Queensland’s venture ecosystem has entered a new chapter. More founders are building ambitious companies from Brisbane and beyond, more capital is entering the market, and national investors are paying closer attention than ever before.

When: Thu, 20 Aug, 5:30pm – 7:30pm AEST
Where: The Precinct, Launch Room
Fortitude Valley QLD, Australia

Lauren Capelin

Lauren Capelin

Business Development Manager, AWS Startups
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Lauren is a community strategist and disruptive innovation expert, specialising in generative AI, web3, fintech, the sharing economy, and early-stage investing. As VC Business Development Manager for ANZ at AWS Startups, she focuses on fostering connections with emerging founders and supporting startups to scale globally. Previously, Lauren was Principal at Startmate, where she led founder scouting, investment programs, and media, and as Partner of Platform at Reinventure Fund, she shaped Australia’s fintech ecosystem.

Jessica Christiansen-Franks

Jessica Christiansen-Franks

Managing Director, Wade Institute
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A qualified urban designer and landscape architect, Jess has spent more than 20 years working across government, industry and civil society leading complex urban development projects in Australia and globally (including UK, Canada, India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines). She’s also no stranger to entrepreneurial education having designed peer-based programs, run masterclasses, and supported founders, intrapreneurs and changemakers across sectors.