas. If it ends up that we've done something similar, it would have already been in the pipeline." Vlad offered a practical framework for staggering information. Initially, companies need just a couple of slides on how they solve customer problems, plus any expectations about valuation and desired transaction type. This provides enough information for meaningful discussion without revealing proprietary details. Based on that conversation, corporate development can indicate whether there's strategic alignment worth exploring further. When asked about founders' fears of corporates stealing ideas, Vlad was blunt: "I've never actually seen that happen in my 10 years where you bought something and someone said we're stealing their idea." While he acknowledged Facebook might employ such tactics, he hadn't seen it elsewhere in the Australian tech ecosystem. ## Why Deals Succeed or Fail Strategic alignment emerges as the fundamental requirement. As Stephanie explained, financials are fundamental but not what drives the initial yes or no. Strategic alignment determines initial interest; financial considerations become crucial once strategic fit is established. The way REA thinks about financials is twofold: evaluating returns for REA and using projections as an indicator of where to spend time. Unrealistic forecasts create particular problems. When founders present hockey stick projections that seem disconnected from their track record, it signals that valuation expectations will be misaligned. As Stephanie noted, "We've seen some crazy forecasts in our time." These unrealistic projections can deprioritise opportunities because they suggest the parties will be too far apart on valuation to have productive conversations. The timeline reality check was sobering. Stephanie was candid: "I used to say that we were really fast at doing transactions and the reality is we're just not. We are a big corporate and we have stakeholders that we need to bring along the journey." Due diligence alone typically takes six to eight weeks, but total transaction time is minimum three months, often considerably longer. Deals can collapse at various stages for different reasons. Early on, strategic misalignment or changing business unit priorities can kill opportunities. During due diligence, the reasons become more specific. Vlad shared a litany of potential deal breakers discovered during due diligence: technology platforms not built as expected, cyber incidents, tax issues with offshore contractors, and even unfortunate Christmas party incidents. As he summarised, there's "a plethora of things that could break the deal," though teams try to determine what's fixable versus what's a true deal breaker. ## The Partnership-to-Acquisition Pipeline Partnerships often serve as stepping stones to deeper relationships. Stephanie explained that REA might start with a partnership to get to know a startup better, which can then transition into investment conversations once alignment is proven. This approach allows both parties to test the relationship with lower risk before committing to acquisition. Vlad added another dimension to partnerships, noting they're particularly valuable when there's strategic interest but corporate development needs evidence before pursuing acquisition. Partnerships provide access to customers and allow participation in growth while validating whether full ownership makes sense. ## Life After Acquisition Retention of talent and capability post-acquisition requires thoughtful structuring. Vlad explained that they typically prefer operating businesses standalone initially and retaining founders and teams. They love deals where founders want to continue, often structuring arrangements that balance immediate payment with longer-term incentives tied to performance. Stephanie emphasised that corporate development professionals differentiate themselves from advisors by staying involved post-transaction. As she put it, "We sit on the company side because we like seeing a transaction through. We like seeing how it integrates into our business." This ongoing involvement ensures deals deliver on their promised value rather than just closing for the sake of closing. ## Practical Guidance for Founders The speakers offered specific, actionable advice for founders seeking corporate development attention. On initial outreach, Stephanie emphasised checking strategic alignment before reaching out. REA publishes investor day presentations every three years with detailed strategy information. If your business doesn't align with stated pillars, save everyone time by not reaching out. For the conversation itself, preparation is crucial. As Stephanie noted, you've got about an hour of someone's time between ten other meetings that day. Make sure technology works, have a clear pitch, and avoid the small frustrations that derail meetings. Both speakers stressed the importance of seeing products in action rather than just discussing concepts. The fear of corporate development should be calibrated to reality. As Alan Tsen noted from his experience on both sides of the table, there's