TechCrunch Startup Battlefield is heading to Australia — and we’ve teamed up with Stripe to discover the nation’s most thrilling early-stage startups. On August 19, eight Australian startups will present live at Stripe Tour Sydney in front of investors, media, and the tech community. Three of them will be awarded prizes. One will secure an automatic entry to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, occurring in San Francisco from October 13-15.

What’s the key to identifying the next standout founder? The judges.

Startup Battlefield has a proven history of success. The competition has launched more than 1,700 companies worldwide, including Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, and Trello. Alumni have collectively raised $32 billion and achieved over 250 exits. During the last Startup Battlefield in Sydney, HealthMatch emerged as the winner — now valued at over $25 million with a million patients globally.

Such success isn’t coincidental. It stems from having the right individuals present, those who can identify potential, pose challenging questions, and create opportunities for founders. This year, we’ve gathered three judges representing the pinnacle of Australia’s startup landscape and global fintech innovation.

Meet your judges

Jasmine Liew, Head of Startup & Investor Partnerships for APAC, Stripe

Stripe not only sponsors Startup Battlefield — the company is also intricately woven into the startup landscape. Jasmine Liew possesses institutional insight into what it entails to scale on a global level and the payment infrastructure that underpins contemporary commerce. When a founder presents before her, they are pitching to someone who comprehends not just the vision, but also the intricacies of transforming that vision into a profitable venture.

Brendan Hill, angel investor and venture partner, Ten13

Brendan Hill embodies the investor segment that actively provides funding. As a venture partner and engaged angel investor, he not only assesses ideas — he’s also considering whether he would invest his own capital in a team. That perspective is crucial when founders seek to secure their subsequent round.

Jarron Aizen, founder and CEO, Hapana

Jarron Aizen is a founder himself, bringing his understanding of the experience these eight pitchers will face. He’s traversed the journey from concept to company, and that insight is incredibly valuable. When he poses a question from the judge’s panel, it is backed by the triumphs and challenges of developing a business in the Australian landscape.

What’s at stake

The grand prize champion will receive $15,000 in Stripe fee credits — tangible funds that can expedite growth — along with automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. This is not merely a reward. It’s a launchpad. The second place winner will get $5,000 in Stripe credits, and the third place winner will receive $2,000 in Stripe credits. More significantly, all finalists will have the opportunity to interact with these judges, gain media exposure, and connect with the Stripe Tour Sydney audience comprised of founders, operators, and investors. 

The true spectacle occurs on August 19

If you’re an investor, a founder not ready to pitch, or simply someone keen to witness the evolution of Australian startups, Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19 is the event to attend. Register now.

The stage is ready. The judges await. The question remains: Which startup will shine next?

Hosted and MC’d by Isabelle Johannessen, director of Startup Battlefield.