Steve Grace

Antler is one of the most active early-stage investors globally. The firm leads in ‘Day Zero’ investing, an approach to venture capital focused on partnering with founders pre-launch. Antler systematically removes capital and network constraints for early-stage technology entrepreneurs by providing co-founder matching, deep business model validation, initial capital, expansion support, and follow-on funding. The firm is present in 27 cities across most leading technology ecosystems globally and has made over 1,300 investments into early-stage startups. Antler has been repeatedly recognized by Pitchbook as the world’s most active angel and seed-stage investor.

Welcome to TNG Media, the media arm of The Nudge Group. Our growing portfolio of media brands include: Give It A Nudge. Our video podcast, where we dive deep into the world of start-ups and scale-ups. Our mission is to shed light on the innovative and inspiring people, companies, and ideas that are driving the world forward. https://www.youtube.com/@giveitanudge/ Balance the Grind. Our publication committed to redefining what work-life balance means. We dont just talk about it; we inspire you to live better and find that sweet spot in your professional and personal life. https://balancethegrind.co/ Startup Life: Unscripted. Our weekly newsletter highlighting the real-world tales of startup operators and employees. Through their narratives, we offer a firsthand look at the passion and persistence it takes to thrive in the startup world. https://startup-life-unscripted.beehiiv.com/

YBF’s three-tiered mission is to help startups and scaleups to succeed, corporates to innovate and the Australian tech ecosystem to thrive. As such, YBF is home to several large technology hubs that centre on key aspects of innovation for Victoria and New South Wales. Examples of these include the YBF Fintech Hub in partnership with the Victorian Government, the LawTech Hub in collaboration with Lander & Rogers; the PropTech Hub in partnership with building automation giant, Honeywell; and SquareGrape, Australia’s first tech hub for the wine sector, in partnership with one of the worlds largest wine companies, Treasury Wine Estates. YBF is Australia’s original and largest tech and innovation hub, headquartered in Melbourne. Today it is proud to be home to over 500 members making up over 75 future-focused Australian and international technology startups and scaleups at its Melbourne and Sydney CBD locations. The YBF team features several senior leaders from international technology and engineering companies, and as a result, is able to provide unmatched insight into international companies and expansion into the APAC region. In addition, YBF’s senior leadership includes serial entrepreneurs, technologists and industry experts. YBF Melbourne and YBF Sydney are top-choice landing pads for international technology firms setting up operations in Australia. Uber, 90 Seconds, Foodora and Kickstarter started their Australian journeys from YBF. Currently, several large American and British tech companies are based out of both YBF Melbourne and YBF Sydney, including a world-renowned unicorn. YBF has a vast alumni network, and hosts hundreds of events annually to support the growth of the Australian technology sector. Startup, scaleup and corporate members of YBF are able to take advantage of YBF’s global network that reaches over 50,000 people annually, becoming immersed in Australia’s oldest and most-renowned tech community.

Antler is one of the most active early-stage investors globally. The firm leads in ‘Day Zero’ investing, an approach to venture capital focused on partnering with founders pre-launch. Antler systematically removes capital and network constraints for early-stage technology entrepreneurs by providing co-founder matching, deep business model validation, initial capital, expansion support, and follow-on funding. The firm is present in 27 cities across most leading technology ecosystems globally and has made over 1,300 investments into early-stage startups. Antler has been repeatedly recognized by Pitchbook as the world’s most active angel and seed-stage investor.

The Nudge Group works with start-ups and scale-ups globally going through various stages of business growth. We connect them with world class talent and a trusted ecosystem, from pre-seed to Series A, all the way to IPO. Over the past 3 years, The Nudge Group has evolved and expanded, with new offices in the UK and Singapore, and our services spanning APAC, the UK, Europe, America, and Canada. While we are still very much working with start-ups and scale-ups to help them recruit the right talent, we have taken a more holistic approach to assist their growth. We have created an ecosystem designed to empower these start-ups to grow and scale across the world, connecting them to a large network of trusted suppliers to help them achieve their goals. From introducing them to VC and private equity firms to raising their profile with our media channels, Give It A Nudge and Balance the Grind, to building remote teams in the Philippines and Vietnam with our Nudge Remote service, our ecosystem enables these start-ups and scale-ups to plug in and grow. Over the years we have helped companies launch into the U.S., Australian start-ups expand into the UK, Singapore scale-ups establish a presence in Australia, Hong Kong & India, with plenty more on the way!

Ashdown People is a specialised Talent Management Consultancy, operating nationally within the Technology & Analytics, Business Support, MarComms and Accounting & Finance space across all industries. Based in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, operations commenced in 2006 and have grow exponentially through our approach of viewing recruitment as a partnership, not a transaction. As an industry leader, Ashdown People’s strength is building relationships to ensure both candidates and clients receive “best in class” service levels and business solutions. Our clients range from major global IT&T brands, to niche digital startups, with a commonality - they trust us to find the best IT professionals to ensure the strongest business and technology outcomes. Across Ashdown People, we are proud to have built a company based on partnership, trust and the highest levels of service. Our success to date is founded on the strength, integrity and mutual respect of our long-term relationships. We understand that each recruitment challenge, each relationship, and each transaction is unique, requiring a unique solution to ensure success. Many of our initial clients and contractors from 2006 are still with us today, helping to drive our organic growth and fine tune our industry-leading recruitment solutions. Our highly talented consultants love what they do, and are driven to deliver -from one-off entry level requirements through to sourcing hard to find skills - ramping up large-scale projects or high level executive search appointments.