The Great Victorian Startup Debate: A candid conversation on vision, responsibility, and what’s next

Hosted by Cremorne Digital Hub and Aussie Founders Club, join a candid conversation on the vision, responsibility, and what’s next in Melbourne's startup landscape at The Great Victorian Startup Debate.

Why this conversation

Ask around and you’ll hear plenty of different takes on Melbourne’s startup ecosystem. Some reckon we’re in a great place, others say it’s lost momentum. Maybe you’ve even heard it’s “dead.”

We don’t think it’s that simple.

That’s why Aussie Founders Club and Cremorne Digital Hub are teaming up to host an open, energising conversation — what we’re calling The Great Victorian Startup Debate. This isn’t a formal debate with sides for and against. Instead, it’s a chance to hear different perspectives, ideas, and even disagreements on where the ecosystem stands and where it needs to go.

What we’re asking

What does “great” actually look like for Melbourne’s startup ecosystem? Is it global visibility? A flagship event? Better media coverage? Or something more grassroots?

And most importantly, whose job is it to make that happen?

Meet the panel

We’ve gathered voices across the spectrum — founders, VCs, government, and community builders. It’s rare to have this variety of perspective on one stage at once.

• Kate Cornick – CEO, LaunchVic
  Kate leads Victoria’s startup agency and brings a sharp, systems-level view of what’s working, what’s changing, and where government fits in.
• Andrew Rowse – Councillor, City of Melbourne
  Andrew brings the city’s perspective on innovation, community, and how Melbourne can better support a thriving startup environment.
• Paul Naphtali – Co-founder & Managing Partner, Rampersand
  Paul has backed some of Australia’s best startups. He’ll share the investor view on what fuels breakout growth — and what we need more of.
• Garry Williams – Chief Chief, Group Group
  Garry brings humour, heart, and the community perspective. He’s all about grassroots action and rethinking how responsibility is shared across the ecosystem.
• Jodie Imam – Co-founder & CEO, Tractor Ventures
  Jodie brings the founder voice, with deep insights into capital, community, and what support really looks like when you’re in the trenches.

What to expect

We’ll start by exploring what “great” looks like for Melbourne’s startup scene. Then we’ll open it up into a debate-style conversation - not teams pitted against each other, but a mix of founders, investors, government and community leaders putting their perspectives (and arguments) on the table.

Expect thoughtful questions, energy, and space to connect with others who care about the future of Victoria’s startups.

Event details

Date: Thursday, 13 November
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Cremorne Digital Hub

Supported by LaunchVic 

This event is proudly supported by LaunchVic, Victoria’s startup agency. Their role is to fuel the growth of Victoria’s startup ecosystem by building the confidence and capability of Victorians to create, scale, and invest in startups.

Established by the Victorian Government in 2016, LaunchVic is helping shape the future of the state’s innovation economy - and we’re grateful for their continued support in making events like this possible.