49 Innovative Australian Startups Disrupting Traditional Industries

Australia’s startup ecosystem is booming and driven by innovation hubs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The country has several billion-dollar companies, including Canva and  Airwallex, which have achieved international recognition. 

From cutting-edge healthcare solutions to sustainable tech and game-changing fintech innovations, these 49 best Australian startups are pushing boundaries and setting new standards on the global stage. 

Read on to discover the companies that are shaping the future and revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact.

What Makes a Startup?

A startup is typically defined as a young, fast-growing company driven by innovation, often in technology or other high-growth sectors. These companies aim to solve real-world problems with scalable business models and have the potential for rapid expansion both domestically and globally.

Australian startups are often characterized by their agility, creative problem-solving, and a focus on disrupting traditional industries through new technologies or unique business approaches.

Government programs and a strong venture capital ecosystem further support the growth of these startups across the country.

Sustainability and Environmental Innovation Startups

1. Goterra

Founder: Olympia Yarger

Founded: 2016

Industry: Waste Management

Goterra is leading the charge in waste management with its robotic insect farming, turning organic waste into valuable resources like animal feed. Their robotic maggot farms are revolutionizing industrial food waste management, providing a sustainable solution for organic waste disposal.

2. BlockTexx

Founders: Adrian Jones, Graham Ross

Founded: 2018

Industry: Textile Recycling

BlockTexx specializes in recycling textiles by transforming polyester and cellulose into reusable materials. Their innovative technology is reducing textile waste and promoting circular economies, paving the way for a more sustainable fashion industry.

3. Vow

Founded: 2019

Industry: Cellular Agriculture

Vow is disrupting the food industry by producing sustainable meat alternatives through cellular agriculture. By growing animal cells in labs, Vow aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional meat production, offering a more ethical and sustainable way to consume meat.

4. Evergen

Founders: Ben Hutt, Nick McGrath

Founded: 2015

Industry: Energy Management

Evergen offers smarter energy solutions through its advanced software, optimizing energy use and promoting renewable sources. The startup integrates solar, battery, and grid energy, enabling consumers to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a greener future.

5. Sendle

Founders: Craig Davis, James Moody, Kohei NISHIYAMA, Sean Geoghegan

Founded: 2014

Industry: Logistics

Sendle is an eco-friendly courier service tailored for small businesses, offering affordable, carbon-neutral delivery solutions. As an alternative to traditional postal services, Sendle is helping businesses reduce their carbon footprints while providing reliable logistics.

Healthcare and Medical Technology Startups

6. Harrison.ai

Founders: Aengus Tran, Dimitry Tran

Founded: 2018

Industry: AI in Healthcare

Harrison.ai applies AI to improve IVF success rates and other healthcare services, using deep learning models to assist healthcare professionals with diagnosing and treating patients more effectively.

7. CancerAid

Founders: Nikhil Pooviah, Raghav Murali-Ganesh

Founded: 2015

Industry: Healthcare Technology

CancerAid offers a mobile platform designed to assist cancer patients and caregivers in managing care, filling critical gaps in the patient journey, and improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

8. Eyeonic

Founder: Simon Skalicky

Founded: 2020

Industry: Medical Devices

Eyeonic's AI-powered technology allows for early detection of glaucoma from home, addressing a major healthcare issue globally. Eyeonic provides an affordable solution for the millions suffering from undetected glaucoma, offering convenience and prevention.

9. Heidi Health

Founders: Dr. Thomas Kelly, Waleed Mussa, Yu Liu

Founded: 2019

Industry: Healthcare AI

Heidi Health is revolutionizing patient care with AI-driven tools, automating pre-consultations and streamlining patient management. Their platform allows healthcare providers to offer more personalized and efficient care to patients.

10. Artrya

Founder: John Konstantopoulos

Founded: 2019

Industry: AI in Diagnostics

Artrya uses AI to provide faster and more accurate diagnostics for coronary artery disease. The company's innovative technology is transforming heart disease detection, making healthcare more efficient and accessible.

