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Startup Battlefield is returning to Australia — here’s what happened the lasttime we came to Sydney
Startup Battlefield returns to Sydney on August 19, 2026, after its first event in 2017, where startups gained significant traction. Ten companies will pitch, with the top three earning Stripe credits and the grand winner gaining entry to Startup Battlefield 200 in San Francisco. The previous event led to over $85 million raised by winners and highlighted the potential of Australian startups.
Key points
- The event is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at Stripe Tour Sydney.
- Ten startups from Australia and New Zealand will pitch to investors and the tech community.
- Top three companies will win Stripe fee credits, while the grand winner secures a spot in Startup Battlefield 200.
- In 2017, the winner, HealthMatch, raised over $25 million and expanded globally.
- Runner-up FluroSat became Regrow Agriculture with over $60 million raised post-event.
- The 2017 event showcased 26 startups raising over $147 million collectively.
Why it matters
- Startup Battlefield's success illustrates the growing significance of tech startups in Australia.
- In 2025, IT trends focus on innovation in health tech and agtech, echoing the winners from the previous events.
- The collaboration with Stripe shows the trend of major tech companies supporting emerging startups.
The return of Startup Battlefield signifies not only a celebration of past successes but also an opportunity for new startups to gain visibility and funding, highlighting the thriving Australian startup ecosystem.