much to be learned about how to interact effectively with corporates. The key is approaching these conversations as partnership explorations rather than adversarial negotiations. Perhaps most importantly, timing matters. Vlad suggested that startups shouldn't wait until they're actively fundraising to build relationships. Early engagement, even just to get on the radar, can pay dividends when the time is right for a transaction. ## The Broader Ecosystem Context This Cremorne Connect event exemplified CDH's mission to connect industry with innovators. As Alan explained in his introduction, having been on both sides as a founder and corporate accelerator leader, he's seen first-hand how much both sides can learn from each other. These conversations help demystify corporate development, making it more accessible to founders who might otherwise find it intimidating. ### Backed By The Best URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-12-01T02:01:24.000Z Our partners helping to build CDH ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/Victoria-State-Government-logo-white-reversed-1.png) #### Vic Gov ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/Carsales.Com.Au_idT-VB9rY8_1.svg) #### Carsales ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/3_reagroup_logo_-whitewordmark--1.png) #### REA ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/ideHnMAgtL_logos--1-.png) #### RMIT ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/41dea93a8b034bab96afea54933f8f1c-1-1.png) #### Melbourne Uni ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/kangan2-1.png) #### kangan ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/09/1_artesian_logo_White-1.png) #### Artesian ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/12/Logos.png) #### Latrobe ### Where Industry, Innovators, and Ideas Collide URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/ Last updated: 2025-12-10T05:26:17.000Z Cremorne Digital Hub is a platform connecting Victoria's industry, innovators, and universities to further build our local startup ecosystem. - We connect innovators - We accelerate ideas - We create impact [Explore Our Platform](#our-platform) [Join the Community](https://cremorne-digital-hub.notion.site/1f8f8c597dfa8047b235f800c978c72d?pvs=105&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### Diluted and Confused with Carta + HSF: 7 Key Takeaways URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/diluted-and-confused-with-carta-hsf-7-key-takeaways/ Last updated: 2025-10-20T04:57:11.000Z An evening of expert insights distilled into a 2 minute read We recently came together with Carta and HSF Kramer to host “Diluted and Confused: Fundraising in 2025 And ESOP Insights" at Cremorne Digital Hub. Carta shared fresh data from thousands of startups globally, and HSF Kramer broke down the legal realities of ESOPs that most founders get wrong. Here are our biggest takeaways (in case you missed it): # 1\. Our Founders Are More Generous With Equity Aussie (and NZ!) startups allocate 12.6% median ESOP pools compared to just 10.0% in other APAC regions. Interestingly, ANZ employees actually exercise their options. Compared to rates across the world, we have 51.8% exercise rates versus 22.8% in East + Southeast Asia and 14.5% in the Middle East + South Asia. This suggests that if you're competing for top talent in ANZ, generous equity packages are becoming table stakes. If your employees aren't exercising their options, it might be worth taking a look at your communication and education around equity value. # 2\. M&A is becoming popular Whilst everyone's eyes are on IPOs, M&A has quietly become the trending exit strategy. Q1 2025 posted 180 startup acquisitions - the most active stretch on record. Meanwhile, unless you're selling burrito bowls, the Australian IPO market has been pretty cold. **Why the shift?** - Internal innovation teams at big companies are finding it easier to buy rather than build - Founders are becoming realistic about "good enough" exits rather than holding out for unicorn IPOs - Corporates are sitting on significant dry powder, ready to deploy ([McKinsey - ](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/m-and-a/our-insights/top-m-and-a-trends?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)[https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/m-and-a/our-insights/top-m-and-a-trends](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/m-and-a/our-insights/top-m-and-a-trends?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)) The takeaway? Start building relationships with potential strategic acquirers sooner rather than later. Those relationships take years to develop, and the best deals can happen when you least expect it. # 3\. Down Rounds are Up Unfortunately, down rounds have surged from around 11% in 2019 to over 30% in recent quarters. **This appears to be driven by several factors:** - The 2020-2022 valuations may have been genuinely unsustainable, and we're seeing the inevitable correction - Investors have learnt their lesson about paying premium prices without seeing premium unit economics - Fundamentals are replacing the "growth at all costs" mentality Down rounds are never easy, so it's crucial to revisit your ESOP and ensure you're still providing meaningful value to your team - whether through equity adjustments or exploring other types compensation. