First Thursdays
Our community gathering!
Where we bring together innovators, investors, mentors and startup enthusiasts to hear from a new speaker each month– providing a networking space to build connections.
Since launching in 2023 we’ve hosted over 2,500 attendees across the series.
The monthly startup conversations that don't happen on podcasts.
A Space for Entrepreneurs to Connect
Our purpose is to provide a regular opportunity for the community to gather and network, share insights, showcase their startups and learn from someone within the startup ecosystem every month.
Some Past Speakers
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Tim Fung
Founder & CEO of Airtasker
“You’ll hear ‘that’s not going to work’ forever. The key is to keep going anyway.”
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Grace Chung
Head of Research & Engineering at Google Australia
"My advice is to start studying AI courses. Don’t be daunted by tools you can’t use, because everything is moving so fast."
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Frank Greeff
Co Founder of Kinso.ai
"If you want to be successful as a founder, optimism isn't optional. Sometimes, it has to look like delusion"
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Hayden Smith
Co Founder of Pearler Investments
“I didn’t want life to feel unremarkable, throwing myself into something made everything more exciting.”
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Silvia Pfeiffer
Founder of Coviu
“One of the biggest mistakes I made… was not believing in myself.” -
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Tom Caska
Founder and CEO of Aerologix
“Every challenge can be an adventure or an ordeal, and you get to choose.”
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Kurt Walkom
Co-founder of GRIDSIGHT and Pearler
“If you stand for something, and communicate it clearly, your message cuts through.”
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Mark Luo
Co Founder Quantum Brilliance
“Lead with honesty and clarity this is transparent leadership”
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April Walker
Founder and CEO of Western Australia Spaceport
“If you don’t try, your success rate is zero. If you do try, it jumps to 50%.”
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Joshua Ismin
Co Founder & CEO of Xylo Bio
“Go hang out at universities, that’s where the future is being built”
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Mahesh Muralidhar
Founder and CEO of Phase One Ventures
"Dream big, founders! You're my heroes! The world has so many problems that need your solutions." -
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Ada Guan
CEO and Co-founder of Rich Data Co
“Change gradually but safely. Steady progress is key”
How First Thursdays Runs?
An in person only event, hosted in the UNSW home of innovation - the Michael Crouch Innovation Centre.
The evening pivots around an "Ask me Anything" (AMA) conversation with a guest speaker, who we believe will provide insight, value and inspiration.
5.00pm Doors Open & Networking
5.30pm - 6.15pm AMA with Guest Speaker
6.20pm - 7.00pm Community Networking
Who’s The Audience?
This event is open to the public.
With approx. 80-140 attendees per month.
The audience is made up of existing UNSW Founders Community members: established founders, budding founders, angels, donors, mentors, UNSW staff, researchers, alumni and really anyone curious on entrepreneurship.
Are You Our Next Speaker?
We're always looking for our next speaker and introductions. If you have someone that you think we should feature please get in touch 📩
Mariana Luis Castillo, Community Manager @UNSW Founders
mariana.luiscastillo@unsw.edu.au