The Gold Coast’s startup scene hit a major milestone last November with InvestFest 2024, the city’s largest founder–investor connect event. Organised by the Cohort Innovation Space and backed by QIC, Invest Gold Coast, Pipeline Capital, Health & Knowledge Precinct, and AWS the event brought together over 25 venture capitalists to meet face-to-face with founders ranging from pre-seed startups to Series A companies.
Described as a high-energy “speed dating” style experience, InvestFest created an environment where investors and founders could cut through the noise and have meaningful conversations. Founders from across the country, spanning sectors like SaaS, AI, LegalTech and HealthTech, gathered at InvestFest for exclusive one-on-one meetings with Australia’s top venture funds.
And the results speak for themselves. According to investor feedback,75% reported follow-up meetings after first connecting at InvestFest. The headline outcome came from global VC firm Antler, which went on to back one of the showcased startups with an investment of $500K as part of a round of over $1M.
“The magic of InvestFest is in the collisions,” said Stefan Knight from Antler. “It gave us the chance to meet founders we might not have crossed paths with otherwise. The quality of startups was impressive, and it was clear that the Gold Coast ecosystem is producing ventures with real global potential. Our investment came directly from the conversations we had at the event.”
For many founders, the highlight was the opportunity to connect in a format that prioritised accessibility and efficiency. The majority of investors surveyed agreed that the one-on-one meetings were the most valuable part of the event, giving them direct exposure to early-stage founders and their ventures.
With its proven impact, InvestFest has positioned itself as a cornerstone of the Gold Coast’s growing innovation ecosystem. By facilitating connections that translate into real deals, the event is helping to cement the city’s reputation as a place where ambitious founders and forward-thinking investors come to build the future.
Returning to 2025, InvestFest is set to return even bigger and better. Expanding into a two-day program on the Gold Coast from 6 – 7 November, this massive event will have more investors, more founders, and even greater opportunities for connection.
Applications are now officially open and are filling in fast so don’t miss out on securing a spot at InvestFest 2025. Founders can register now here!
Are you an investor and want to get involved? Register your interest to attend and get ready to connect with dozens of investment-ready startups surrounded by surf and sunshine. Investors can register now here!
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