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/carta-event1.png) # 4\. The Series A/B Gap Is widening While overall VC funding was up 18.4% in 2024, almost all of that growth went to Series B and later stages. Seed and Series A didn't just see flat funding - they saw declining dollars and fewer deals year-over-year. **This seems to suggest:** - We're in a lower-risk environment where proven business models are beating potential - The companies that are succeeding are attracting disproportionate amounts of follow-on capital The startup scene is increasingly becoming 'winner takes all' each quarter - and with the rise of AI, this dynamic is only accelerating. This trend might mean VCs miss the next generation of truly disruptive companies that don't fit neat, proven models. With lean, bootstrapped startups also proving they can scale without traditional VC backing, we might be witnessing shifting tides away from the standard fundraising blueprint. # 5\. The 50 Shareholder Trap Many founders have never heard of Australia's 50 shareholder limit - but it's a critical threshold that can catch you off guard. Once you hit 50+ shareholders, you trigger public company obligations, including continuous disclosure requirements, mandatory financial reporting standards (which become publicly available), and companies must comply with stricter disclosure requirements when fundraising. . Most founders only discover this when their lawyer delivers the news during Series A prep. **Why this matters:** - You suddenly need audited financials and formal reporting processes - Your compliance costs jump dramatically - Decision-making becomes more complex with formal disclosure requirements The smart play? Structure nominee arrangements early, or consider if overseas incorporation is a fit for you. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/cartaevent2.png) # 6\. You can go it alone Solo founders are in fashion - Solo-founded startups have surged from 17% in 2015 to 35% in 2024, according to Carta data. **Why the shift? Three hypotheses:** - AI tools are reducing dependency on diverse technical skill sets within founding teams - Remote work and global talent access mean you can hire specific expertise rather than seek a co-founder - For every example of successful co-founders, there are just as many stories of co-founder breakups and solo founder successes But there's a catch: investors still worry about single points of failure and skills gaps. If you're going solo, you need a compelling answer to this objection. You also can't operate indefinitely without key expertise. If you're building software, you'll eventually need technical depth. If you're a technical founder, you'll need to master product-market fit and go-to-market strategy. The upside? As a solo founder, you have more room to be generous with early-stage employee equity. # 7\. Cap Table Hygiene Isn't Optional Your cap table might end up under the microscope during due diligence, any red flags can put the brakes on your funding round. The problem is, you're so busy building your startup (and making inevitable mistakes along the way) that by the time you think seriously about cap table management, it's often already a mess that's expensive and time-consuming to untangle. **Here's what to keep an eye on:** - **The maths doesn't add up** \- a surprisingly common mistake when you have 20 different people with varying vesting schedules. Throw dilution into the mix, and your cap table managed on Google Sheets becomes a mess. - **Promised but unissued equity** \- you've committed equity to employees but haven't formally issued it. Investors can't price your round without knowing the final shareholding structure. - **Stacked SAFEs** \- multiple SAFE rounds at different valuations, discounts, and caps create chaos. When Series A time arrives, investors struggle to model final ownership, and the conversion maths becomes a nightmare. Fixing cap table issues during a fundraise is like renovating your house whilst potential buyers are walking through. Everything takes longer, costs more, and creates unnecessary stress when you should be focused on selling your vision. ![](https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/content/images/2025/10/cartaevent3.png) --- **The evening's biggest insight?** Cap table management and equity planning aren't "Series A problems" - they're foundational decisions that compound over time. The founders who take it seriously from day one are the ones who don't get caught scrambling when it really matters. --- *Thanks to the Carta team and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer for sharing these insights with Melbourne's startup community.* **Want the full presentation slides?