Startmate Student Fellowship

The best way for uni students to explore founding or working in a startup

Welcome to startup university.

The Student Fellowship launches the best and brightest of ANZ's uni students into the centre of the startup universe.

Best part? No prior experience needed. Come explore the exciting world of startups, from zero to infinity.

Kickstart your career in startups.

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Program Dates: 2 - 13 December 2024

Program Dates:
2 - 13 December 2024

✏️

Applications Close: 11:59PM, NOV 11

Applications Close:
11:59PM, NOV 11

💸

Cost:
$200 (incl. GST)

Cost: $200 (incl. GST)

Scholarships

⭐️

Rating: $200 (incl. GST)

Program Dates:
2 - 13 December 2024

W22

Raised $1.3M Pre-Seed to roll out insurance-at-checkout vision.

SM12

Raises $72 million Series B to help property managers, lenders and investors make better management decisions.

NZ20

Raises Series A to take its electric boat motors global.

SYD17

Raised $170M Series B to accelerate the manufacture and distribution of its energy efficient, long-range WiFi chips.

S21

Raised $24M Series A to end the world's reliance on petroleum-based plastic packaging.

SM12

Raised $25M Series B to provide comprehensive cyber security risk assessments.

MEL19

Raised $1.28M Seed to make the fashion industry more sustainable with their unique circular wardrobe.

SM13

Raises $30M in Series D to expand its bug bounty platform.

S21

Raises $8M Seed to replace plastics with seaweed.

MEL18

Raises $17.8M Series A helps people with chronic conditions learn to manage their health.

9/10 program rating
from 500+ alumni reviews.

9/10 program rating

Aleksy Ginovic

Bachelor of Business & Creative Intelligence and Innovation @ UTS

Aleksy Ginovic

Bachelor of Business & Creative Intelligence and Innovation @ UTS

"The best Australian program to meet liked minded individuals that have a passion from startups whilst in university!"

Julia Zhang

Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science @ USYD

Julia Zhang

Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science @ USYD

"The Student Fellowship was such an incredible experience. I learnt so much about the start up space, made numerous new connections, learnt so many valuable insights from coaches and peers, and got to create and pitch a product that I was passionate about! Couldn't recommend it more to students interested in entrepreneurship and the startup realm."

Hiu Tek Wu

Bachelor of Pharmacy @ Monash

Hiu Tek Wu

Bachelor of Pharmacy @ Monash

"Startmate is the go-to-program if you're exploring the start-up space, wondering if an idea would work and feeling frustrated for your next steps.The best part of the program? People. Through the program, I got connected to aspiring peers, coaches and industry leaders in the start-up ecosytem across Australia and New Zealand. It's so good to see you're not alone in pursuing entrepreneurship, and that you've a whole supportive community surrounding you. If you don't know where to start, start from Startmate."

Zhen Liu

Bachelor of Computer Science @ UniMelb

Zhen Liu

Bachelor of Computer Science @ UniMelb

"Startmate Student Fellowship is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime, life changing experience. My mindset, ability to network, courage to found a start-up idea with other passionate individuals grew so much that is beyond how much I could have imagined. It's the best community I have ever been in!"

Lutjen Lee

Bachelor of Law @ RMIT

Lutjen Lee

Bachelor of Law @ RMIT

"The startmate connections and community are great. It provides so many opportunities to meet amazing people during the program and continuously once the program is done."

William Cook

Bachelor of Law and Cyber Security @ Deakin University

William Cook

Bachelor of Law and Cyber Security @ Deakin University

"Loved this program - a great way to meet new people and learn a ton of new things. Resparked my passion for startups!"

Joy Yin

Bachelor of Computer Science @ UQ

Joy Yin

Bachelor of Computer Science @ UQ

"Startmate opens up opportunities within the startup ecosystem through a community found nowhere else."

Sebastian Camus

Bachelor of Science @ USYD

Sebastian Camus

Bachelor of Science @ USYD

"I loved the community - not just the passionate fellows but all the inspiring mentors, it’s pretty crazy valuable."

Gabriel Tucker

Bachelor of commerce @ Monash

Gabriel Tucker

Bachelor of commerce @ Monash

"Was so fun! I loved the community aspect, it really feels like you are part of the “in” group. The tips and takeaways can be applied instantly, which is great."

Jerry X'Lingson

Bachelor of Biomedicine @ UniMelb

Jerry X'Lingson

Bachelor of Biomedicine @ UniMelb

"The Startmate Fellowship was an amazing experience that exceeded all my expectations! The program provided invaluable resources and mentorship, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. The opportunity to also belong to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs was truly invaluable and has helped me take my next step forwards with absolute confidence."

Meet some of the
incredible fellows from past cohorts

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Applications close 11:59PM, NOV 11 for the next Student Fellowship cohort

Register interest for the next Student Fellowship cohort

Apply nowRegister interest

Meet our Launch Clubbers
who went onto the Accelerator

What is the
Student Fellowship?

Consider this your startup education. Startups 101.

