Mastering the Art of Startup Funding: Stories from the Front Line

Foundations Stage
Securing capital for growth isn’t just about pitching - it’s about navigating the unpredictable friction of investor dynamics, market shifts, and managing the delicate balance of debt v. equity. In this candid session, founders share a behind-the-scenes look at securing funding and scaling a business - the near-misses, the bold moves, the lessons learned the hard way. We’ll cut through the clichés and get into the details: What strategies worked? What do they wish they had done differently? And what are the realities of securing funding in today’s market? Whether you're raising your first round or gearing up for growth, this session will give you battle-tested insights you can use immediately.

Session Speakers

Jack Dean

Jack has spent over a decade helping innovative companies secure R&D Tax Offsets and grants across industries. Passionate about government incentives by day, he’s a Bunnies fan, board game enthusiast, and hockey player by night.

Pat Stewart

Pat Stewart, NSW State Manager at Radium Capital, helps innovators access R&D financing. With 15 years in finance and an MBA, he’s passionate about startups, green innovation, and AgTech, supporting businesses to thrive.

Cam Price

Cam Price, co-founder & CEO of LeadStory, launched the world’s first personalized news bulletin for SmartTVs and EV screens. A former TV journalist, he now reaches 10M+ viewers globally each month.

Hayley Saddington

Hayley Saddington, Founder & CEO of Peak Medical, is a healthcare innovator revolutionising patient care. A Telstra Business Woman of the Year and Shark Tank finalist, she blends medical tech and business to drive impact.