The program is designed for aspiring or early-stage founders who have identified a problem they want to solve, but have yet to start a company.

Here’s how it works:

Stage 1: Online Application

You’ll answer 3 short written questions (max 250 words each) and submit a personal elevator pitch — either as a 1-minute video or written answer.

We’re looking for ambition, insight, and momentum. We don’t care if you have an MVP — we care if you’re ready to start.

Short Answer Questions:

1. Why are you hungry to be a founder — in general, and right now?
2. What’s one thing you believe that not many others do?
3. Tell us about something you’ve done that you’re proud of.

Elevator Pitch (Video or Written, Max 1 Minute or 250 words):‍

You’re stuck in an elevator with Michael Batko (Startmate CEO). You have 60 seconds. What do you tell him about yourself? Go.

Stage 2: Speed Interview

If your application stands out, you’ll be invited to a 15-minute call with the Startmate team. It’s fast, fun, and focused on your goals and why Launch Club is right for you.

Stage 3: Outcome

We’ll let you know if you’re in. If selected, you’ll join a powerful community of early-stage founders ready to go from idea to launch in just 8 weeks.

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The program is mostly virtual. All of the content is delivered in a virtual format (and will be recorded if you can’t attend live). However, we will also be hosting a few in-person events in the major capital cities as we find this helps facilitate stronger connections.

Starting a startup can be a daunting and lonely experience. Launch Club is designed to provide aspiring founders with the support, guidance, and resources they need to launch their startup successfully, and be able to do this at the same time as others at the same stage.

No, you do not need to be full time on your startup.

However, based on previous cohorts, we do recommend that you are in a position to want to start something now and commit the time to validating your idea. You will get much more out of the program.

Launch Club costs $1,100 (incl. GST).

This isn’t just a fee, it’s your skin in the game. Everyone in the cohort has made the same commitment, which means you’ll be surrounded by founders who are serious about showing up, building momentum, and backing themselves.

PS: If cost is a barrier, talk to us. We don’t want money to be the reason you don’t start.

Yes, we offer both scholarships and discounts to help make Launch Club more accessible.

🎓 Scholarships

We don’t want cost to be the reason you don’t apply. If you’re a strong fit for the program but need financial support, we encourage you to apply and chat to us.

👉 Click here to learn more about scholarships.

💰 Discounts

We offer discounts for members of the Startmate community:

• 10% for past Startmate fellows, mentors, coaches, and First Believers
• 50% for founders of Startmate-funded companies (Accelerator or Small Bets Fund)
• 10% for employees of Startmate-funded companies
• 20% off if applying as a team of 3 or more from the same company

Launch Club runs for 8 weeks, designed to spark real momentum without derailing your day job or studies.

• Live sessions run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and occasionally Wednesdays
• Can’t make one? All sessions are recorded
• Expect 5–7 hours/week of core content sessions
• Beyond that, what you put in is what you get out. Founders often spend extra time talking to users, building, and testing ideas

This isn’t passive learning, it’s hands-on, high-energy, and built to push you forward.