Founders 10X

Founders 10X is a leading accelerator program based in Sydney, Australia, operated under the broader UNSW Founders initiative. Established in 2017, the program is designed to equip selected startup founders with the essential skills, professional connections, and initial capital needed to successfully enter the market, scale operations, and achieve significant growth. It targets technology startups and research ventures, providing a comprehensive, tailored, and fully funded intensive experience. The accelerator is distinguished by its philanthropic backing, providing founder-friendly investment without traditional equity dilution in early stages [6, 7].

The program offers a $100,000 seed investment to each accepted startup via a founder-friendly pre-money SAFE note, featuring a 15% discount and no valuation cap [2, 4, 6]. This approach is designed to de-risk the early-stage development phase for high-potential ventures. Beyond capital, Founders 10X provides dedicated support from a Program Manager, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and seasoned mentors. Participants also gain access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities, including a world-class makerspace for hardware founders, and cutting-edge services for science-based ventures [4, 6]. The program also includes up to six months of free access to co-working spaces and labs [4, 6].

Founders 10X boasts an impressive track record, having backed over 135 startups, facilitated more than $277 million in post-program funding, and generated over $1 billion in combined enterprise value since its inception [7]. The program has been recognised as Australia's most recommended accelerator by Startup Muster 2024, and UNSW Sydney was named the Most Entrepreneurial University in the Asia-Pacific at the Triple E Awards 2024 [3, 8, 15]. Key achievements include the acquisition of compliance tech startup AssuranceLab by US firm Sensiba, regional biomanufacturing startup Cauldron securing $26 million in total funding, and the global success of companies like Forage, Amelia Bio, Pearler, HEO, and Contactile [3, 7, 24].

Under the leadership of individuals such as Sasha Whittle, 10x Program Manager, and Dina Titkova, Senior Manager of Startups, the accelerator is committed to fostering a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem [5, 7]. It offers specific scholarships, like the Westpac Accelerator Scholarships, to provide financial support for women and non-binary founders [2, 4, 6]. The program operates across various streams, including 'All Industries' and dedicated deep tech streams for Defence, Health, and Climate, with some streams open to any Australian founder, regardless of UNSW affiliation [3, 7]. The continued support post-accelerator, including capital raising guidance, recruitment support, and pathways into international markets through initiatives like the Global Innovation Foundry, further underscores its holistic approach to startup growth [4, 7].