Validate a problem & launch your startup
Validate a problem
You’ll focus on listening and learning from customers to validate whether the problem you’re solving is something a customer would pay for.
Build a solution = MVP (Minimal Viable Product)
You’ll use your customer insight to build a product that your customers really, really want and you’ll test this with users.
Get ready for growth
You’ll fast-track your learning in key areas like product-market-fit, pitching, and fundraising to move faster than you thought was possible.
of Accelerator companies have come through Launch Club.
Who is Launch Club for?
You've found a problem you want to solve.
If you've got a startup idea and are wildly ambitious to launch it. Launch Club will help you validate whether it is a real customer problem, develop a solution and get it into customers’ hands at lightning speed.
You've built an MVP and want to improve it.
If you've been working away at your startup and want the mentorship, accountability and guidance to accelerate your growth, you've come to the right place.
You're seeking technical understanding of what it takes to grow a company.
You'll be flooded with highly practical content and workshops that will demystify the founder journey and set you up for success.
Hear from our alumni
What do you get?
Launch Club is a springboard to bring your idea to life. From Day 1, you'll be driven by customer obsession, surrounded by mentors and have access to resources every founder dreams of. It gives you the momentum, connections, and guidance you need to turn a problem into a business solution with serious potential - and fast.
Founder peers on the journey with you
The most powerful thing that will happen to you at Startmate is that you’ll work alongside ambitious founders who can help solve the challenges you’re facing. You’ll get a squad of 6 founders that will become some of the most important people in your journey. Those in major cities will be able to access regular in-person events and coworking days.
Mentors to unblock you
You’ll be able to access the right type of mentors at the right time to unblock you. Each squad will have a dedicated mentor. There will be office hours with a wide range of mentors you can book with weekly. You’ll be put in front of early-stage investors for practical feedback on your startup and guidance for your pitches.
Take your startup from zero to one at speed
In 9 weeks, you’ll fast-track launching your startup by gaining the practical skills and ruthlessly focusing on putting them into practice. Launch Club curates world-class speakers to lead masterclasses to upskill you with what you need to launch a successful startup - from how to nail a customer interview to landing your first customers to building your MVP. The program concludes with a pitch night where there is a chance to gain a $25K investment in your startup.
Stand on the shoulders of the best startup community in ANZ
Startmate has curated a community of 4000+ of ANZ’s best founders, operators and investors. You’ll plug into the very centre of this universe. Your unfair advantage is that you can ask for warm introductions to potential customers, cofounders, VCs and angel investors.
Past speakers and coaches
Ready to kickstart your founder journey? Launch Club is for you.
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Frequently asked questions
The program is designed for aspiring or early-stage founders who have identified a problem they want to solve, but have yet to start a company.
Launch Club runs for 8 weeks, designed to spark real momentum without derailing your day job or studies.
- Live sessions run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and occasionally Wednesdays
- Can’t make one? All sessions are recorded
- Expect 5–7 hours/week of core content sessions
- Beyond that, what you put in is what you get out. Founders often spend extra time talking to users, building, and testing ideas
This isn’t passive learning, it’s hands-on, high-energy, and built to push you forward.
Launch Club costs $1,100 (incl. GST).
This isn’t just a fee, it’s your skin in the game. Everyone in the cohort has made the same commitment, which means you’ll be surrounded by founders who are serious about showing up, building momentum, and backing themselves.
PS: If cost is a barrier, talk to us. We don’t want money to be the reason you don’t start.
Here’s how it works:
Stage 1: Online Application
You’ll answer 3 short written questions (max 250 words each) and submit a personal elevator pitch — either as a 1-minute video or written answer.
We’re looking for ambition, insight, and momentum. We don’t care if you have an MVP — we care if you’re ready to start.
Short Answer Questions:
- Why are you hungry to be a founder — in general, and right now?
- What’s one thing you believe that not many others do?
- Tell us about something you’ve done that you’re proud of.
Elevator Pitch (Video or Written, Max 1 Minute or 250 words):
You’re stuck in an elevator with Michael Batko (Startmate CEO). You have 60 seconds. What do you tell him about yourself? Go.
Stage 2: Speed Interview
If your application stands out, you’ll be invited to a 15-minute call with the Startmate team. It’s fast, fun, and focused on your goals and why Launch Club is right for you.
Stage 3: Outcome
We’ll let you know if you’re in. If selected, you’ll join a powerful community of early-stage founders ready to go from idea to launch in just 8 weeks.
No, you do not need to be full time on your startup.
However, based on previous cohorts, we do recommend that you are in a position to want to start something now and commit the time to validating your idea. You will get much more out of the program.