The Student Fellowship is a highly selective startup bootcamp where you'll explore the world of startups.

In just 2 weeks you’ll get hands-on experience building a startup. From generating and validating a business idea, to learning to speak to customers and build a product, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what startups are all about.

You'll learn from startup pioneers, form a founding team, pitch to top investors, get 1:1 coaching from some of our ecosystem’s rising stars, and meet hundreds of other driven students from across ANZ.

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Winning teams in the pitch competition are in to win a free place in our next Launch Club program and a chance to pitch for $25k in investment via our Small Bets Fund 💰

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learn the fundamentals of the startup ecosystem

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discover the pathway that works best for you

🤝

land your dream internship/grad job in a startup

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meet co-founders and found a startup

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make lifelong friends who raise your ambition

63%

of students land a job or found a company through the student fellowship

Proudly supported by

Victoria student cohort & activities funded by LaunchVic

New South Wales cohort & activities funded by NSW Government

Are you a wildly ambitious founder and pre Series A fundraise?
‍The Accelerator is for you.

🙏

We're industry agnostic.

‍We've invested in companies spanning an insanely diverse range of industries. From ed-tech, health-tech, prop-tech and climate-tech to space-tech, fin-tech and legal-tech.

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You're never too early.

‍67% of Accelerator companies had no revenue when they appliedand every cohort has had at least one company that is idea-stage and pre-MVP.

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We strive for equal representation.

‍Diversity builds smarter solutions. Since 2021, 40% of our companies have 1 or more women co-founders.

Do you want to change the world?
Student Fellowship is for you.

🔍

Curious about what it takes to work at the most ambitious tech companies?

If you’re keen on founding, investing, or working at a startup, this is the program for you. Get hands-on experience of building something from scratch!

🌏

Want to be part of an industry that will drive the biggest change globally over the next 50 years?

This program is for those with an inner-belief that they were made for greatness.

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Don't want to die a slow death/sell your soul to be at a big corporate?

We’re looking for hungry, driven, and daring students and recent graduates who want to do something different.

Program Syllabus

LEARN
Hear from pioneers of our startup ecosystem and learn from alumni fellows who have gone on to found venture-backed companies or land dream roles in a startup
EXPLORE
Get hands on startup experience taking an idea, transforming it into a product and pitching it to investors
COACHING
Get 1:1 coaching from people already in the startup ecosystem
COMMUNITY
Meet hundreds of other driven students and join the best startup community in ANZ

Apply for the upcoming
Startmate Student Fellowship

Launching students into the startup universe

📆

Program Dates:
2 - 13 December 2024

Program Dates: 2 - 13 December 2024

✏️

Applications Close:
11:59PM, NOV 11

Applications Close: 11:59PM, NOV 11

💸

Cost: $200 (incl. GST)

Cost: $200 (incl. GST)

Scholarships
What you’ll get out of the Accelerator 
  1. Investment: We invest AUD 120k in each company so that all your energy is focused on building your startup.
  2. Founder friends: You’ll be surrounded by a cohort of equally ambitious founders on the same journey.
  3. Pitch perfect: We’ll tear your pitch deck to shreds and by the end of the Accelerator you’ll have a bulletproof deck ready for investors.
  4. Launch your startup to the world: Pitch your startup to an audience of thousands at Demo Day.
  5. A product people want: You’ll spend 12 weeks laser-focused on your customer, how you can improve your product and the results to drive meaningful growth
  6. Mentorship: You’ll be partnered with ANZ’s most successful founders, operators and investors who have skin in the game and will run through brick walls to see you succeed 
  7. SME: We’ll connect you with subject matter experts who can provide tailored industry advice on how to approach your business
  8. Community: You’ll gain access to ANZ’s largest startup community of founders, operators and investors who are ready to support you on your journey.  
  9. World-class talent pool: Within our 2000+ startmate fellowship alumni are the hires you need to take your startup to the next level at your fingertips: pre-vetted, upskilled, and hungry to join a high-growth startup. 
  10. The best platform in ANZ to raise capital: Having the Startmate brand behind you will be a stamp of approval to every potential investor or employee you meet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is right for the Student Fellowship?

It’s a common misconception that you have to be technically minded to work at a startup. This is simply not true. Whether you’re studying arts, engineering, music, science, law, business or anything in between, the Student Fellowship can help you determine whether a career in startups is the right fit for you.

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Our Student Fellows come from all backgrounds, experiences and walks of life. However, they are all:

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  • Curious about the possibility of a career in the startup world;
  • Tenacious and willing to create their own opportunities;
  • Fast-moving individuals who thrive in chaos and uncertainty;
  • Problem-solvers who love finding creative solutions; and
  • Team players looking to make authentic connections and join a community for life.

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We’re especially interested in you if you would like to work in, found, or invest in startups in the future (or now)!

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All university students are welcome to apply, regardless of age, race, disability, cultural background, gender or sexuality.

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What is the Student Fellow experience like?

