TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is coming to Australia and we’re partnering with Stripe to find the most interesting early-stage startups in the country. On August 19, eight Australian startups will take to the Stripe Tour Sydney stage 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 successful founder? The judges.

Startup Battlefield 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 produced more than 250 exits. The last time Startup Battlefield came to Sydney, the winner was HealthMatch, now valued at over $25 million and with one million patients worldwide.

That success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s about 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 have brought together three judges who represent the best of Australia’s startup ecosystem and global fintech innovation.

Know your judges

Jasmine Liew, Head of Investor Partnerships and Startups 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 on what it takes to scale globally and the payments infrastructure that powers modern commerce. When a founder gets in front of 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 kind 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. That’s the lens that matters when founders are trying to prepare their next round.

Jarron Aizen, founder and CEO of Hapana

Jarron Aizen is one of the founders, which means he knows what it’s like to be where these eight casters will be. You’ve walked the path from idea to company, and that perspective is invaluable. When he asks a question from the judges’ table, it is based on the victories and scars of construction in the Australian market.

What’s at stake?

The grand prize winner takes home $15,000 in Stripe fee credits (real money that can fuel growth) plus automatic entry to the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. That’s not just a prize. That’s a launching pad. Second place wins $5,000 in Stripe credits. Third place wins $2,000 in Stripe credits. But most importantly, all finalists get into the room with these judges, receive press attention and gain access to Stripe Tour Sydney’s audience of founders, operators and investors.

The real show happens on August 19.

If you’re an investor, a founder not ready to launch, or just 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: which startup will be next?

Hosted and hosted by Isabelle Johannessen, Director of Startup Battlefield.