varionexalu

Startup Fundraising Masterclass

A six-month intensive program designed for Australian founders who want to understand capital raising beyond the buzzwords. We're talking practical frameworks, honest conversations about what actually works, and building relationships that matter when you're trying to get funding off the ground.

Next Intake: September 2025
Workshop session with startup founders discussing fundraising strategies

What You'll Actually Learn

Look, most fundraising courses throw theory at you. We don't do that. This program came out of watching too many smart founders struggle with pitch decks that said nothing and financial models that made investors wince.

You'll spend time with people who've been on both sides of the table. We cover the stuff that matters — from figuring out if you even need external capital right now, to building a raise timeline that doesn't wreck your sanity or your business momentum.

  • Understanding different capital structures and what they mean for your control
  • Building financial projections that hold up under scrutiny
  • Crafting pitch narratives that connect with investor priorities
  • Managing due diligence without losing three months of productivity
  • Negotiating term sheets when you've never done it before

Who's Teaching This

Our instructors have collectively raised over $180M and sat through thousands of pitches. More importantly, they remember what it feels like to be on your side of the table. That experience shapes how we approach every session.

Hamish Caldwell teaching fundraising workshop
Hamish Caldwell
Lead Instructor

Former founder who's been through Series A and B. Now helps others avoid the mistakes that cost him sleep.

Sienna Tovey presenting financial modeling session
Sienna Tovey
Financial Modeling

Spent eight years in venture capital before switching sides. Knows what makes investors say yes or pass.

Dougal Pemberton reviewing pitch decks with founders
Dougal Pemberton
Pitch Strategy

Communications specialist who's refined over 200 pitch decks. Hates jargon as much as you do.

Finnian Ashworth discussing term sheet negotiations
Finnian Ashworth
Legal & Terms

Corporate lawyer who explains term sheets in actual English. Makes the scary stuff manageable.

How It Works

We meet every second Wednesday evening for three hours. That's 12 sessions over six months. Each one combines structured learning with real work on your actual fundraise.

Between sessions, you've got access to our online workspace where you can share drafts, ask questions, and get feedback from both instructors and your cohort. Some of the best learning happens in those conversations.

1

Live Workshop Sessions

We cap cohorts at 18 founders so there's space for real dialogue. You're not watching from row 47.

2

Practical Assignments

Each module includes work you'd be doing anyway. We just help you do it better, with feedback that matters.

3

Ongoing Access

After the program ends, you keep access to resources and the cohort network. Fundraising rarely fits neat timelines.

Founders collaborating during program session at Sydney location

Ready to Get Started?

Applications for our September 2025 cohort open in late June. We'll ask about your business, where you're at with fundraising, and what you're hoping to get out of the program. It's not about having everything figured out — it's about being ready to put in the work.

Program Details

12 sessions | September – February | Wednesday evenings | Castle Hill location

Sessions run from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with a break in the middle. We know you're running a business during the day. That's why we schedule around it.

Express Your Interest