FOUNDERS CONNECT

Welcome to Galaxy Growth Hub. If this is your first time here, I'm excited you've chosen to spend your evening with us. We're a community of founders, investors, mentors, and makers who believe Sydney's startup ecosystem thrives on real connections—not formal pitches or elevator speeches. What you'll notice tonight is that we've designed this room so you know exactly who's here and what they need before you even walk up to say hello. Your badge tells the story: I'm building this. I need that. I can help with this. That clarity is everything. In the next two hours, you'll meet founders who are moving fast, investors hunting for their next bet, and advisors who've been exactly where you are. Some of you came tonight looking for a co-founder. Some came to validate an idea or find your first customers. Some came to get in the room and see what's possible. All of that matters. Before we dive in, I want to flag a few things happening in our community:

If any of that resonates, our mentors and program partners are here tonight to talk through it. So: grab a drink, find the people you came for, and let's build something together. Let's go.

6:00–6:30 — Arrive & Connect

Registration, drinks and informal networking. At registration, everyone chooses a category such as Founder, Mentor, Investor, Talent, Expert, Government/Program or Industry Partner. Their badge also identifies “I need…” and “I can help with…”

6:30–6:40 — Welcome

A short introduction explaining the community and how the evening works. Highlight upcoming opportunities, grants, accelerator applications or startup news where relevant.

6:40–7:00 — Founder Spotlight

Feature 2–3 founders each month. Give each around five minutes to explain what they're building, what they've learned and what they currently need. This shouldn't feel like a formal investor pitch.

7:00–7:15 — Mentor / Expert Insights

One experienced founder, investor or specialist tackles a practical topic: finding your first customers, validating an idea, raising capital, hiring, AI, IP, pricing, sales, etc. Keep it short and actionable.

7:15–7:30 — “The Ask”

This could become the signature part of the event. Give selected attendees 30–60 seconds each:

“I'm ___, I'm building ___, we're at ___ stage, and tonight I'm looking for ___.”

Someone might need a technical co-founder. Another needs introductions to restaurants. Another needs advice about a grant. Another is looking for an angel investor.

7:30–8:15 — Match & Connect

Now people know who's in the room and what they need. Run facilitated networking rather than simply saying “go network.” Have areas such as Funding, Mentors, Sales & Customers, Co-founders & Talent, Technology/Product, Legal & Finance, and Grants & Programs.

8:15–8:30 — Open Networking & Close

Final conversations, introductions and announcements about next month's event.