Our Story
Our mission is simple: to empower founders to succeed.
We're building a thriving community by breaking down barriers, sharing real-world insights, and connecting Australia’s startup ecosystem with the tools, skills, and people to drive growth.
We’ve walked the journey ourselves - as founders launching companies around the world, running programs for new and experienced entrepreneurs, and managing investor networks alongside some of Australia’s top angels. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what it takes to succeed.
Founders Edge exists to share that knowledge, cut the guesswork from the founder journey, and raise the bar for NSW startups. We help founders avoid missteps, scale smarter, and lead with confidence.
Founder First
We exist to serve the founder community. Everything we do is designed to add value, meet real needs, and empower founders on their journey.
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Inclusivity & Representation by Design
We endeavour to build a community that reflects the richness of the startup ecosystem. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel they belong.
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Innovation to the Core
To serve founders at the forefront of change, we embrace innovation in everything we do. We seek out the best tools, approaches, and ideas to deliver a community experience that is relevant, engaging, and impactful.
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Do Good
We commit to showing up for founders with honesty, care, and integrity. This means working hard to serve, offering support where we can, always speaking honestly and protecting the community values.
Our DNA
These are the principles that guide everything we do at Founders Edge - shaping our decisions, our actions, and the way we serve our community.
Meet The Team
Julian Luca
Founder and CEO
Julian is a former architect turned founder from Perth who understands firsthand the power of community in inspiring entrepreneurs and helping them thrive. His founder journey has taken him to the world’s leading tech hubs in San Francisco and London, exposing him to cutting-edge ideas, global networks, and the best of startup innovation. It was there that he witnessed firsthand the vital role community plays in founder success, and sparked his passion for building strong, connected ecosystems.
Since 2021, Julian has called Sydney home, where he has been deeply embedded in the ecosystem - leading founder and investor communities at pivotal innovation institutions like Innovation Bay, Fishburners, and Founders Institute. With Founders Edge, Julian’s mission is to bridge the gaps in Australia’s startup ecosystem - helping founders connect, avoid pitfalls, and accelerate their journey to success.
Associate and Facilitator
Susham is a finance and operations leader with 15 years of experience across startup development, investment management, entrepreneurship ecosystem building, and finance & accounts management. He has designed and delivered incubation and accelerator programs, investor showcases, and strategic partnerships, supporting over 500 entrepreneurs through 380+ hours of mentorship and tailored investment readiness programs.
His expertise spans portfolio management, financial planning, budgeting, audits, and compliance for early-stage ventures and donor-funded initiatives. Susham operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, and ecosystem development, helping turn ambitious ideas into scalable, fundable ventures.
Shiv Bhardwaj
Comms Corner Facilitator
Shiv Bhardwaj is a communication coach who helps bilingual professionals and founders speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Originally from India and now based in Sydney, Shiv knows what it’s like to feel held back by language and self-doubt. After knocking on over 8,000 doors in door-to-door sales, he discovered the power of presence, connection, and storytelling.
Today, through his business Speak with Shiv, he coaches leaders, runs public speaking workshops, and creates content to help others find their voice. He has been featured by LinkedIn News, B&T and Adnews Australia. He has also run workshops for City Of Sydney and major universities across Australia and India.