TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is coming to Australia. We’re working with Stripe to find the most exciting early-stage startups in Australia. On August 19, eight Australian startups will take the stage at Stripe Tour Sydney to present live to investors, media and the tech community. 3 people will receive a prize. You’ll receive an automatic ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, October 13-15.
What is the secret to finding the next breakout founder? Judges.
Startup Battlefield has a proven track record of its own. The competition saw more than 1,700 companies launch globally, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, and Trello. Graduates have collectively raised $32 billion and created more than 250 exits. Last time Startup Battlefield came to Sydney, the winner was HealthMatch. It is now a company valued at over $25 million, serving one million patients worldwide.
That success doesn’t happen by accident. This comes from having the right people in the room who can spot the potential, ask the hard questions, and open doors for entrepreneurs. This year we brought together three judges representing the Australian startup ecosystem and global fintech innovation.
Meet the judges
Jasmine Liew, Head of Startup and Investor Partnerships, APAC, Stripe
Stripe not only sponsors Startup Battlefield, but is also deeply involved in the startup ecosystem. Jasmine Liew brings the institutional knowledge needed to scale globally and the payments infrastructure that supports modern commerce. When a founder presents in front of her, they are presenting to someone who not only understands the vision, but also the mechanics of turning that vision into a revenue-generating machine.
Brendan Hill, angel investor and venture partner at Ten13
Brendan Hill represents the class of investors who actually write checks. As a venture partner and active angel investor, he’s not just evaluating ideas, he’s also evaluating whether to put his money on the team. This is an important lens for founders as they attempt to raise their next round of funding.
Jarron Aizen, Hapana Founder and CEO
Jarron Aizen is the founder. That means he knows what it’s like to stand where these eight pitchers will stand. He walked the path from idea to company, and that perspective is invaluable. As he sits in the judge’s chair and asks questions, he sheds light on the successes and hurts in the Australian market.
what’s the matter?
The grand prize winner will receive $15,000 in Stripe commission credits (real money to fuel growth) and automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. This is not just a product. It’s a launch pad. Second place will receive $5,000 in Stripe credit. Third place will receive $2,000 in Stripe credit. But more importantly, all finalists get to get into the room with the judges, get media attention and connect with the Stripe Tour Sydney audience of founders, operators and investors.
The real spectacle happens on August 19th
Whether you’re an investor, a founder not yet ready to pitch, or just want to see the future of Australian startups unfold, Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19 is the event for you. Register to attend.
The stage is set. The judges are ready. The question is, where will the next startup be?
Hosted and MC by Startup Battlefield Director Isabelle Johannessen.
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