The Student Fellowship runs for 2 weeks, during which time Fellows team up and found a startup.

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From coming up with a startup idea, testing and refining it, validating it with customers and pitching the finished product at the end of the program. And if you’ve already got an idea or started talking to customers - great!

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You’ll also be added to a talent pool that will open you up to internship and job opportunities at Australian and New Zealand startups.

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And the journey doesn't end after 2 weeks. Our Student Fellows join Startmate’s community of operators, founders and investors for life, and make meaningful connections with other ambitious, passionate students and coaches from all over the country.

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Check out this program reflection from Summer23 cohort student fellow, Melody Wu.

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What is the time commitment?

Sessions will run in the evenings, with occasional lunchtime optional check-ins.

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With approximately 15 hours of content across the program, come prepared for an intense and transformative learning and networking experience. You’ll get out what you put in!

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Sessions will be recorded and available after the program ends, but you will get the most out of the program if you can attend the live sessions.

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In general, the program follows a set operating cadence. Live sessions will run after work hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5-7PM AEST

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****In addition to the content sessions, there will also be Friday in-person drinks in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as regular catch-ups with your founding team and Coach.

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Depending on your own bandwidth and personal objectives, you can then scale up from there - dive into bonus resources, connect with other Fellows & Coaches, build your network, etc.

When does the program run?

The Student Fellowship is a two-week bootcamp that runs twice a year during the winter and summer student holidays.

Content and resources are entirely virtual, and there are in-person socials.

How big are the cohorts?

Each cohort is made up of about 150-300 students and recent graduates (up to six months post-graduation).

What are the scholarship criteria for the Student Fellowship?

See this page for all scholarship criteria.

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Can I land a job through the program?

Absolutely. Startmate is connected with most startups and tech companies in Australia and New Zealand. Over 60% of Student Fellows have landed roles within startups. 

Having experience working on a startup is incredibly valued by other founders and early-stage startup hiring managers. You’ll gain hands-on experience you can use as an asset in the hiring process.

If you’re keen just to see what’s already out there and available, check out our Talent Engine for startup jobs across Australia and New Zealand.

I’ve never even thought about founding before. Is this 2 week bootcamp for me? What if I don’t have a startup idea?

You’re not here because you already know what you want to do in your career. You’re here precisely because you don’t.

It’s not about “is this right for me?”

It’s about “how else am I going to find out if it is?!”

This is an opportunity to try something new, experiment, and have fun along the way. 

The Student Fellowship is a safe space to try on new ideas, share feedback, celebrate wins and lean on each other throughout it all.

So do you need to come in with an idea? Business model? Prototype? Paying customers? Money in the bank? No.

Come as you are, and be excited by what you’ll become.

Are there any age requirements?

You must be 18+ to take part in the Student Fellowship.

Join a community that will help you go from idea to IPO

🔥

Hiring

We have over 3000+ of ANZ’s most talented operators in our community. Our incredible Startmate fellows are hungry to join a high-growth startup and ready to support you on your journey.

🔥

Investors

We have built an army of over 250 early stage investors who are inspired by your commitment to changing the world. They are here, ready to be your First Believers, and invest.

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Funding

We invest in you from day one and continue to believe in you forever after. This is a unique fund in ANZ that automatically invests all Startmate pro-rata for our alumni, which means you can go into your fundraising conversations already knowing you have the Startmate pro-rata committed

Essential Reading

Apply for the upcoming
Startmate Accelerator

If you’re ready to move faster than you ever thought possible, build a better product with more users, and get the best platform in ANZ to raise capital, apply for the Startmate Accelerator. 

📆

Program Dates: JAN 20–APRIL 18 2025 (12 WEEKS)

✏️

Applications Close: 11:59PM NOV 3

What you’ll get out of the Accelerator 
  1. Investment: We invest AUD 120k in each company so that all your energy is focused on building your startup.
  2. Founder friends: You’ll be surrounded by a cohort of equally ambitious founders on the same journey.
  3. Pitch perfect: We’ll tear your pitch deck to shreds and by the end of the Accelerator you’ll have a bulletproof deck ready for investors.
  4. Launch your startup to the world: Pitch your startup to an audience of thousands at Demo Day.
  5. A product people want: You’ll spend 12 weeks laser-focused on your customer, how you can improve your product and the results to drive meaningful growth
  6. Mentorship: You’ll be partnered with ANZ’s most successful founders, operators and investors who have skin in the game and will run through brick walls to see you succeed 
  7. SME: We’ll connect you with subject matter experts who can provide tailored industry advice on how to approach your business
  8. Community: You’ll gain access to ANZ’s largest startup community of founders, operators and investors who are ready to support you on your journey.  
  9. World-class talent pool: Within our 2000+ startmate fellowship alumni are the hires you need to take your startup to the next level at your fingertips: pre-vetted, upskilled, and hungry to join a high-growth startup. 
  10. The best platform in ANZ to raise capital: Having the Startmate brand behind you will be a stamp of approval to every potential investor or employee you meet.