About - Wade Institute

About us

Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship is a leading centre for entrepreneurial training.

We deliver immersive education programs to accelerate learning, creation & connection.

Established in 2015 thanks to a $10 million gift by highly successful entrepreneur Peter Wade, we have created the ultimate training ground for high-calibre talent to build ideas, master the fundamentals and grow a lifelong network.

We support people to go further, faster. To learn from experts in a deeply focused environment committed to outcomes. To fail safely, with continuous feedback loops and guidance to test and iterate ideas. To find their people and get support from a powerful network of inspired and inspiring creators and industry leaders. The complete toolkit.

Meet students

Wade Institute team member
Sarah Agboola

Young go-getter to tech entrepreneur

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Wade Institute team member
Claire Harris

Corporate crusader with a side hustle

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Wade Institute team member
Gemeh Kromah

Small business owner to serial entrepreneur

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Wade Institute team member
Sarah Last

Vet student to AgTech entrepreneur

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Our approach

LEARN

Develop a complete toolkit to build and grow ideas, transferable to any industry.

CREATE

Hands-on and fully-supported journey from inception to realisation.

CONNECT

Create a powerful lifelong network of collaborators, experts and investors.

Speakers

Wade Institute team member
Simon Griffiths

Founder, Who Gives A Crap

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Wade Institute team member
Cyan Ta'eed

Co-founder, Envato

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Wade Institute team member
Anton Commissaris

Executive, Mint.com

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Wade Institute team member
Amanda Walker

Co-Founder, Lord of the Fries

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Wade Institute team member
Greg Roebuck

Founder, Carsales.com

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Wade Institute team member
Tom Griffith

Co-founder, Emma & Tom's

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Wade Institute team member
Nick Crocker

Partner, Blackbird Ventures

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Wade Institute team member
Sheryl Thai

Founder, Cupcake Central & CEO, League of Extraordinary Women

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Meet the team

Wade Institute team member
Peter Wade

Entrepreneur and Benefactor

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Wade Institute team member
Nick Kaye

Director, Innovation & Enterprise

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Wade Institute team member
Rachel Jenzen

Associate Director, Programs and Operations

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Wade Institute team member
Andrew 'Midsy' Middleton

Program Director

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Wade Institute team member
May Flaming

Program Manager

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Wade Institute team member
Kim Howells

Executive Director, Engagement

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Wade Institute team member
Hedieh Hatami

Communications and Marketing Manager

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Wade Institute team member
Joanna Cullen

Marketing Lead

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The VC Moment Whitepaper

The VC Moment is a new report on how venture-backed companies can transform Australia for the post-COVID era. 

A deep dive into the Australian VC ecosystem, the report explores where the opportunities lie, and how investors can harness them to create a thriving technology export sector that will bring our innovation to the world. From Software-as-a-Service, to healthcare, deep technology, cybersecurity, space technology and agtech, the report shows that the startup sector is thriving, and investors today have a unique chance to break into the local VC ecosystem from its early stages. 

There’s no time like the present for Australia’s VC ecosystem. The VC Moment demonstrates why investors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the nation’s economic future. 

Access the Whitepaper

4.1 VC Catalyst Whitepaper Gate (LIVE)
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Startup Starter Kit

Whether you’re pivoting your current business or starting a new one, there are an abundance of tools available to help you focus your thinking and make a clear plan of attack. Our favourite is the Business Model Canvas (BMC) – a framework for establishing a clear and simple overview of your whole business idea.

We use the BMC at Wade Institute in teaching across most of
our programs, including the University of Melbourne’s Master of Entrepreneurship, UpSchool and Startup Sprint. It’s an integral part of any entrepreneur’s toolkit.

Download the kit

4.1 Startup Starter Kit Gate (LIVE)
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Peter Wade -
why I gave my gift

Behind Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship is the very successful, but low-profile, entrepreneur and Ormond alumnus, Peter Wade.

Originally from Geelong, Peter knows first-hand the changes that are sweeping though the Australian economy. He has watched the decline of manufacturing and heavy industry in and around his hometown and how Geelong has reinvented itself several times to meet the challenges it has faced.

Peter observes, “We need to create jobs and opportunities to replace those being lost. Traditional manufacturing is disappearing. Even service jobs, whether they are in call centres or law and accounting firms, are going offshore. Technology is disrupting existing business from media firms to retailers. Even those who work for others will need to be more entrepreneurial and innovative to help create Australia’s future.”

“We are a smart nation but still too few of our great ideas are generating the future of our economy.”

Peter goes on to say, “I have been involved in supporting education for a while now and it has given me enormous faith in the extraordinary talent of young Australians.” He is keen to see budding entrepreneurs equipped with the skills they need to take that talent and use it to create value, opportunities and jobs for Australia’s future.

Programs