Earlier this week, the iconic Regal Theatre in Subiaco came alive with energy and innovation as we celebrated the culmination of the 2025 Plus Eight Accelerator program.
Since its inception, the Plus Eight Accelerator has invested over $4.4 million in local startups, facilitated more than $24 million in follow-on investment, and built a portfolio valued at over $320 million.
With more than 300 founders, investors, and industry leaders in attendance, the evening celebrated the next generation of WA’s brightest entrepreneurs, each taking the stage to pitch their bold ideas after months of growth, mentorship, and a share in $700K of seed funding, capped off with an international immersion experience in Austin.
The evening was opened and hosted by Spacecubed CEO, Ophelie Cutier, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the night, sharing how Spacecubed’s spaces, programs, and community continue to drive innovation, with the aim to empower 1 million changemakers by 2030. She also officially announced the launch of the Plus Eight Syndicate, a new investment initiative connecting sophisticated investors with high-potential early-stage startups emerging from WA’s innovation ecosystem. In an exciting milestone, Ophelie shared that the Syndicate’s first investment opportunity is now live with Paperly, founded by 2022 Accelerator alum Daniel Dawson, marking the start of a new chapter in supporting founders beyond the program.
She then invited the City of Subiaco Mayor, David McMullen, to the stage, who spoke about the importance of entrepreneurship in diversifying Western Australia’s economy and fostering opportunities for local founders to thrive.
From there, Dr. Marcus Tan, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, took the mic to introduce this year’s cohort, before they each took to the stage to pitch as the audience was treated to a diverse range of ideas and solutions.
Shout out to our amazing 2025 Accelerator cohort, including:
- Einsen Innovations, Joss Charpenay – Bringing smart-home automation to the laundry with the world’s first fully automated ironing device.
- GlowDry, Fiona Dunne – Redefining self-tanning with a patented setting powder and full tanning range for a faster, cleaner routine.
- Relait, Martin McGinty and Jason Paizes – Helping ASX-listed companies manage investor engagement through AI-powered analytics and communication tools.
- The Khüsh Place, Amy and Heidi Andrews – Supporting women’s hormonal health with a holistic, evidence-based supplement targeting PCOS, PMS, and imbalance.
- Law Captain, Nicholas Marouchak and Jayden Collier – Australia’s first AI-native law firm, delivering affordable, consumer-focused legal services.
- InPsync, Morgan Becker and Ebony Kriedemann – A therapy matchmaking platform connecting clients and therapists based on personality and attachment style.
- THF Engineered Solutions, Christopher Smith – Developing AI-driven tools that improve safety and accelerate decision-making in the energy sector.
- GenLearn, Sarah Mateljan, Vincent Mateljan and Lee Goldsworthy – Empowering course creators to transform online learning with embedded, AI-led conversational tools.
As the final pitch concluded, all eight startups jumped on stage for one final celebration, marking the end of their accelerator journey and the beginning of their next chapter. Guests continued the celebrations during the networking reception, connecting with founders, mentors, and investors before heading to the official afterparty at The Vibe Hotel, closing out the night with well-deserved cheers to an inspiring year of growth and collaboration.
We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s cohort and the incredible journeys they’ve shared. A huge thank you to our mentor network, alumni, and program partners, including BetterLabs, the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, Kaizen West, Hawaiian, CFC Group, K&L Gates, DFK Gooding Partners, and the City of Subiaco for their ongoing support.
As we wrap up another incredible year, we’re already gearing up for what’s next. Whether you’re a founder ready to scale, a mentor eager to share your experience, or an investor looking to support the next wave of innovation, now’s your chance to be part of it. Click here to express your interest in the 2026 Plus Eight Accelerator!
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