LaunchVic is looking for more startup accelerators to fund

Victorian startup agency LaunchVic is offering grants of up to $2 million to support accelerator programs for local founders.

Applications for the grant program are now open for experienced accelerator program providers to deliver either generalist or sector-specific programs over the next three years.

LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick said the need for tailored support, mentorship and networking opportunities is greater than ever, so the new funding will be rolled out to meet the demand of Victoria’s growing startup community.

“We are funding more accelerator programs to support and upskill founders to grow their startups into scaleups, including becoming investment ready,” she said. 

“It’s our hope that this latest ground round attract globally competitive program providers with a proven track record of building the capabilities of aspiring founders. This will ensure the support in place keeps pace with our rapidly growing ecosystem.”

Over the past eight years, LaunchVic has invested in 19 accelerator programs, which have supported more than 600 startup founders. They include Startmate, which has gone on to shepherd and invest in more than 130 startups in the ANZ ecosystems, which now have a combined valuation of more than $1 billion.

Applications are open to entirely new accelerator teams or programs that already exist in Australia or internationally. They close on Monday, June 27, 2022. 

Details at launchvic.org