What we’re about
Silicon Beach Melbourne
Empowering Founders
Silicon Beach Melbourne (SBM) is the Melbourne community of Silicon Beach Group Ltd., a “for purpose” company with a mission to “Empower Founders” around Australia. We are an informal group for anyone interested in founding or working in startups, dev/design in web/mobile tech, IoT, freelancing, investing or working with people in that space. We are a diverse bunch covering all ages, backgrounds and first point of call for newcomers to the startup community in Melbourne.
Watch past 90second pitches and all our past events on our YouTube channel Silicon Beach TV.
Our regular monthly SBM Pitch Night happens on the first Thursday night of every month. They usually attract around 100 - 150 Silicon Beachers. They are FREE networking events purposely kept very unstructured, so that our members can chat and get to know each other over a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Main feature is the 90 second pitch segment where anyone is encouraged to pitch their idea, startup, app or whatever. This is an excellent way to get used to pitching and get feedback from a bunch of non judgemental peers.
SBM is about you, we provide you the platform that will enable you to be that awesome startup founder, tech founder, coder, freelancer or whoever you want to be.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Growing with Grants & Equity-Free Funding (UC X Grant Help x SBM - Luma RSVP)Tank Stream Labs Melbourne, Collins Street, Melbourne
Beyond VC & Angel Investment: Finding & Growing Faster with Equity-Free Funding
📅 Date: Tuesday 20th May
⏰ Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
📍 Location: TBC (Melbourne)
🍕 Light dinner & drinks provided
🎟️Secure your spot hereEvent Overview
Not every founder needs to pitch to VCs—or give up equity to grow. This event is for builders, creatives, and early-stage founders who want to scale smarter, faster, and with more control.
Join us as we unpack the power of equity-free funding—including grants, tax incentives, and strategic non-dilutive capital options. You’ll learn from founders and experts who have successfully scaled without giving up equity, and walk away with practical steps to get funding-ready.
We'll also explore grant pathways for social enterprises and NFPs, demystify common misconceptions, and provide actionable advice on building a sustainable, fundable business without investor pressure.***
We’ll Explore:
🔹 What grants are available—locally and nationally—and how to access them
🔹 R&D tax incentives made simple for founders and creatives
🔹 How to become “funding ready” without chasing VC
🔹 When equity-free capital makes more sense than dilution
🔹 Founder stories from those who’ve bootstrapped and scaled
🔹 Pathways for social enterprises and nonprofits to access aligned grant opportunities***
Meet the Panel
✨ Safi Heidari – Co-Founder, Maximify
Safi is a seasoned entrepreneur, researcher, and innovator with a PhD in Computing and Information Systems. With over 15 years of experience across academia and industry, Safi has built and exited two startups, raising over $500,000 in equity-free grants. At Maximify, he helps founders scale with lean SaaS solutions and data-led growth strategies, turning customers into loyal advocates. He’s deeply passionate about building founder-friendly growth pathways grounded in sustainability and accessibility.✨ Jasper Steel – Head of R&DTI Division, Grant Help
Jasper supports founders and innovators in navigating and securing non-dilutive funding for their projects. Known for his strategic guidance and people-first approach, he helps early-stage teams unlock the resources they need to bring bold ideas to life.✨ Ozer Biligin – Director, Nihat Consulting & Founder, Flex Motion Technologies
Ozer is a multi-disciplinary entrepreneur and founder of Flex Motion Technologies, a hardware startup he has bootstrapped using a combination of grants, tactical loans, and personal savings—intentionally turning down early investment offers to stay in control. He also leads Nihat Consulting, helping early-stage businesses with growth strategy and execution. With over 10 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist, Ozer brings a unique lens to performance, resilience, and disciplined growth—qualities he channels into building sustainable ventures.***
Why Attend?
If you're bootstrapping, scaling on your own terms, or exploring non-VC aligned growth pathways—this event is designed to equip you with funding strategies, confidence, and clarity. Whether you're building a for-profit venture or a social enterprise, you'll gain insights into how to access and leverage the right support without giving up equity.***
Brought to You By:
🌀 Uncommon Collective – A social enterprise supporting founders and creatives with growth, leadership, and community in-between programs—through real conversations, resources, and momentum-building peer circles.
🚀 Tank Stream Labs — A thriving tech community and coworking space supporting high-growth startups and scale-ups across Australia. With locations in Sydney and Melbourne, Tank Stream Labs provides curated access to capital, mentors, events, and a collaborative environment designed to accelerate ambitious founders building the future.
📝 RSVP now to unlock equity-free funding opportunities and scale with confidence—on your terms.
Let me know if you'd like a short version for social, Eventbrite, or a poster caption! - Founders Walk 🚶+ Coffee ☕- Luma RSVP (SBM X UC)Carlton Gardens, Carlton
Every month a bunch of founders go for a walk then coffee/brunch. That's it. That's the event. Come along!
1. Register at: https://lu.ma/5c4dm6z9
2. Join the Strava group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1209413
3. Bring a 1 or more friends along, and be in to win free coffee you and your friends! We have limited spaces, so RSVP at your earliest.Event Agenda:
10 am - - Meet at the pin shown on the map, near the Imax on the left of the Melbourne Museum entrance.
10:15am - We will intro ourselves in circles.
10:30am - We then walk together for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
11 am - Travel to a nearby restaurant for brunch/coffee
11:15 am - Have brunch/coffee at Brunetti's Carlton.
12:00 am - Wrap up and start to leave
All founders & creators (freelancers) are welcome to join. - Founders Walk 🚶+ Coffee ☕- Luma RSVP (SBM X UC)Carlton Gardens, Carlton
Every month a bunch of founders go for a walk then coffee/brunch. That's it. That's the event. Come along!
1. Register at: https://lu.ma/5c4dm6z9
2. Join the Strava group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1209413
3. Bring a 1 or more friends along, and be in to win free coffee you and your friends! We have limited spaces, so RSVP at your earliest.Event Agenda:
10 am - - Meet at the pin shown on the map, near the Imax on the left of the Melbourne Museum entrance.
10:15am - We will intro ourselves in circles.
10:30am - We then walk together for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
11 am - Travel to a nearby restaurant for brunch/coffee
11:15 am - Have brunch/coffee at Brunetti's Carlton.
12:00 am - Wrap up and start to leave
All founders & creators (freelancers) are welcome to join.
