The Search for Australia’s Next Startup Sensation: Meet the Judges

TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is making its way to Australia in partnership with Stripe to discover the most promising early-stage startups in the country. On August 19, eight Australian startups will showcase their ideas at Stripe Tour Sydney in front of investors, press, and the tech community, with three winners receiving prizes and one securing a direct ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco from October 13-15.

The key to uncovering the next successful founder lies in the judges of the competition. With a rich history of launching over 1,700 companies globally, including well-known names like Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, and Trello, Startup Battlefield has a proven track record of success. These alumni have collectively raised $32 billion and achieved over 250 exits. Notably, the previous winner in Sydney, HealthMatch, is now valued at over $25 million with a million patients worldwide.

This success is not accidental but a result of having the right individuals in the room who can identify potential, ask critical questions, and provide opportunities for founders. This year, the panel of judges includes three experts representing Australia’s startup ecosystem and global fintech innovation.

Jasmine Liew, the Head of Startup & Investor Partnerships for APAC at Stripe, brings valuable insights into scaling globally and the payment infrastructure essential for modern commerce. As a sponsor of Startup Battlefield, Stripe is deeply ingrained in the startup ecosystem, making Liew a knowledgeable judge who understands not only the vision but also the practicalities of turning it into a profitable venture.

Brendan Hill, an angel investor and venture partner at Ten13, represents the investor community that backs startups financially. His experience in evaluating ideas and deciding where to invest his own money gives founders a unique perspective when raising funds for their ventures.

Jarron Aizen, the founder and CEO of Hapana, adds a founder’s viewpoint to the judging panel. Having navigated the journey from idea to company himself, Aizen’s insights are invaluable in understanding the challenges and opportunities in the Australian market.

The grand prize for the winner of the competition includes $15,000 in Stripe fee credits, providing real financial support for growth, along with automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Second and third place winners receive $5,000 and $2,000 in Stripe credits, respectively. Additionally, all finalists gain exposure to the judges, media coverage, and access to the Stripe Tour Sydney audience comprising founders, operators, and investors.

The main event is set to unfold on August 19 at Stripe Tour Sydney, where investors, founders, and enthusiasts can witness the future of Australian startups firsthand. Registration for the event is open to all interested attendees.

As the stage is prepared and the judges await, the anticipation builds for which startup will emerge as the next success story in the Australian startup landscape.

(Hosted and MC’d by Isabelle Johannessen, director of Startup Battlefield.)

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