Debate Club & Rockford Equity Presents: Startup Funding Debt vs Equity | Watch founders argue over money they don't have

About the Event

Debate Club is coming to Perth to shake up the West Coast. Founded and brought together by Orsolya Toth-Pal and Kate Harris, Debate Club has hosted fiery debates across the East Coast at major festivals and conferences including Sunrise by Blackbird, SXSW Sydney and Cannes Crocodiles. Now, for the very first time, we are launching in Perth, and there could not be a better way to do it than as a West Tech Fest Satellite Event.

Our Partner: Rockford Equity

Rockford Equity brings a fresh approach to the Australian finance landscape with credit solutions designed for speed, flexibility and real commercial outcomes. Their team has experience on both sides of the lending equation, giving them a clear understanding of the funding pressures faced by founders, early-stage companies and growing businesses.

With backgrounds spanning land development, property valuation, asset management and private equity, the Rockford team knows the limitations of traditional lending models and the frustration of slow, inflexible finance. Their focus is on providing practical, innovative funding options that help Australian startups and scale-ups move faster, seize opportunities and achieve their goals with confidence.

The Topic

We are tackling one of the most heated conversations in the startup world: Startup Funding, Debt vs Equity. One team will argue that equity fuels innovation, growth and long-term value creation. The other will argue that debt is the smarter, leaner path that preserves control, independence and focus. Expect founders to argue passionately about money they do not have while judges and the audience decide who makes the stronger case.

What is Debate Club

Debate Club is a community-driven, not-for-profit initiative dedicated to thought leadership and the celebration of diverse perspectives. Our debates combine education, entertainment and lively banter to create a space where people from all backgrounds can share ideas, challenge norms and connect through conversation. After the discussion, stay for drinks and bites sponsored by Rockford Equity and connect with some of the brightest minds from West Tech Fest and beyond.

Agenda

18:00 to 18:30 Arrival, meet and greet
18:30 to 18:40 Opening remarks
18:40 to 19:30 Structured debate
19:30 Announcement of winner
19:30 to 20:00 Social drinks sponsored by Rockford Equity and debate continues offline

Building Access

The event is proudly hosted by Amazon Web Services in the Macquarie Building. Our team will be in the lobby to welcome guests and assist with access. Please arrive on time, as building entry will close once the debate begins at 18:30.