Financial Technology (Fintech) Startups

11. ANNA

Founders: Eduard Panteleev, Boris Dyakonov

Founded: 2018

Industry: Fintech, Business Financial Services

ANNA Money is a fintech startup that offers AI-powered business accounts and financial 

management tools designed for small businesses. The platform automates time-consuming tasks like invoicing, payment tracking, and tax calculations. ANNA aims to simplify administrative burdens, allowing business owners to focus on growth.

In 2024, ANNA expanded into the Australian market by acquiring GetCape, a local business spend management platform. This move allows ANNA to provide a comprehensive solution for managing business expenses, including corporate cards, invoicing, and cash flow management.

12. Blossom

Founders: Gaby and Ali Rosenberg

Founded: 2021

Industry: Fixed-Income Investments

Blossom offers fixed-income bonds to self-employed Australians, typically reserved for institutional investors. Their platform provides stability in volatile markets, helping users diversify and strengthen their financial portfolios.

13. Airwallex

Founders: Jack Zhang, Jacob Dai, Lucy Liu, Max Li

Founded: 2015

Industry: Cross-Border Payments

Airwallex is transforming global financial infrastructure with its payment solutions, making it easier for businesses to process cross-border transactions and access global markets.

14. Afterpay

Founders: Nick Molnar, Anthony Eisen

Founded: 2014

Industry: Buy-Now-Pay-Later

Afterpay revolutionized the buy-now-pay-later model, allowing customers to split payments into four installments without interest. This approach has reshaped consumer spending and retail interactions.

15. Banxa

Founder: Domenic Carosa

Founded: 2014

Industry: Cryptocurrency Payments

Banxa simplifies cryptocurrency transactions with a globally compliant fiat-to-crypto gateway, offering easy access to digital currencies while maintaining regulatory standards.

Technology and AI Startups

16. Silicon Quantum Computing

Founder: Michelle Simmons

Founded: 2017

Industry: Quantum Computing

Silicon Quantum Computing is at the forefront of developing quantum computing technologies that promise to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity.

17. Sapia.ai

Founder: Barb Hyman

Founded: 2021

Industry: AI in Recruitment

Sapia.ai enhances hiring processes with its AI-driven platform, eliminating biases and promoting diversity in recruitment by assessing candidates purely based on their skills and aptitudes.

18. Relevance AI

Founders: Daniel Vassilev, Daniel Palmer, Jacky Koh

Founded: 2023

Industry: AI Automation

Relevance AI offers low-code AI tools to automate workflows, enabling businesses to scale more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing operations.

19. HIVERY

Founders: Franki Chamaki, Jason Hosking

Founded: 2015

Industry: AI and Analytics

HIVERY specializes in AI-driven retail analytics, providing businesses with prescriptive solutions that help optimize operations and improve decision-making.

20. Leonardo.AI

Founders: Jachin Bhasme, JJ Fiasson, Chris Gillis

Founded: 2022

Industry: AI-Generated Images

Leonardo.AI leverages AI to create hyperrealistic images, revolutionizing the creative industries by offering powerful, generative AI tools to artists and designers.

E-Commerce and Digital Platforms Startups

21. Linktree

Founders: Alex Zaccaria, Anthony Zaccaria, Nick Humphreys

Founded: 2016

Industry: Digital Content Management

Linktree is a versatile platform that allows users to manage multiple links in one place, simplifying content management for influencers, businesses, and social media users.

22. Mr Yum

Founders: Adrian Osman, Andrei Miulescu, Kimberly Teo

Founded: 2018

Industry: Food & Beverage Tech

Mr Yum simplifies dining with its mobile ordering platform that features visual menus and seamless table ordering, pick-up, and delivery services, transforming the customer experience in restaurants.

23. Andisor

Founder: Vandana Chaudhry

Founded: 2020

Industry: Wholesale E-Commerce

Andisor is making wholesale purchasing more efficient by offering an on-demand digital platform for retailers to access markets and streamline their procurement processes.

24. Outfit

Founder: Bruce Stronge

Founded: 2013

Industry: Marketing Automation

Outfit is transforming how companies develop, collaborate on, and share marketing materials, providing a platform that streamlines branding processes for large organizations.

