The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is coming to Australia – and we’re partnering with Stripe to find the country’s most exciting startups. On August 19, eight Australian startups will take the stage at Stripe Tour Sydney to perform live in front of investors, media, and the tech community. Three will win prizes. One will win an automatic ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, which will take place in San Francisco from October 13-15.
The secret to finding the next team founder? Judges.
Startup Battlefield has a track record that speaks for itself. The competition featured more than 1,700 companies from around the world, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, and Trello. Alumni have collectively raised $32 billion and generated 250+ exits. The last time the Startup Battlefield came to Sydney, the winner was HealthMatch – now valued at over $25 million and a million patients worldwide.
That success doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from having the right people in the room, the ones who can see the potential, ask the tough questions, and open doors for innovators. This year, we brought together three judges representing Australia’s leading ecosystem and global fintech innovation.
Meet your judges
Jasmine Liew, Head of Startups and Investor Partnerships APAC, Stripe
Stripe doesn’t just support the Startup Battlefield — the company is also deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem. Jasmine Liew brings institutional knowledge of what it takes to scale globally and the payment infrastructure that powers modern commerce. When an inventor pitches in front of him, he pitches to someone who not only understands the idea, but also the machine to turn that idea into a revenue generating machine.
Brendan Hill, angel investor and business partner, Ten13
Brendan Hill represents the check-writing class of investors. As a partner and working angel investor, he doesn’t just test ideas – he also tests whether he could bet his money on the team. It’s that important lens through which founders try to raise their next round.
Jarron Aizen, founder and CEO, Hapana
Jarron Aizen is a founder himself, which means he knows what it’s like to stand where these eight pitchers will be standing. You’ve gone from an idea to a company, and that idea is important. If he asks a question at the judge’s table, he will be informed about the winnings and construction scars in the Australian market.
What’s on the line
The grand prize winner takes home $15,000 in Stripe credits — real money to fuel — and automatic entry into the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. That’s not just a prize. That’s the launch pad. Second place takes home $5,000 in Stripe credits. Third place takes home $2,000 in Stripe credits. But more importantly, all the winners get in the room with these judges, get media attention, and get access to the Stripe Tour Sydney audience of founders, operators, and investors.
The real spectacle will take place on August 19
If you’re an investor, an entrepreneur who isn’t ready to pitch, or just someone who wants to see the future of Australian startups happen, Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19 is the event. Register to attend.
The stage is set. The judges are ready. The question is: Which start will come next?
Hosted and MC’d by Isabelle Johannessen, director of Startup Battlefield.
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