REVIVAL

Venture out to McLaren Vale / Fleurieu Coast for UNTETHERED. We’ll pick you up in the CBD and group you into 5 x unique experiences, before bringing to back together for sundowners at Chalk Hill, powered by the City of Onkaparinga. Your choice of experiences include: BODY, (FUN)D*, HEART, MIND & SOUL. We’ll then bring you back to the CBD – or should you wish to stay McLaren Vale, we’ll help you organise accomodation via our friends at RAA.

Participate in VILLAGE at Garden of Unearthly Delights (aka our main conference day). Here, you’ll dive into 5 x stages of discussion, including but not limited to: investment and industry trends, growth-oriented masterclasses, startup pitches, town hall interactive forums, salon style explorations. The full schedule will be revealed shortly, and it is guided by our 6 x content threads.  You’ll then kick on at LANEWAY (street party) on gilbert place.

Mix & mingle with your fellow attendees at SOCIAL, powered by SA Venture Capital Fund. Set up conversations for the days to follow.

CRE(AI)TIVITY, SPORTS & GAMING, WEB 3 & METAVERSE, MUSIC, FILM & ARTS

Technology is creating tectonic shifts in our culture. Our arts, our music, our stories are slowly being outsourced to new tools – and new possibilities. From the vivid brushstrokes of digital art, to the heart-pounding arenas of interactive entertainment and the immersive narratives of new media; technology’s enigmatic grasp is transcending imagination into tangible realms. Where will we draw the line – or is it even us that draws this line? Computing moved from desktops to our pockets and is now coming for our face. Generative AI is having a profound effect on all things creative. It’s come for our creativity and our knowledge. We’re soon to enter infinite worlds. The convergence of AI and augmentation will having us prompting our own universes. Will we further spiral away from a core of community or embrace these new machines as empathic? Autonomous or Anonymous. What will our journey be?

FUNDRAISING, PITCH, TRENDS & OFFICE HOURS

Dive into the intricate world of startup financing with us and gain valuable insights into current trends, emerging opportunities, and the unique challenges shaping the investment landscape. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur diversifying funding sources or a newcomer understanding market dynamics, our expert guidance will help you navigate the ever-evolving market. Discover fundraising skills, craft compelling pitches, master negotiation, and gain confidence for your fundraising journey. Connect with seasoned investors in exclusive ‘ask me anything’ sessions, gaining valuable insights for startup investment readiness. Investors, engage with visionary startups pitching groundbreaking ideas, identify promising ventures, and expand your portfolio in the fast-paced startup world. Forge meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and unveil growth opportunities.

CLIMATE. ENERGY. AGRIFOODTECH. SPACE.

The existence of our planet and people is threatened by climate change. The only thing that remains constant is change. The transition to sustainable energy is not just an option; it’s an imperative on a global scale. We need innovative agrifood technology solutions for food security, while protecting the environment. As we venture into space, we must be mindful of our ethical and environmental responsibilities. Join us as we explore renewable energy advancements, storage and distribution complexities, and the role of policy and innovation in shaping a sustainable energy future. Additionally, examine cutting-edge innovations in food production and consumption, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and technology’s potential to address food security challenges without harming the planet.

INNER SPACE. POST HUMAN. LOVE, SEX & HAPPINESS. BIO & HEALTHTECH.

Human-machine symbiosis is profoundly altering our perception of self and reality, challenging our deepest notions of what it means to be human. In the mad march into the merge – where we face once-in-a-humanity challenge of defining our relationship with machines, we are faced with answering, or at least pondering, profound realities. As augmented realities, neural interfaces, machine companions and biotechnologies blur the lines between organic and artificial, we need to ask – Where is my, yours and our place in this new world? What will our new reality be? What will it mean to be human? Will we, or do we, want to become more human than human? Join us for a multi-layered dialogue.

PRODUCT & MARKET. GOING GLOBAL. SALES & MARKETING. PEOPLE & OPERATIONS.

Discover what it takes to grow as a human and an operator in today’s rapidly evolving world, alongside our key experts in residence. Dive deep into what takes to go global – and develop the toolkit to get there. From landing & expanding into new markets, mastering your sales flywheel, leading a values-driven team and tightening your systems & processes – expect a concentrated exploration on the mechanics of growth. Expect immediate impact and results in your business journey.

NATION. GENERATION. GENDER. COMMUNITY.

