Backing Founders at Melbourne Business School

Join us for the first Melbourne Business School Alumni Entrepreneurs Club (AEC) event of 2026, where we explore how founders, operators, and investors can access the capital, programs, and networks needed to build and scale high-impact ventures.

You will hear from Michael Poisel, Executive Director of the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC), who will provide a practical overview of the University of Melbourne’s startup and innovation pathways and how entrepreneurs can engage with these programs at different stages of their journey.

Learn about early-stage venture capital opportunities within the ecosystem, including the University of Melbourne’s venture funds, Tin Alley Ventures and Genesis, with a particular focus on deep-tech and research-led startups. Through real-world examples and ecosystem insights, the session will highlight how strong entrepreneurial networks connect talent, capital, and capability to turn ideas into scalable businesses.

Please register by Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Expect:

• Clear insights into founder programs and how to access them
• An overview of venture capital funds and investment focus areas
• Practical takeaways for founders, alumni, and investors
• High-quality networking with the MBS alumni, VC, and startup community

Preliminary agenda

5:30pm - 6:00pm: Welcome drinks and networking
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Panel discussion
7:00pm - 8:00pm: Networking and drinks continue

Whether you’re building a venture, exploring investment opportunities, or considering your next entrepreneurial move, this session offers a valuable lens into how the University of Melbourne ecosystem can support your journey.

This event is organised by alumni volunteers and not by Melbourne Business School. The school is grateful to Alumni Entrepreneurs Chapter leaders Sunny Singh (MBA 2020), Priyanka Nadkarni (MBA 2014), Leo Leng (Master of Business Analytics 2015), Rahul Sud (MBA 2025) and Robert Lee (MBA 2025) for organising this event.