The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is coming to Australia — and we’re partnering with Stripe to find the country’s most exciting early-stage startups. On August 19, eight Australian startups will take to the stage Film Tour of Sydney to present live in front of investors, press and the tech community. Three will win prizes. One will win an automatic ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place in San Francisco from October 13-15.
The secret to finding the next breakout founder? The judges.
Startup Battlefield has a track record that speaks for itself. The competition has been launched by over 1,700 companies worldwide, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord and Trello. Alumni have collectively raised $32 billion and created 250+ exits. The last time the Startup Battlefield came to Sydney, the winner was HealthMatch — now valued at over $25 million with a million patients worldwide.
This success does not happen by accident. It comes from having the right people in the room, the ones who can spot potential, ask the tough questions, and open doors for founders. This year, we’ve assembled three judges who represent the best of Australia’s startup ecosystem and global fintech innovation.
Know your judges
Jasmine Liew, Head of Startup & Investor Partnerships for APAC, Stripe
Stripe doesn’t just sponsor the Startup Battlefield – the company is also deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem. Jasmine Liew brings institutional knowledge of what is needed for the global scale and payment infrastructure that powers modern commerce. When a founder appears before her, it’s someone who understands not only the vision, but also the mechanics of turning that vision into a revenue-generating machine.
Brendan Hill, angel investor and partner, Ten13
Brendan Hill represents the class of investors who actually write checks. As a venture partner and active angel investor, he doesn’t just evaluate ideas – he also evaluates whether to bet his own money on a team. This is the lens that matters when founders are trying to raise their next round.
Jarron Aizen, founder and CEO, Hapana
Jaron Aizen he’s a founder himself, which means he knows what it’s like to stand where those eight pitchers will stand. He has walked the path from idea to company and that perspective is invaluable. When he asks a question from the judge’s table, he is informed by the building’s wins and marks in the Australian market.
What’s on the line
The grand prize winner gets $15,000 in Stripe billing credits — real money that can fuel growth — plus automatic entry into the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. This isn’t just a prize. This is a launching point. Second place gets $5,000 in Stripe credits. Third place gets $2,000 in Stripe credits. But more importantly, all the finalists get in the room with these judges, get the attention of the press and get access to it Stripe Tour Sydney audience of founders, operators and investors.
The real spectacle happens on August 19th
If you’re an investor, a founder who isn’t ready to pitch, or just someone who wants to see the future of Australian startups unfold, the Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19 is the event. Sign up to watch.
The scene is set. The judges are ready. The question is: Which startup will be next?
Hosted and MC’d by Isabelle Johannessen, director of Startup Battlefield.
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