TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is coming to Australia – and we are in partnership with Stripe to find the most exciting start-ups in the country. On August 19, eight Australian startups will take the stage at Band Sydney Tour to present live in front of investors, press and the technology community. Three will win prizes. We will win an automatic ticket for TechCrunch disrupts 2026which will take place in San Francisco from October 13-15.
The secret to finding the next breakout founder? The judges.
The Battlefield startup has a track record that speaks for itself. The competition has launched more than 1,700 companies worldwide, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord and Trello. Alumni have collectively raised $32 billion and completed more than 250 releases. The last time Startup Battlefield came to Sydney, the winner was HealthMatch, now valued at over $25 million and with one million patients worldwide.
This success does not happen by chance. This comes from having the right people in the room, those who can spot the potential, ask the tough questions, and open doors for founders. This year we’ve brought together three judges who represent the best of the Australian startup ecosystem and global fintech innovation.
Meet your judges
Jasmine Liew, Head of Startup and Investor Partnerships for APAC, Stripe
Stripe doesn’t just sponsor Startup Battlefield: the company is also deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem. Jasmine Liew brings institutional knowledge of what it takes to scale globally and the payments infrastructure that powers modern commerce. When a founder comes before her, they’re talking to 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 Venture Partner, Ten13
Brendan Hill represents the class of investors who actually write checks. As a venture partner and active angel investor, he not only evaluates ideas, he also evaluates whether he would bet his own money on a team. It’s the goal that matters when founders are trying 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 those eight pitchers will be. He’s journeyed from idea to business, and that perspective is invaluable. When he asks a question from the judges’ table, it’s informed by the victories and scars of construction in the Australian market.
What’s at stake
The grand prize winner wins $15,000 in Stripe Fee Credits – real money that can fuel growth – plus automatic entry into the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch disrupts 2026. It’s not just a price. It’s a launching pad. Second place wins $5,000 in Stripe credits. Third place wins $2,000 in Stripe credits. But more importantly, all the finalists get to be in the room with these judges, get press attention, and have access to Stripe Sydney Tour audience of founders, operators and investors.
The real show takes place on August 19
If you’re an investor, a founder who’s not ready to pitch or simply someone who wants to see the future of Australian startups unfold, the Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19 is the event. Register to attend.
The stage is set. The judges are ready. The question is: what will be the next startup?
Hosted and moderated by Isabelle Johannessen, director of Startup Battlefield.
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