Fundraising FoxSA Seed-Start Program
Government fundAdelaide · Pre-Seed–Seed · 9 people tracked
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Investment thesis
Seed-Start is a competitive grants program run by the South Australian Department of State Development to help innovative, early-stage South Australian startups commercialise unique products or services with a sustainable competitive advantage in national and international markets. It offers two tiers: Seed Grants of $50,000-$100,000 on a 2:1 matched basis over up to two years, and Start Grants of $100,001-$500,000 on a 1:1 matched basis over up to three years. Applicants must be SA-based, incorporated in Australia with an active ABN, GST-registered, non-tax-exempt, and have average annual net sales revenue under $2 million over the prior three financial years. The program supports projects generating revenue growth, export income, employment or social benefit for South Australia.
Source: firm website, verified Nov 1, 2026.
Team · 9 people
from the firm's website
Chief Executive of the Department of State Development with over 20 years in the South Australian public sector across industry, science and innovation policy; previously Chief Executive of the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science. Holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.
Leads the state's innovation system, supporting commercialisation of research and attracting early-stage and venture capital, including the Office of the SA Chief Scientist. Has over 17 years in life sciences; holds a PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry from Flinders University and serves as an observer on the SA Venture Capital Fund Board.
Responsible for economic growth through industry development, technology adoption and workforce strategies, with over 20 years of leadership experience across public and private sectors. Holds a Graduate Certificate of Leadership from Deakin University.
Head of Invest SA since November 2022, overseeing investment attraction into South Australia. Formerly CEO of Regional Development Australia (Adelaide) and founder/Managing Director of Edge International Consulting, with prior roles as an Australian trade and investment commissioner in Japan.
Groundwater scientist appointed South Australian Chief Scientist in April 2024, providing independent advice to the Premier and Cabinet on science, research, technology and innovation.
Leads strategic enabler teams covering corporate and business services, people, policy, communications, governance and migration. A former corporate and commercial lawyer with senior legal and governance roles; holds degrees in Mechatronics Engineering and Law from the University of Adelaide.
State Project Lead for the Lot Fourteen innovation district in Adelaide and lead for innovation and economic places across South Australia. Has over 25 years in infrastructure project management, economic development and precinct delivery in the UK and Australia; holds an MBA and BSc (Hons).
Provides strategic leadership across South Australia's vocational education and training sector. Previously held senior government roles including Executive Director of the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. Holds degrees in Law and International Relations and a Master of Politics and Public Policy.
Leads trade and international functions at the department, including exporter support and the overseas office network. Previously Trade Commissioner at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and held diplomatic roles with DFAT and Austrade. Holds degrees in Law and Asian Studies from the Australian National University.
What they invest in
from 3 of 3 portfolio companiesCleantech ×1Consumer ×1Energy ×1Enterprise Software ×1Future of Work ×1Hardware ×1HR Tech ×1IoT ×1
HQs:Australia×2
Investments · 3 tracked
founders shown can be your intro path
EOLOGIX-PING develops wireless sensor technology for continuous monitoring of wind turbine blades to optimize operations and reduce downtime.
CleantechEnergyIoT
Thomas Schlegl(CEO & Head of Sales EMEA)inMichael Moser(CTO)in
Co-investorsVERBUND X Ventures
Foil Drive makes electric-assist hydrofoiling systems, offering motor and battery kits that provide powered assistance during take-off and low-speed riding so users can get up on a foil across disciplines like surf, downwind, wing, wake and flat-water foiling.
ConsumerHardwareSports Tech
Teamgage provides a platform for measuring and improving team communication and performance through regular feedback cycles that identify and remove barriers to success.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSaaSAdelaide, AU
Ben Smit(CEO & Co-Founder)in
Co-investorsTechstarsTractor VenturesVenture CatalystVenture Catalyst Space
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does SA Seed-Start Program invest at?
- SA Seed-Start Program invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is SA Seed-Start Program's typical check size?
- SA Seed-Start Program typically writes checks of $50K – $500K.
- What sectors does SA Seed-Start Program focus on?
- SA Seed-Start Program focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, Biotech, Cybersecurity, Deep Tech, Defense Tech, Space Tech.
- Where is SA Seed-Start Program located?
- SA Seed-Start Program is headquartered in Adelaide, AU.
- Who does SA Seed-Start Program co-invest with?
- SA Seed-Start Program most often shares deals with Techstars, Tractor Ventures, Venture Catalyst, among 5 tracked co-investors.
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