** Check them out [**here: Canva Link**](https://www.canva.com/design/DAGrapBtEuc/UW-PFsm34ATJGQfCrq9j8Q/view?utm%5Fcontent=DAGrapBtEuc&utm%5Fcampaign=designshare&utm%5Fmedium=link2&utm%5Fsource=uniquelinks&utlId=h66ed19e681&referrer=luma) Don’t miss our next event - CDH Clubhouse Community Day : [https://lu.ma/j0gor9fh](https://lu.ma/j0gor9fh?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### FROM FRONT DOOR TO FUNDED: INSIDE THE INAUGURAL NEXT[FOUNDER DAY] URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/from-front-door-to-funded-inside-the-inaugural-next-founder-day/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T03:17:57.000Z This month we hosted our inaugural NEXT\[Founder Day\] at Cremorne Digital Hub, the first in our high-growth founder event series. We were lucky to be joined by exceptional speakers including Hugh Stephens (Galileo Ventures), Ananya Sinha (Artesian), and Claire Thompson (Herbert Smith Freehills). Our focus was making the event as information-packed and actionable as possible - covering everything from pitch deck teardowns to term sheet deep-dives. Thanks to this event’s success, we'll be running a lot more Founder Days throughout the year - Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events. ![CDH2025_Founders-5455](https://cremornedigitalhub.com.au/hubfs/CDH2025_Founders-5455.jpg) ![CDH2025_Founders-5448](https://cremornedigitalhub.com.au/hubfs/CDH2025_Founders-5448.jpg) ![CDH2025_Founders-5428 (1)](https://cremornedigitalhub.com.au/hubfs/CDH2025_Founders-5428%20(1).jpg) **SESSION ONE** # **From Pitch Deck to Foot-in-the-Door** Most founders wish they could be a fly on the wall while VCs are looking through their deck. Well, at Founder Day we got a rare glimpse into how VCs analyse pitch decks in real-time. Hugh from Galileo Ventures provided candid feedback on three startup decks, offering valuable insights into what makes VCs sit up and take notice. *"The purpose of a deck is to start the process of engaging and working out if you're a fit for us as a fund," Hugh explained.* He emphasised three critical evaluation criteria: 1. **The Squint Test**: "If I squint at this, is it going to get really big? Because VCs need things to get really big." Hugh noted that a profitable 6 million ARR business might be a great success by normal standards but would be "a terrible investment for VC." 2. **Points of Religion**: Every investor has strong beliefs about how the world works or is evolving. When there's a mismatch between a founder's and investor's core beliefs, it's often a non-starter. These things aren’t always objective ‘right’ or ‘wrong’s, but rather opinions that uniquely steer their direction. This means that sometimes your startup might be a great fit for one fund, and a terrible fit for another - on a purely subjective basis. 3. **The Insight Factor**: What makes VCs ask for more? "What leaves us asking for more? What are the areas where I go, 'Oh, I haven't really thought about the market that way' or 'that's an interesting insight'?" It’s important to place your deck in the context of VCs who have seen 100s of decks - they all start to look the same and say the same sorts of messages - how can you stand out? As Hugh reviewed the decks in real-time, several themes emerged about specific elements: # Market Sizing: Handle with Care Market sizing slides can be hit or miss. Hugh questioned the value of generic "number is big, number go up" slides without proper context. Instead of focusing solely on large TAMs and SAMs, founders should articulate: - How the market is specifically addressable for them - Why this particular moment is the right time to enter - How they might expand or create new markets The best examples (like Stripe and Canva) create a new market - something a TAM slide can rarely capture. # Product Slides: Show, Don't Tell When it comes to showcasing product, Hugh emphasised quality over quantity. Rather than a bunch of contextless screenshots, or walls of text, consider your strongest hero shots that convey the biggest strengths of your product. There was a great example where a startup had a features page with four screenshots - but only one caught the eye of Hugh as a key differentiator. # Go-To-Market: Beyond the Checklist Generic GTM slides received particular skepticism: "I don't really super care about these sort of slides unless it actually has numbers." That’s because in the early stages, GTM has a load of assumptions, and will always inevitably change. It’s important to show that you have an idea, of how you’ll go to market - but there’s no need to over-do the projections. The panel suggested that effective GTM slides should include: - Actual traction rather than theoretical approaches - Unique insights about customer acquisition - Specific data points from early acquisition channels For one startup’s GTM, Hugh noted "You could cover all of GTM \[for this startup\] by just saying 'we’re going to do product-led freemium", suggesting that simpler is often better. # **The Solo Founder Conundrum** One audience question addressed why VCs tend to avoid solo founders. Hugh explained two main concerns: 1. **Skills Gap**: "As a founding team, you need to be able to execute across the entire company. And it takes a pretty unique person's background to be able to do that." 2. **Risk Management**: "Life happens and companies are really hard. Without a co-leader, particularly really early on...if the founder needs to take three months off and there's no co-founders, everything stops." This was caveated as a ‘point of religion’. For every story of solo founder failure, there’s a story of a co-founder breakup. # **Practical Takeaways for Founders** Throughout the session, several actionable insights emerged for founders crafting pitch decks: 1. **Know Your Audience**: Consider whether you're pitching to specialists or generalists and adapt accordingly. 