Is Australia a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Australia has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Australia gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Australia

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Australia offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Australia's early-stage startup funding environment is dynamic, showing signs of recovery and recalibration. In 2024, total funding increased by 11% from 2023, reaching $4.0 billion across 414 deals. Early-stage investment, specifically Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, saw median deal sizes increase, indicating growing investor confidence. Notable VC firms active in the early-stage space include AirTree Ventures, Blackbird Ventures, and Investible. Angel networks like Sydney Angels and the Angels Australia Network also play a crucial role in supporting local founders. The Australian government offers support through programs like the Industry Growth Program, providing grants for early-stage commercialisation, and the R&D Tax Incentive. Despite positive trends, challenges persist. While early-stage funding is improving, later-stage funding remains difficult, with investors exercising increased scrutiny. There's also a noted funding gap for women founders, particularly beyond the Seed stage, with male-led teams securing a significantly larger share of total capital raised in 2024. Additionally, some reports highlight a decline in the *number* of early-stage deals (Seed and Series A) in 2024, suggesting a potential future shortage of companies ready for later-stage funding if this trend continues. The relatively small domestic market also means startups often need to plan for international expansion early on.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Australia has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Australia has a thriving startup and innovation culture, with significant entrepreneurial activity, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. These cities are recognized as innovation hotspots with growing tech ecosystems. Coworking spaces are prevalent, offering flexible and collaborative environments for startups across major cities and expanding into suburban and regional areas. Numerous tech events, summits, and networking opportunities are held regularly, fostering connections and knowledge sharing within the community. While there are competitive, standardized programs and government grants available to support startups at various stages, including early-stage commercialization, there are also initiatives and organizations that provide more tailored support, mentorship, and resources to founders from the initial idea phase. The ecosystem aims to support founders from "day zero" through scaling.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Australia can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Australia, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Australia is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Australia has a strong base of educated talent, with a high percentage of working-aged adults holding a Bachelor's degree or higher. Australian universities are increasingly fostering entrepreneurial skills through dedicated programs and courses. Key industry-specific skills in demand for startups include software development (Python, Java), data analysis, cybersecurity, and AI. There is also a need for product managers, engineers, and UX/UI designers. While there are skill shortages in certain areas, particularly technical roles, local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong educational foundation and increasing engagement in the startup ecosystem. Government initiatives and university programs aim to further develop domestic talent and connect skilled individuals with startups.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Australia can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Australia boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Australia offers a strong ecosystem for startups, supported by various infrastructure and government initiatives. This includes a robust physical, commercial, and legal infrastructure. Key support systems involve accelerators and incubators providing funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. Government programs play a significant role. The Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive offers tax offsets for innovation. Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) assist with international expansion. There are also state-specific grants and programs like the Incubator Support Initiative and the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) which funds solutions for government challenges. These resources collectively help startups thrive by providing financial aid, expert guidance, and market access.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Australia. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Australia Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Australia provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Australia face several hurdles. Competition can be intense, with established players and other startups vying for market share, making differentiation crucial. The high cost of living, particularly in major cities, translates to significant operational expenses like rent and wages, impacting a startup's financial health. Additionally, navigating Australia's regulatory environment can be complex, involving intricate tax obligations, industry-specific licenses, and compliance with laws covering areas like employment, privacy, and consumer protection.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Australia or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Australia offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash