University pre-seed support
The Genesis Pre-Seed Fund collaborates with our University of Melbourne partners to offer a wealth of experience and expertise from all corners of the startup ecosystem.
Funding through the Genesis Pre-Seed Fund provides access to a rich network of mentors, industry leaders, and University resources tailored to your specific needs and challenges to support you through your entrepreneurial journey.
Gain access to:
Venture Creators
Venture Studio
Industry knowledge
Storytelling and brand-building
Co-working office space
Venture Creators
A free specialist startup advisory service is provided by the University of Melbourne’s Venture Creator team.
Our Ventures Creators are an experienced team of founders, entrepreneurs, senior leaders and industry experts who help future founders develop their research into viable business models and prepare startups to become investment ready.
Our Venture Creators can:
Advise founders on who they can speak to, including potential investors
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2
Provide templates and feedback (i.e review the Business Plan)
3
Provide guidance through University’s innovation ecosystem
Our Venture Creator team is lead by Tom McLeod
Tom McLeod, Venture Partner & Director of Venture Studio
+ Co-founder & CEO, Myagi
+ Co-founder & CTO, The Booklist
+ Partner, Startmate
+ Commercialisation consultant
Venture Studio
The University’s dedicated Venture Studio team delivers a suite of bespoke services to carefully selected startup and UoM spin-out opportunities that are eligible for investment from the University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund.
The Venture Studio is a specialist bespoke startup growth service providing additional expert support to selected startup founders seeking to accelerate the commercialisation of University of Melbourne Intellectual Property via the start-up pathway.
Our Venture Studio team can:
Augment established and successful programs
1
Be heavily involved in start-up creation and development
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3
Be involved for the required period of time to develop the start-up
4
Provide a range of hands-on, specialised resources
[There is an application process with a Selection Panel for entry into the Venture Studio]
Our Venture Studio team is lead by Tom McLeod
Tom McLeod, Venture Partner & Director of Venture Studio
+ Co-founder & CEO, Myagi
+ Co-founder & CTO, The Booklist
+ Partner, Startmate
+ Commercialisation consultant
Industry knowledge and global networks
The collective industry experience of Genesis Ventures and the University of Melbourne allows founders to gain access to a diverse network of industry and sector professionals, enabling them to tap into expertise, resources, potential partnerships and global networks essential for future startup growth and success.
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Christina Bruce, Sellabilities Pty Ltd
- Director, Sellabilities Pty Ltd
- Associate, Melbourne Business School
- SAP Sales Process Specialist, Australian Pharmaceutical Industries
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Ivan Mellado, Mellado & Co Pty Ltd
- Managing Director, Mellado & Co PtyLtd
- Director, Fawkner Capitol Management
- Managing Director, TradeNet Solutions Australia Pty. Ltd
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Andrew Nash
- Global executive with more than 35 years of experience
- Founder, UpOver Ventures
- Operating Partner, PeakEquity Partners
- Co-Founder & Executive Chairmam, Kemu
Storytelling and brand-building
The University’s ecosystem storytelling and brand-building team provide an advisory service and, in some cases, practical communications, designs and brand-building solutions and support for selected University-affiliated startup founders.
Our team can:
Create foundational communications, articulate a value proposition and establish a brand presence
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Provide guidance on brand storytelling, media outreach, presentation delivery and content output
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Provide event platforms to promote and position portfolio startups with internal and external partners and investors
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4
Provide templates and feedback (i.e websites, pitch decks, social channels)
Support selected startups to leverage the UoM's brand through media, social, comms and marketing channels and teams
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Answer founder's questions on all things brand, comms and PR
Our Storytelling and brand-building team is lead by Stefani Adams
Stefani Adams, Head of Engagement & Comms, UMC
+ Head of Product Innovation, Australia Post
+ Head of Future Portfolios & Start-up Venturing, Australia Post
+ Director, Australia Post Regional Pitchfest
+ Founder, Nest PR
Co-working office space
Genesis Ventures provides startups with access to co-working office spaces in the Melbourne Connect building.
Seated with the Genesis Ventures team, this location connects founders to a community that fosters collaboration and innovation.
