Venture Down Under 2026

The Information You Need to Know

• Who should attend Venture Down Under?

  Venture Down Under is designed primarily for venture capital investors, especially Partners, General Partners, Managing Partners, Founders of funds, and senior investment leaders. It is built for people who value high-quality peer relationships, thoughtful conversation, and time spent with others shaping the future of venture across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

  The vast majority of our guests have titles such as Partner, General Partner, Managing Partner or CEO. With that said, we understand different investment firms have varying titles for investment leaders that are senior in their organizations. Please feel free to purchase a ticket and we will reach out with any questions. Or you can always email our Head of Venture Capital, Ryan Burns ryan@innovationbay.com with any questions.

• What is included in my ticket?

  Your ticket includes the full three-day Venture Down Under experience, including curated programming, selected activities, luxury accommodation for the nights of August 4 and August 5, and food and beverage across the event.

  The goal is to create an experience where you can fully immerse yourself in the event without worrying about the details.

• Are hotel rooms really 100% included in the ticket?

  Yes. Accommodation for the nights of August 4 and August 5 is included in your ticket. We want attendees to be able to settle in, spend meaningful time with the room, and enjoy the full experience from beginning to end.

• Is food and beverage included too?

  Yes. Food and beverage (including alcohol) across the Venture Down Under experience is included, so once you arrive, you can focus on the conversations, connections, and programming.

• Why should I attend VDU Gold Coast?

  Because Venture Down Under gives you something very few events can: the chance to meet a huge portion of the venture community in one place, over three days. For many attendees, it feels like completing a year’s worth of meaningful meetings in 72 hours.

  Alongside big speakers, quality programming, and a genuinely fun setting, VDU creates real opportunities for deal flow, fundraising insight, liquidity conversations, and peer-to-peer learning across the spectrum from emerging managers to growth-stage investors. One past attendee described starting the day in a small working group on top of a mountain discussing liquidity engineering with top VCs over hot cocoa, then snowboarding down after.

  You do not need to be the adventure type, but that is the spirit of VDU: serious venture conversations in a setting people actually remember.re message is: if the writing is on the wall, it's better to end it early and free up the talent, time and capital, rather than letting a zombie startup drag on. It sounds like it would be a pretty punchy and provocative talk!

• What kind of people will be in the room?

  The room is made up of high-calibre venture investors from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. You can expect to spend time with decision-makers, experienced fund leaders, and peers who are actively shaping the venture ecosystem. Take a look at our "Who You'll Be With" section above.

• Is this event mainly networking, or is there a real content program too?

  Both matter. Venture Down Under is designed to create exceptional peer connection, but it is also built around a strong intellectual backbone. Expect meaningful sessions, practical conversations, and high-signal programming that gives people something real to take away.

• Do I need to be an Innovation Bay member to attend?

  Not necessarily. Members are a core part of the Venture Down Under community, but there are also opportunities for non-members to attend, including early bird access. If you are not currently a member and want to explore the broader community, there are pathways to do that as well.

• Is this only for Australian investors?

  No. While Venture Down Under is deeply connected to the Australian and New Zealand venture ecosystem, the event also welcomes investors and participants from beyond the region. Part of what makes the room special is the mix of local insight and international perspective.

• When does the event start and finish?

  Registration opens from 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 4, and the event will wrap by approximately 4:00 PM on Thursday, August 6.

• Can I come for only one day?

  Venture Down Under is designed as a full multi-day experience, and the value comes from being part of the entire journey. We strongly encourage attendees to join for the full event so they can get the most out of both the programming and the relationships. While we don't have single day tickets available, purchasing a ticket allows you to arrive and depart any time you'd like.

• What kinds of activities could I find myself doing at VDU?

  This is part of what makes VDU different from a standard conference. On the Gold Coast, that could mean beach walks, yoga and meditation, tennis, padel, golf, surfing, jet skiing, wine tasting, and even swimming with dolphins. For those looking for more adventure, there may also be options like skydiving, snorkelling, helicopter experiences, or other high-energy activities.

  The point is not just to fill time. It is to create the kind of setting where the best conversations happen naturally. You might get a great insight over coffee after a jet ski morning, or find yourself reaffirming an investment decision while walking a pristine beach at sunrise with another top VC. That is why VDU does not feel like a conference.