25. Liven

Founders: David Ballerini, Grace Wong, Shahrooz Chowdhury, William Wong

Founded: 2014

Industry: Rewards-Based Mobile Payments

Liven combines mobile payments with customer rewards in the food and beverage sector, incentivizing customer loyalty while streamlining payment processes.

Logistics and Supply Chain Startups

26. Bricks + Agent

Founders: Jon Stul, Rafael Niesten

Founded: 2016

Industry: Property Management

Bricks + Agent connects homeowners and property managers with tradespeople, streamlining property maintenance and repair services through their digital platform.

27. Fleet Space Technologies

Founders: Flavia Tata Nardini, Matthew Pearson, Matthew Tetlow

Founded: 2015

Industry: Satellite Communication

Fleet Space Technologies specializes in satellite communication solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), offering connectivity in remote areas for industries such as agriculture, mining, and logistics.

28. Rezdy

Founders: Hugo Sterin, Simon Lenoir

Founded: 2011

Industry: Tourism and Travel

Rezdy is an online activity booking platform that simplifies the reservation process for tours and experiences, enhancing the customer journey in the tourism sector.

29. Sparesbox

Founders: Andrew Palmer, Leon Saliba

Founded: 2014

Industry: Auto Parts E-Commerce

Sparesbox offers a one-stop shop for auto parts, providing drivers with a simplified way to maintain and repair their vehicles with quality parts and services.

30. GetCapital

Founder: Jamie Osborn

Founded: 2013

Industry: Fintech, Lending

GetCapital specializes in lending solutions tailored to small businesses. By leveraging data analytics and advanced technology, the platform offers flexible financing options, empowering small enterprises to grow and scale.

31. Assembly Payments

Founders: Darren McMurtrie, Simon Jones, Simon Lee, Victor Zheng

Founded: 2013

Industry: Payments Solutions

Assembly Payments provides a digital platform that allows marketplaces and online businesses to process payments efficiently. Its technology offers a seamless way for businesses to manage payments, reducing friction in transactions and improving customer experiences.

Human Resources and Workforce Solutions Startups

32. Culture Amp

Founders: Didier Elzinga, Douglas English, Jon Williams, Rod Hamilton

Founded: 2011

Industry: Employee Engagement and Analytics

Culture Amp focuses on improving workplace culture through its employee analytics and engagement platform. By providing real-time insights into employee sentiment, Culture Amp helps companies create positive work environments and improve retention.

33. Deputy

Founders: Ashik Ahmed, Steve Shelley

Founded: 2008

Industry: Workforce Management

Deputy simplifies employee scheduling, timesheet management, and task assignments for businesses of all sizes. The platform allows companies to streamline workforce operations and improve communication with employees.

34. Expert360

Founders: Bridget Loudon, Dmitry Alimov, Emily Yue

Founded: 2012

Industry: On-Demand Workforce Solutions

Expert360 connects businesses with an on-demand workforce, allowing them to scale quickly and efficiently. The platform provides access to a pool of freelance experts across various industries, offering flexibility and agility in project management.

35. Enboarder

Founder: Brent Pearson

Founded: 2015

Industry: Employee Onboarding

Enboarder provides a unique onboarding experience for new hires, helping organizations engage employees from day one. By using personalized workflows and engagement tools, Enboarder transforms the traditionally cumbersome onboarding process into a seamless experience.

Software as a Service (SaaS) Startups

36. SafetyCulture

Founder: Luke Anear

Founded: 2004

Industry: SaaS for Safety and Compliance

SafetyCulture is a global leader in providing SaaS solutions that help businesses manage safety inspections and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. The platform allows companies to digitize their safety processes, enhancing operational efficiency.

37. Xplor

Founder: Mark Woodland

Founded: 2015

Industry: SaaS for Childcare and Education

Xplor offers an all-in-one solution for childcare centers, simplifying attendance tracking, parent communication, and administrative tasks. Their software improves the efficiency of early education providers, allowing them to focus more on the children.

38. 6clicks

Founders: Andrew Robinson, Anthony Stevens, Louis Strauss

Founded: 2019

Industry: SaaS for Risk and Compliance

6clicks provides an innovative platform for managing risk and compliance in businesses. Powered by AI, the platform helps companies automate risk management processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and improving decision-making.