2. **Lead with Your Strongest Differentiation**: Too many decks buried their most compelling aspects several slides in. 3. **Replace Generic with Specific**: Vague market claims and feature lists don't impress compared to concrete traction and unique insights. 4. **Address the Obvious Questions**: If your business has potential red flags (like being a solo founder, or being in market already for a long time), preemptively address them. 5. **Focus on Near-Term Execution**: "Pre-seed, I care about the next 12 months. At seed, I probably care about the next one to three years.” VCs know that plans will change - so any long term projections are taken with a grain of salt. The session provided a raw, unfiltered look into VC decision-making that's rarely available to founders. For startups preparing to raise capital, the message was clear: know what you're unique at, show how you can get really big, and find investors whose "points of religion" align with your vision. **SESSION TWO** # **From First Meeting to Term Sheet** We next had the opportunity to hear from [Ananya Sinha](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananyasinha/?originalSubdomain=au&ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) from [Artesian](https://www.artesianinvest.com/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) about the inner workings of the venture capital investment process. For founders navigating the often opaque world of fundraising, this session provided valuable perspective on what happens after the first pitch. # **The Internal Champion** When a VC shows interest in your startup, their job essentially becomes pitching your business internally. "My job is to present the opportunity more in a high-level way to the team to move forward to further due diligence," Ananya explained. This internal champion needs to articulate your vision clearly to their partners and investment committee (IC). The better you equip them with a compelling narrative and resources, the more likely they'll secure that critical internal buy-in. # **What Really Piques VC Interest** While every fund has specific mandates, certain fundamentals consistently attract investor attention: "A really big market size is basically the number one thing we're looking for from a VC perspective," Ananya noted. "At earlier stages, founder quality is important, but in later stages, founder quality and traction become equally important." When presenting internally, VCs are asking fundamental questions like "Is this founder going to be in it for the next 10-15 years?" # **Market Sizing: Timing > Numbers** One of the most challenging aspects for founders is effectively communicating market size. While quantitative analysis matters, Ananya emphasized that qualitative elements - particularly the "why now" question - often carry more weight. "Do we think that the market's rising at the moment? What are the traction points or trends in consumer behavior that help me pitch to my IC that this is the right time to invest?" # **The Due Diligence Process** Due diligence varies significantly between investment stages. For seed investments, the focus is often on: - Customer calls with early adopters - Reference checks with team members and past employees - Assessing founder expertise and background For Series A investments, the scrutiny shifts to: - Detailed financial analysis - Growth trajectories - Signs of product-market fit (low churn, customer expansion potential) - Evidence customers **genuinely value the product** # **The Investment Memo** Once due diligence progresses positively, the VC typically drafts an investment memo - essentially a recommendation report for their IC. "It's around a 10-page report that summarises all the due diligence that we've done and therefore we're recommending an investment into this business," Ananya explained. "We don't really like to take founders to IC unless we're probably 98% certain that it will be a yes." This means the most critical gateway isn't the final IC meeting - it's convincing your champion to write that memo in the first place. # **How Founders Can Support the Process** Rather than passively waiting after the initial meeting, founders can actively support the process: 1. **Be crystal clear about your vision**: "My job is to pitch to my IC... Being able to clearly articulate the vision, the market, why you think you'll win, why you're better than the competitors in a really succinct way so I can then communicate that." 2. **Help address specific concerns**: "Trying to understand through the first meeting what the key questions are and why we might not invest. And then being able to actually reply later is quite helpful." 