Founders Bio 10x

UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator, based in Sydney, Australia, is a prominent accelerator program dedicated to propelling technology startups and research ventures from early-stage development to market readiness and scalable growth. Established in 2017, the program has consistently supported ambitious entrepreneurs, culminating in significant post-program funding and enterprise value. It was initially launched to foster high-potential startups originating from UNSW students, staff, and alumni, later expanding its reach to include a diverse array of Australian founders across various industry streams.

The accelerator distinguishes itself by offering founder-friendly capital, comprehensive mentorship, and invaluable industry connections. Accepted startups receive $100,000 in seed investment via a pre-money SAFE note with a 15% discount and no valuation cap, designed to be highly favourable to the founders. Beyond direct investment, participants benefit from tailored workshops, weekly one-on-one sessions with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and extended access to co-working spaces. The program's unique strength lies in its ability to facilitate access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities and creative capital opportunities, leveraging university affiliations for various grants and support, which is particularly beneficial for deep tech and biotech ventures.

UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator runs intensive 10-week programs across several specialised streams, including 'All Industries,' 'Health,' 'Climate,' 'Synthetic Biology,' and 'Defence.' This multi-stream approach ensures bespoke support that addresses the specific challenges and long product development cycles inherent in deep technology and biotech. For instance, the Bio 10x Accelerator specifically aids biotech founders in navigating the challenging 'valley of death,' providing crucial resources and strategic guidance for regulatory hurdles and partnerships. Their philanthropic foundation and community-driven ethos foster a supportive ecosystem where founders can thrive by building strong networks and sharing knowledge.

A testament to its impact, the accelerator has backed 135 startups, which have collectively raised over $277 million in post-program funding and generated more than $1 billion in combined enterprise value since its inception. Notable alumni include Cauldron, a biomanufacturing startup that secured $26 million in total funding and was recognised as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, and AssuranceLab, a compliance tech startup that achieved acquisition by a US firm. The program's leadership includes Sasha Whittle as the 10x Program Manager and Maddison Mccoy overseeing the Bio 10x Accelerator, supported by a dedicated team of program managers, coaches, and mentors who bring decades of startup expertise.