39. JigSpace

Founders: Zac Duff, Numa Bertron

Founded: 2015

Industry: Augmented Reality (AR) and SaaS

JigSpace is an AR platform that allows users to create and share interactive, spatial presentations. Their technology is being adopted across various sectors, from education to marketing, helping users visualize and communicate complex ideas in 3D.

40. Practifi

Founders: Adrian Johnstone, Emily Wilcox, Glenn Elliott

Founded: 2013

Industry: Financial Services Management

Practifi offers SaaS solutions for financial services firms, providing tools for managing client relationships, tracking performance, and offering comprehensive financial advice. Their platform enhances the operational efficiency of financial advisors.

Education and Learning Startups

41. EdApp

Founder: Darren Winterford

Founded: 2015

Industry: Microlearning

EdApp offers a microlearning platform designed to improve employee training and performance. By delivering short, engaging lessons through mobile devices, EdApp helps businesses keep their workforce up-to-date on important skills and knowledge.

42. JobAdder

Founder: Brett Iredale

Founded: 2007

Industry: Recruitment Software

JobAdder is an AI-powered recruitment platform that streamlines the hiring process for staffing agencies and HR teams. The software simplifies job posting, candidate management, and onboarding, making the recruitment process more efficient.

43. Agworld

Founders: Doug Fitch, Matthew Powell

Founded: 2009

Industry: Agricultural Data and Technology

Agworld provides software solutions for the agricultural industry, enabling farmers to capture and analyze data for better decision-making. Their platform helps improve farm productivity and sustainability through advanced data management tools.

44. myInterview

Founders: Benjamin Gillman, Guy Abelsohn

Founded: 2014

Industry: Recruitment and Video Interviews

myInterview provides a platform for video interviews, enabling employers to assess candidates more effectively. Their one-way video interviews bring resumes to life, making it easier for recruiters to identify the right talent for their organization.

Consumer Technology Startups

45. Koala

Founders: Dany Milham, Mitch Taylor

Founded: 2015

Industry: Furniture and E-Commerce

Koala is redefining the furniture industry with its high-quality, Australian-made products that are sustainably sourced. The company offers an innovative e-commerce platform where customers can purchase furniture designed for comfort and durability, with quick delivery options.

46. SocietyOne

Founders: Andy Taylor, Greg Symons, Matt Symons

Founded: 2011

Industry: Peer-to-Peer Lending

SocietyOne is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers with investors, offering lower interest rates compared to traditional financial institutions. Their innovative model helps creditworthy borrowers access funds faster and with better terms.

47. Spaceship

Founders: Kaushik Sen, Paul Bennetts

Founded: 2016

Industry: Investment and Wealth Management

Spaceship simplifies investing for individuals by offering an intuitive platform for managing investments in tech companies. Their goal is to make investing accessible to a new generation of investors.

48. Lendi

Founders: David Hyman, Mark Kalajzich, Martin Lam, Sebastian Watkins

Founded: 2013

Industry: Mortgage Lending

Lendi connects borrowers with lenders through its home loan matching service. The platform streamlines the mortgage process, offering personalized recommendations and simplifying home financing for Australians.

49. HotDoc

Founder: Simon Holland

Founded: 2012

Industry: Healthcare and Appointment Booking

HotDoc offers an online platform for healthcare providers to manage appointments and improve patient access to care. Their software streamlines the booking process for patients and doctors alike, enhancing efficiency and patient experience in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

These 49 best Australian startups represent a broad spectrum of industries, showcasing the transformative power of entrepreneurship in addressing global challenges. Among these trailblazing startups, ANNA stands out as the go-to solution for entrepreneurs looking to start, run, and grow their businesses effortlessly. 🚀 

🌟 Why Choose ANNA?

🏢 Seamless Business Setup

💳 Power Up Your Business with ANNA Cards

📊 Time-Saving Business Management

Don’t wait! Join thousands of small businesses thriving with ANNA and start your entrepreneurial journey today. Sign up for  ANNA One and take the stress out of running your business!