Australia’s start-up scene is lively, practical and globally connected. Founders arrive for lifestyle, market access and stable rules, then stay for talent and community. Early choices on structure, cash flow and where to live shape momentum. This guide distils founder‑friendly stats and rules of thumb to help you budget smartly, relocate smoothly and give your venture the best chance to thrive.
Australia rewards preparation more than perfection. Simple frameworks beat complex spreadsheets if they prompt action. Think in quarters, price your time realistically, and set milestone‑based budgets that assume delays. A touch of discipline helps when you’re juggling registrations, hiring and first customers.
- Registration, structure and compliance
Most founders secure an ABN, then register a company with ASIC when signalling seriousness to investors or partners. Factor GST at 10% once turnover passes the threshold. Plan for BAS lodgements, PAYG withholding, workers’ compensation and public liability insurance. Budget for a bookkeeper and lawyer; prevention is cheaper than fixes.
Pick a structure that matches goals. Companies suit growth and external funding; sole traders suit simplicity. Separate personal and business accounts on day one. Migrating? Start the visa process early and align entity setup with arrival dates. A tidy cap table and clean books lift investor confidence.
- Start‑up budgets: Where the money goes
Capital‑light ventures can launch lean: a laptop, a few subscriptions and targeted marketing. Asset‑heavy ideas need more runway. Track three lines—once‑off setup, monthly burn and contingency. Add a 15–20% buffer: estimates skew optimistic and suppliers rarely move as fast as you do.
Remote‑first reduces fixed costs. Coworking passes, shared studios and short licences let desks scale with headcount. Avoid annual software commitments until product‑market fit is clear. Spend where quality compounds—accounting, cybersecurity and customer support—and delay vanity purchases. Every dollar saved extends runway without hurting capability.
- Operating costs and runway maths
Runway equals cash divided by monthly burn. Recalculate after every meaningful change. Track gross margin and contribution per sale so growth doesn’t quietly deepen losses. Use a lightweight dashboard to watch unit economics, invoices due and payroll dates, and avoid cash‑timing surprises.
Suppliers increasingly want electronic payments, and customers expect seamless invoicing. Offer small discounts for early payment and specify late fees in contracts. Keep a reserve for break‑fix expenses: laptops fail, vehicles need tyres, and ad platforms can overspend. A small war‑chest stops little shocks becoming big distractions.
- People, payroll and benefits
Hiring can accelerate learning, but payroll is sticky. Trial contractors or part‑timers before full‑time roles. Build a simple hiring rubric: role purpose, 90‑day outcomes and the behaviours that matter most. Remember statutory on‑costs such as superannuation, leave entitlements and, above certain thresholds, state payroll tax.
Culture travels faster than policy. Set humane norms: predictable hours, clear communication and thoughtful onboarding. Offer flexibility, but anchor collaboration with regular in‑person days. Document processes lightly so newcomers deliver value quickly. Treat compliance dates like customer deadlines; missed lodgements erode trust and focus.
- Relocation choices and living costs
Where you land shapes burn. CBD density offers clients and talent; suburban hubs offer space and shorter commutes. Before moving, sketch a personal budget that reflects the cost of living in Australia and the different profiles of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Housing is the swing factor, followed by transport and childcare.
Road‑test the lifestyle before a long lease. Many founders trial a city for a month, then pick a suburb once routines settle. Commuter rail, bike paths and reliable broadband can beat a slightly cheaper rent. Proximity to customers and suppliers reduces stress and often saves money.
- Moving logistics for founders and teams
Treat relocation like a project with dates, owners and checklists. Inventory what to keep, sell or donate. Pack business‑critical items separately and label like a warehouse. If Victoria is your base, dependable house packing services in Melbourne can compress timelines and reduce breakage, especially for dual moves that combine home and workspace.
Include bonds, utility connections and temporary storage in the moving budget. Stagger shipments so core equipment arrives first and non‑essentials follow. For interstate moves, confirm insurance for transit and short storage windows. Make Day One easy: banking, devices, internet and signage ready so operations resume immediately.
- De‑risking with test markets and staged spend
Pilot before you plant. Use pop‑ups, short licences or online drops to test demand across two or three locations. Stage commitments: start monthly, then graduate to annual once a channel proves out. Negotiate break clauses in leases and services; optionality is often your cheapest insurance.
Calibrate marketing with learning goals. Run small experiments to test price, pitch or channel, then scale winners. Celebrate closures as much as sales; a quick “no” saves capital and sharpens focus. Investors value frugality with momentum: measured bets, tidy metrics and a clear path to breakeven.
Starting a tech company in Australia
Starting a company in Australia rewards clear thinking, calm execution and realistic buffers. Choose a structure that fits your ambition, watch runway like a hawk, and settle where life and business both work. Budget with humility, relocate with intent, and lean on specialists when it saves time. Do the basics well and growth will follow.
