Hype Man - 2 June 2024

Welcome to edition #2 of the Hype Man Newsletter!

Your fortnightly dose of everything you need to know about the Australian Tech & Innovation ecosystem.

Last week I wrote a LinkedIn post about my recent experience with burnout and the coping mechanisms that I used to keep on top of it. The post was shared to over 2 million people through LinkedIn’s Australia and Middle East news pages and prompted hundreds of comments and messages from my community reaching out to share similar experiences or offering their support.

Firstly, thank you to those that engaged directly and to those that did so silently. It takes a lot of courage to share vulnerability (trust me) and it’s something I’m trying to make easier by sharing mine. Even if you were just an onlooker, I see you.

Secondly, the mammoth amount of people who opened up about their struggles with burnout really made me realise how many of you can relate. Let’s start trying to normalise this and not brushing it under the rug.

I want to start this week’s edition by asking you two things:

1. To be kind to yourself today and?
2. To hit reply and message me if you ever need support

Things you might have missed

- SuperPower came out of Stealth mode -? The Aussie HealthTech burst out of the shadows announcing a $4 million pre-seed Round including prominent angel investors such as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss? and Evan Charles Moore the Co-Founder of Doordash, getting social endorsements from TikTok sensation Brooke Monk and blowing up my LinkedIn feed for day last week.

Time will tell as to whether or not their self proclaimed world’s most advanced digital clinic to help you live longer, prevent disease, and feel your best, will usher in a new era of personal health.

Though for now the hype is real, as my position as 13,125th in the waitlist proves. You can join it here

- Scalare Partners to RTO and list on the ASX - The Sydney based Investor (who yours truly works for as Head of Ecosystem) announced a Reverse Takeover which paves the way for a listing on the ASX.?

The move will provide retail investors with unprecedented access to Scalare’s early-stage tech investments, including a portfolio of 28 ventures, including the Australian Technologies Competition and Tech Ready Women.

Read more about it here

- Changes to the Wholesale Investor test shelved - Labor has quietly shelved a controversial proposal to make it harder for retail investors to access risky products such as private equity and unlisted property, amid a fierce backlash from the community.

Kudos to all those that spoke up and took action against this. We’ve won this battle, though as this was only shelved and not scrapped it’s hard to know who’s won the war.

Read Cheryl Mack's (who led the charge against change), opinions here?

5 Startups that I’m excited about this week

I get to meet hundreds of Founders a week, here’s a few that have jumped out at me recently!?

1. Healio - a patient-centric mobile health platform designed to educate, engage and support hospital patients on long term healthcare journeys.

They’ve just hit 1000 followers on LinkedIn as they build out their V1, join the movement here

2. TULA Drinks - a non-alcoholic functional beverage brand, born out of a shared vision to reinvent the meaning of intoxication by bringing functionals to the fore.?

?Their first drink TULA Elevate,? harnesses the power of adaptogens and nootropics to give customers a lift without the liquor. Check out more on their IG ?

3. Ignite Solution - the first practice management software that will help allied health practitioners to extend therapy outside clinical settings using data, visuals and languages. We are on a mission to co-create a world where disability is not a liability.

They’ve just launched a crowdfunding campaign for help achieve their mission

4. Tap4Change - are on a mission to create the Ultimate Donation Experience, a way to support projects for good in a fulfilling & rewarding way.?

Join their free pilot here

5. My Solas - Australia's first, purpose-built digital ecosystem to connect everyone in the disability community. Empowering people with disabilities to take control of their journey by uniquely matching them with providers that can meet their needs.

The platform is launching on July 1, register for the launch here

Want your Startup featured in a future newsletter edition? Fill out this form now

Events to watch out for

My favourite events across the country, with a couple of cheeky discounts to help you get there:

• 6 June - The Finnies - Sydney

Back for its eighth year, FinTech Australia’s flagship awards ceremony is back to recognise the best and brightest of Australia Fintech.

• 18-19 June - ATC 2-Day International Growth Masterclass - Sydney

A 2 day workshop for the Semi-Finalists of this year’s Australian Technologies Competition. Though this year the program is open to the public!

?I’ve got 10 tickets at 25% off for those interested. Grab your ticket here

• 17-21 June - Tropical Innovation Festival -? Cairns

The biggest Innovation event in Regional Australia released its program earlier this week and it’s looking as hot as the weather forecast!

Come and join me up in Cairns with an exclusive 10% discount here

Want your event featured then tell us about it here

Get involved

- SXSW Sydney 2024 Pitch - Submissions are now open for the biggest pitch competition of the year. This year's winner will again receive the incredible opportunity to pitch at the Winner Ceremony at SXSW Austin 2025 (including flights, badges and a host of other prizes).

Open for Startups who launched post October 2020 and have received less than $8 million of funding, get more info and apply here

- Startup Daily 'Best in Tech' Awards - Celebrating the best of Australia's startup community. With 15 categories to champion the brightest in our ecosystem, now is the time to nominate someone that you think deserves to be recognised.

Nominations close Monday June 10, with a Gala event on September 4th to announce the winners. Get involved here

- Startmate Winter Accelerator - Australia and New Zealand’s leading accelerator is looking for it’s next amazing Startups.

In 3 months you'll move faster than you ever thought possible, build a better product with more users, and get the best platform in ANZ to raise capital.

Today is your last day to apply! Do so here

Let us know about the opportunities that you’re working on here so we can share the love

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And if there’s something you’d like to see more of then DM me and let me know

See you on the other side!