In our accelerated future into exponentiality, charting our societal course is more important than ever. Inside the echo chambers and filter bubbles, we face an ever increasing polarisation. Disparate beliefs and ideas chipping away at our communities and moral structure. Confusing and chaotic times filled with misinformation and misalignment chipping away at the very fibre of our commonality. These transformative changes require a different kind of due diligence and discourse. A convergence of thoughts and voices in an attempt for alignment. How, as a nation, do we align our policies, technologies, investment and education into a shared future? How can we better listen to those on the margins of generation, power and influence? Addressing the difficult conversations with an eye to change and agency rather than opinion or frustration. As we pull on these threads, we do so as a community. Let’s ensure our collective stride towards progress leaves no one behind.

WATCH THIS SPACE – COMING EARLY 2024. EARLY ACCESS TICKET HOLDERS WILL HAVE FIRST DIBS AT ADD ON’S. expect a confluence of gastronomy and dialogue. Why? because the best conversations often happen over good food and drink. _SOUTHSTART is where camaraderie meets culinary art.

OF COURSE THERE WILL BE. IT’S US….

WE’VE GROWN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH Embark on a magical mystery bus journey in McLaren Vale. Experience a full-sensory escapade, immerse in regional beauty, and spark meaningful connections. Let us guide you through an event where every path leads to a delightful surprise.

WE’VE teamed up with Startmate to GIVE 10 X FOUNDERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE STAGE AT _SOUTHSTART AND PITCH THEIR STARTUPS TO OUR NATION’S LEADING INVESTORS.  Successful founders selected for the PITCH opportunity will not only have the chance to pitch their ideas on stage, but they will also receive complimentary access to the entire festival. This means they can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant startup ecosystem and make meaningful connections with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. IF YOU DON’T QUITE MAKE IT ACROSS THE LINE, HAVE NO FEAR. THERE WILL BE AMPLE MOMENTS FOR PERSONALISED CONNECTIONS, OFFICE HOURS & DEEP LEARNING AT EVERY STEP.

Genuine connections are the bedrock of innovation, AND OUR SOIREES & SUNDOWNERS are a manifestation of this belief. Beyond the gourmet meals and the ambient tunes, it’s the shared experiences, the laughter, the stories, and the memories that truly define these spaces. It’s where attendees from diverse backgrounds come together, forging bonds over shared interests and mutual respect. Join us as we create spaces that celebrate the human spirit, reminding us that at the end of the day, it’s the connections we make, the friendships we forge, and the memories we create that truly matter.

In the vast expanse of SOUTHSTART, we’ve carved out niche spaces for you to forge genuine, meaningful connections – and showcase your novel ideas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking guidance, an investor looking for the next big thing, or a professional eager to collaborate – we’ll be facilitating both virtual and physical space for you to connect, and break down barriers to opportunity. This includes pitching opportunities – met with real time feedback and an inside glimpse to the deal room conversations that follow.

WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH LEADING YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM OPERATORS, FUTURE ANYTHING, HEX, THINCLAB + MORE TO ENSURE OUR BRILLIANT YOUNG MINDS HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE, AND A VOICE IN OUR CONVERSATIONS – AT EVERY STEP. STAY TUNED.

In the heart of SOUTHSTART, there’s a sanctuary of wisdom: our Experts in Residence. Designed to bridge the gap between curiosity and wisdom, we’re gathering industry pioneers ready to share, to guide, and to mentor. Dive deep into their experiences, their failures, and their triumphs. Each expert brings a world of knowledge, ready to be unpacked and understood. As you converse, you’ll realize that expertise isn’t just about knowing—it’s about understanding, questioning, and evolving. Through these sessions, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that the flame of inquiry never dims

The future isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we create. And to do that right we have to do it together. This year we are hosting a series of  Interactive Town Halls designed to harness the collective intelligence of our community as we talk through some pretty heady subjects.

It’s one thing to stay on top of things – it’s another to get to the bottom of them. From State of Innovation & Sovereignty sessions, addressing the many dimensions of asymmetry and discourse and debate on our roles as humans as we interface with intelligent machines at scale – these sessions serve as a call to arms, a rolling up of our collective sleeves and to talk outside of our echo chambers.

In real life, with people who care. Creating a dynamic environment where every voice matters, every perspective is valued, and every idea has the real potential to spark real change.

In short yes. The reason for the pre-release to those most interested is Day 3 Untethered is a truly magical experience made only so but the careful consideration to numbers. We don’t want to dilute the magic. By offering it first to those we know will value this day is intentional. On public release we will offer a 2 day ticket that will not include Untethered.

_SOUTHSTART helps humans accelerate their ideas, networks and knowledge, through the creation of immersive and interactive experiences. We are passionate about our community and the events we create and we welcome all founders and funders (and anyone else!) to come along.