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🍇 Kirstin Hunter

MD at Techstars | Vinemaker at Grapevine | Investing at the nexus of activism and capitalism

Kirstin Hunter is a prominent figure in Australia's tech and startup ecosystem. She is currently the Managing Director (NSW) at Techstars, the world's largest pre-seed investor, where she selects promising startup founders for their 13-week mentor-driven accelerator program in Sydney.12

With a diverse background, Kirstin's career spans various roles:

  • Co-founder and former CEO of Future Super
  • Former Chief People, Risk and Legal Officer at Brighte
  • Board member of Morphic Ethical Equities (ASX)
  • Co-author of "Funding the Balance"
  • Founding Chairperson at Ocean Impact Organisation
  • Mentor with Blackbird's Giants and Startmate programs

As a Vinemaker at Grapevine, Kirstin is part of an organization that empowers individuals in Australia's tech scene by sharing personal stories and insights. Grapevine aims to reshape power dynamics for a safer, more inclusive environment in the tech industry.3

Kirstin's experience also includes roles as a lawyer at Freehills and a management consultant at Bain & Company, where she advised large companies and charities in Australia and Canada.12

She is recognized for her expertise in purpose-driven business, ethical investing, superannuation, strategic planning, women in leadership, and gender parity. Kirstin has received honors such as being named one of the 100 People Transforming Business in Asia by Business Insider in 2020.2

Highlights

May 3 · linkedin

Yo, network: Who are the founders who I simply MUST speak to and convince them to apply for Techstars’ 2024 Sydney accelerator? https://lnkd.in/gwEquSau

I’m looking for diverse and unstoppable founders who are using technology to solve the world’s biggest problems 🤔

The 12 successful businesses will get access to our 13 week mentor-driven accelerator, US$120k investment, and access to the Techstars network for life.

Who is it for? Founders who…

🚀Are unstoppable - you’ve found the problem that you can’t rest if you don’t solve

🦹‍♀️Don’t necessarily fit the standard tech demographic (i.e. women and non-binary founders, First Nations founders and founders of colour, founders with a disability, LGBTQIA+ founders please apply!)

🌱Are at an early stage in building their business (you have an idea and maybe an mvp or some early traction)

👩‍💻Are building technology driven businesses (including but not limited to climate tech, AI, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing)

🤝Want to be mentored by some of the best Australian and International startup leaders and operators, and work closely with me to build your business into something impactful

Sound like someone you know? Tag them in comments or slide into my DMs with an intro.

Mar 13 · linkedin

"...startups participating in an accelerator raised 50% to 170% more from investors and were more likely to be alive or acquired than similar startups that applied to the accelerators but were not accepted."

There's never been a better time to apply for the Techstars Tech Central Sydney Accelerator - applications open now! (link in comments)

Related Questions

What inspired Kirstin Hunter to transition from law to vinemaking?
How does Kirstin balance her roles at Techstars and Grapevine?
What are some of Kirstin Hunter's notable achievements in the tech industry?
How does Kirstin's experience as a parent influence her work in tech?
What is the mission behind Grapevine, and how does Kirstin contribute to it?
🍇 Kirstin Hunter
🍇 Kirstin Hunter, photo 1
🍇 Kirstin Hunter, photo 2
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Location

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia