Pitch an idea or show your support at the Female Founder Pitch Night

Here’s a chance to turn that idea or side hustle into a thriving venture!

The Startup Network is hosting its signature Pitch Night competition in collaboration with La Trobe University on 19 May, and this time the focus is on Female Founder startups.

This event is designed to support women, trans and gender-diverse founders who are underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.

Applications from individuals across these communities are welcome. The pitching component is open to women, trans and gender diverse founders, but all are invited to attend as part of the audience.

What you can expect

The Female Founder Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers and startup operators.
  • Pitch their startup idea, or support four incredible, early-stage founders as they pitch their solutions to global challenges.
  • Vote for their favourite pitch of the night.

This event is ideal for students studying business, entrepreneurship, innovation, STEM, communications, design, or anyone who is curious about the startup world. 

Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration!

Event details

Female Founder Pitch Night

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 6pm to 8:30pm 
Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre within the Jenny Graves Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083. Map Ref: G8
Presented by: La Trobe University x The Startup Network 
Cost: From $14.36 (free for pitching founders