“The biggest lesson was being really focused on specific metrics and being obsessed with customers.”

“The impact of Startmate was that we wouldn’t have achieved any of this without going through the Accelerator. The Accelerator stretched expectations of what was possible of ourselves as founders and our business in a short period of time. It helped us grow momentum by practising good habits as founders and put us in front of mentors who had the belief and means to help us scale our business.”

“Our Startmate mentor squad absolutely accelerated us. It gave us the right backing to get us through the 12 weeks and beyond that.”

“When we applied to Startmate we didn't have much more than an idea, if you're in a similar position, go for it anyways. You can get into Startmate regardless of where you are in your journey. I think what really helped us was being very clear about our ambition and where we wanted to take our technology and showing it was possible on a very small scale.”

“We had (and still have) lots to learn. Startmate creates an environment where you’re challenged and can take growth to the next level. Specifically, as first-time founders, Jake and I knew we had tonnes to learn, and were looking for mentors in product, investor relations and strategy.”

“We were fortunate enough to be accepted into the new Smartmate accelerator program and went through a pretty intense 12 weeks which was, honestly, life changing.”

“Applying to Startmate was one of our best decisions to introduce Tutero into the Australian startup community.”

“When we went through Startmate we had only a pilot factory that we didn’t know how to run. Now we’re a team of 30 manufacturing 100,000 rolls of compostable stretch wrap every day. Startmate was incredible for us. It really helped build out our network and be surrounded by founders going through the same challenges, and we still use that network today. We wish we could go through it again.”

“I remember thinking most of the mentors were nuts. They were pushing us to take a product to market before we had even designed it. I didn’t understand how you could do that. They pushed us so hard to get out there and sell to customers. That was the best advice that I was ever given: sell before you’re ready to sell.”

“We’ve done Startmate twice now. Startmate helps you turn you into someone who can run a company. Having some forcing us to talk to 100 customers per week… you won't have that pressure anywhere else”

“The Accelerator is a really competitive program and a lot is asked from you during this program, but knowing that will allow you make the most out of the opportunity, whether that means investment, mentors, or connections.”

“I can remember just being absolutely disbelieving that we actually got in, I was running around the house screaming ‘this is going to change our lives forever!...And it has.”