3. **Keep VCs updated**: Regular, concise updates maintaining professional relationships can turn a "no" into a "yes" down the road. As Ananya shared about a founder who successfully came back after an initial rejection: "She kept us updated, she sent me a monthly update, she showed the traction, and it was really visual. By the time she was ready to raise again, my due diligence process was honestly very, very easy because I'd pretty much been tracking the company for almost a year and a half." # **Final Advice: Don't Forget the Vision** In the day-to-day grind of building a startup, founders often get lost in immediate metrics and challenges. Ananya's parting advice was to maintain focus on the big picture: "Don't forget the big vision. I know it's sometimes really hard to get out of the numbers or the weeds, but we are investing in the big picture and you're allowed to have big dreams and pitch that because that's what we are investing in." ![IMG_2004.jpg](https://cremornedigitalhub.com.au/hubfs/IMG_2004.jpg.png) **SESSION THREE** # **From Term Sheet to Funded** Closing off the day, Claire Thompson, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills and co-head of their venture capital practice, broke down the often intimidating world of term sheets for startup founders. Here's what you need to know before signing on the dotted line. ⚠️ *This blog post provides general information only, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions about term sheets or investment agreements.* # **Ground work - What actually is a term sheet?** A term sheet is typically non-binding, but as Claire explained, "it represents the handshake deal that you are doing with your investor. It's the basis on which they'll get their approvals." While changes can be made before the final documents are signed, deviating from what you've agreed to in your term sheet comes at a cost: - Wasted time - Potential relationship damage with your investors - Practical difficulty in making significant changes # **The Three Things That Really Matter** Claire distilled what founders should focus on into three key areas: 1. **Economics**: What's your company worth? What is the investor paying and what are they getting? 2. **Governance**: Who makes decisions about the company going forward? What can founders decide independently vs. what needs board or investor approval? 3. **"Do You Get to Sleep at Night"**: Everything else that could potentially impact founders in unexpectedly big ways, from warranties to vesting schedules. # **Key Terms Explained** # Investment Structure & Economics **Fully Diluted Capital**: This refers to your share structure after accounting for your Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP). Investors typically want their ownership percentage to be calculated after the ESOP is factored in, meaning founders absorb the dilution from the ESOP. **Preference Shares**: Unlike the ordinary shares founders hold, investors often receive preference shares with two key features: - **Liquidation preference**: Ensures investors get their money back first in an exit (standard is "1x non-participating") - **Anti-dilution protection**: If you raise money at a lower valuation in the future, investors get some protection against being diluted (look for "broad-based weighted average anti-dilution") Claire emphasised: "Unless you're in a distressed situation, it really should be 1x." # Board Composition & Control The board composition is critical - it determines who controls day-to-day decisions of the company. "You're the founder of this company," Claire noted. "You should always be on the board, unless you decide to step away for whatever reason." Key considerations: - Maintain founder majority on the board in early stages - Aim for an odd number of directors to avoid deadlocks - Consider thresholds that determine when investors lose their board seats (if they don't follow on in future rounds) # Veto Rights & Investor Approvals The term sheet typically includes a list of decisions that require special investor approval, including: - Selling the company - Material changes to the business - Hiring/firing the CEO - Issuing new securities - Increasing the ESOP pool "If you're in control of the board, you want this list to be as short as possible," Claire advised. "You do not want to have to be running off to your investor left, right, and center... You want to be able to move fast and respond in an agile way." # Founder Vesting This term requires founders to "earn" their equity over time, typically four years with a one-year cliff. While this can feel restrictive, Claire explained its purpose: "The investors can't step in and run this company. It's only valuable if you are sticking around, and this is how they make you stick around." This term becomes increasingly negotiable in later rounds - many founders can push for 50% or more of their shares to be considered already vested by Series A. # **Top Three Watch-Outs** When asked about the biggest things to watch for, Claire highlighted: 1. **Founders giving warranties**: Avoid personal liability for company warranties. 