The Plus Eight Accelerator is back for 2025, and this year, we’re taking our commitment to founders even further. Whether you’re at the idea stage or scaling a high-growth business, our enhanced program is designed to provide personalised support, strategic investment, and targeted guidance — ensuring every founder has what they need to succeed.
At Plus Eight, we know that no two startup journeys are the same. That’s why, in 2025, every applicant to the program — regardless of their stage, or how far through the process they make it — will receive valuable, personalised feedback. We believe that every founder should have access to the right support at the right time, empowering them to take their venture to the next level.
Through tailored content, mentorship, and investment opportunities, Plus Eight Accelerator will help founders refine their ideas, validate their business models, and scale with confidence. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:
- Expert-led bootcamp - Applicants will have the chance to pitch, pivot, and refine their ideas with real-time feedback from our program leads, mentors and investors.
- Eight-week growth sprint - Founders selected for Phase One will gain access to structured learning, one-on-one mentorship, and Entrepreneur-in-Residence sessions with Dr. Marcus Tan.
- Seed-funding and global expansion - Selected startups will move into Phase Two, securing a share of $700,000 in seed-funding and will join an international immersion trip to explore new markets.
- Unrivalled community and support - Become part of a thriving network of investors, advisors, and alumni, with six months of access to Riff, Perth’s premier innovation hub in the CBD.
At Plus Eight, we welcome startups from all industries — from technology and digital health to sustainability, social impact, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, food and agribusiness, education and edtech, Indigenous entrepreneurship, climate and clean energy solutions, space and aviation, tourism and hospitality, and beyond. No matter your industry, if you’re solving a big problem and have the ambition to scale, we want to hear from you.
Discussing his experience through the 2024 Plus Eight Accelerator, Sean Wharton, Co-Founder of Shiine Media shared, "Plus Eight has been a cornerstone of Shiine’s early success. From fostering an environment where our startup could thrive to connecting us with mentors who helped us navigate the uncertainties of building something new, Plus Eight provided the platform we needed to lay the foundations for a successful company. We are incredibly grateful for our experience."
Fellow Plus Eight Accelerator alum, Stephanie Clarke, Founder of Multi-Coached added, “In just a short time, I achieved more than I ever thought possible, securing investment, refining my vision, and accelerating my startup’s growth. Going from no MVP to launching in a short space of time, the program helped propel me forward and supported me as a lone female founder.”
She continued, “Without the Plus Eight program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The mentorship, support, and community have been invaluable, and I’m beyond grateful for this experience.”
To date, Plus Eight has invested over $3.7M+ in local startups, facilitated $24M+ in follow-on investments, and built a portfolio valued at over $187M+. If you’re ready to take your startup to new heights, applications are now open for the 2025 Plus Eight Accelerator. Regardless of whether you make it through to our Bootcamp, every applicant will receive valuable personalised feedback from Dr. Marcus Tan, our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, so no matter the outcome, you’ll walk away with insights to help refine your business.
Plus Eight Accelerator is made possible thanks to the support of our partner network, the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, BetterLabs, Kaizen West, Hawaiian, CFC Group, K&L Gates, and DFK Gooding Partners.
We’re seeking ambitious founders with bold ideas, ready to scale. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced founder, Plus Eight Accelerator provides the support to fast-track your growth. Learn more and apply for the Plus Eight Accelerator program here! (Applications close on March 30, 2025)