2. **Founder vesting**: It’s industry norm - but understand the terms you’re agreeing to. 3. **Veto rights**: Carefully review what decisions require investor approval. # **Practical Advice for Common Scenarios** # Multiple Investors and Finding a Lead Usually the investor writing the largest check becomes the lead who negotiates terms. The others typically follow those terms. If you're struggling to find a lead investor, some founders end up leading their own rounds. In this case: - Work with an advisor who understands market standards - Create reasonable terms that angels can sign off on - Ensure there's enough capital committed to make the round meaningful # SAFE vs. Priced Rounds For early, smaller investments, many founders use SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) notes instead of priced rounds: - **SAFE**: No valuation needed, converts to equity in the next priced round (usually with a discount) - **Priced Round**: Issuing actual shares with a specified valuation and full legal documentation Claire's advice: "For your first checks in, just make sure you're getting your SAFE from a reputable organisation... You don't need to negotiate all this stuff." But she warned: "If you're issuing multiple SAFEs, make sure they're all on the exact same terms. As soon as you get different terms on different SAFEs, it will backfire big time." # Final Thoughts Term sheets are negotiable, and founders should seek expert advice early. As Claire put it: "Don't use your cousin's next door neighbor who'll do it for you on the cheap... get somebody who actually does this all day every day." Understanding what's standard, what's negotiable, and what's worth fighting for can save founders significant headaches down the road. The right legal partner will help translate the jargon, identify potential pitfalls, and ensure founders are fully informed about the deal they're signing. Remember, this partnership with investors can last longer than many marriages - it's worth making sure the terms work for everyone involved. ![CDH2025_Founders-5394 (1) (1)](https://cremornedigitalhub.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/CDH2025_Founders-5394%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=2000&name=CDH2025_Founders-5394%20(1)%20(1).jpg) ### Cracking the Code URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/blog/cracking-the-code/ Last updated: 2025-10-13T03:19:25.000Z Three Essential Insights for Startups from our last Cremorne Connect with REA Group's CTO At our most recent Cremorne Connect event, we had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Maidment, the CTO of Australia's leading property platform REA Group. The conversation was insightful and refreshingly candid, highlighting practical guidance on what it genuinely takes for startups to partner successfully with large, established companies. **1\. Ditch the Pitch, Show the Demo** Steve emphasised the benefit of direct, practical demonstrations over-elaborate, slide-heavy presentations. He shared a recent example of how a live demonstration of an AI product won him over by vividly showcasing its practical utility. For founders approaching organisations like REA, this is a clear reminder to focus less on conceptual explanations and more on tangible demonstrations of your product in action. **2\. Culture Isn't Optional—It's Essential** One particularly insightful point Steve made was about the crucial role culture plays in successful partnerships and acquisitions. Technological gaps can often be bridged, he explained, but cultural alignment is significantly more challenging. Startups aspiring to partner or be acquired must, therefore, ensure their values and culture align closely with those of their potential corporate partners, as cultural mismatches can stall even the most promising collaborations. **3\. Practical Innovation Trumps Pure Novelty** Introducing innovation into an established business with high operational standards, like REA, requires demonstrating practical, immediate value rather than novelty alone. Steve noted that truly successful innovations aren't just novel—they must integrate seamlessly into existing operations, clearly enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Startups must, therefore, make a compelling case for how their innovations practically improve existing workflows, not just how innovative they are. These insights from Steve offer valuable guidance for any startup aiming to partner successfully with larger corporates. By prioritising live demonstrations, cultural alignment, and practical integration, startups can significantly enhance their chances of forming meaningful, long-lasting partnerships. Also, stay tuned for our next Cremorne Connect event for more candid discussions and insights from industry leaders!