Stack Team Venture Lab

Program Overview

Stack Team Venture Lab helps validated startups reach critical milestones—accelerator acceptance, funding, or revenue growth.

Our three-month intensive provides selected startups with a $20K equity-free package including strategic guidance and $5K for validation activities. Unlike traditional programs, we focus on achieving specific traction goals.

Cohort participants can pitch for further investment from Stack Team Ventures and partners at program completion.

Our inaugural cohort will be hosted by Stone & Chalk Melbourne at their King Street location.

Applications Currently Closed

Selection Criteria

We look for:

  • Clear evidence of initial validation and market potential

  • Specific, measurable traction goals that can be achieved in 3 months

  • Technology-driven solution with competitive advantage

  • Founders with capacity to execute rapidly on guidance

  • Ability to attend in-person sessions in Melbourne (Cohort 2 

  • Potential to be accelerator-ready within 6-12 months

Strong candidates will have:

  • Working prototype or MVP

  • Early user feedback or pilot customers

  • Clear go-to-market hypothesis

  • Understanding of key metrics and success indicators

  • Identified specific barriers to growth they need help overcoming

  • Graduated from recognised private or university pre-accelerator programs or able to demonstrate a similar level of intensive work on their validation

Not suitable for:

  • Pre-validation stage companies

  • Startups already generating significant revenue

  • Those needing pure development resources

Program Structure

Selected companies receive:

  • Three months of targeted Stack Team guidance ($15K value)

  • $5K budget for specific traction-building activities

  • Weekly in-person strategy sessions

  • Hands-on support achieving defined goals

  • Guidance on accelerator or funding applications

  • Potential follow-on investment for top performers

Our focus is on helping you achieve the specific traction metrics needed to be competitive for top accelerator programs or significant seed funding.

Applications Currently Closed

For the first Venture Lab cohort, Strack Team Ventures is delighted to be partnering with Stone & Chalk Melbourne. Each week, we'll host our cohort check-ins at Stone & Chalk offering participants an exciting gateway into their vibrant startup ecosystem.

Key Dates:

Info Session: Wed 19  March
Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted
Applications Close: Fri 28  March
Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April
Offers: Friday 4 April
Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

Info Session: Wed 19  March
Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted
Applications Close: Fri 28  March
Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April
Offers: Friday 4 April
Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

Info Session: Wed 19  March
Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted
Applications Close: Fri 28  March
Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April
Offers: Friday 4 April
Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

FAQ

Stack Team Venture Lab - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stack Team Venture Lab?

Stack Team Venture Lab is a 3-month intensive program designed to help promising startups achieve their next major milestone, whether that's accelerator acceptance, funding, or significant revenue growth. We provide hands-on support and resources focused on achieving specific traction goals.

Application Process

What does the program include?

  • $20K program package consisting of:

    • $15K in hands-on strategic guidance and support

    • $5K budget for specific traction-building activities

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk Melbourne

  • Access to our cohort portal with resources and partner content

  • Opportunity to present for follow-on investment

  • No equity taken

Who is this program for?

We're looking for promising startups who have:

  • Validated their problem/solution fit

  • A technology-driven solution with competitive advantage

  • Specific, measurable traction goals achievable in 3 months

  • Capacity to execute rapidly on guidance

  • Ability to attend in-person sessions in Melbourne

Who is NOT a good fit?

  • Pre-validation stage companies

  • Startups already generating significant revenue

  • Those primarily seeking development resources

  • Teams unable to attend Melbourne sessions

What are the key dates for Cohort #1?

  • EOIs Open: Monday, 3 March

  • Info Session: Wed 19  March

  • Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

  • Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted

  • Applications Close: Fri 28  March

  • Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April

  • Offers: Friday 4 April

  • Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

What makes a strong application?

Program Structure

Strong candidates will have:

  • Working prototype or MVP

  • Early user feedback or pilot customers

  • Clear go-to-market hypothesis

  • Understanding of key metrics and success indicators

  • Identified specific barriers to growth they need help overcoming

  • Clear vision for what traction goal would most impact their success

How do the in-person sessions work?

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk - King Street Melbourne (Wednesdays)

  • Flexible drop-in format - spend part or all day with the team

  • Mix of group check-ins and individual support

  • Additional 1:1 support available via video call as needed

Funding & Resources

Program Basics

How does the $5K budget work?

  • Can be used for activities directly supporting your traction goal

  • Examples include market research, user testing, early adopter programs, ad campaigns, prototyping

  • Work provided by the Growth Box and Product Bus Teams

How much time commitment is required?

The program is designed to be flexible and focused on your specific traction goals. Rather than following a rigid schedule, we align with your priorities and help you focus on achieving them. Time commitment varies based on your goals and capacity.

Do I need to be incorporated to apply?

No, you don't need to have a formal entity to participate in the program. However, you will need to establish one if you want to present for follow-on investment opportunities.

What happens after the program?

Top-performing startups will have the opportunity to present their case for follow-on investment from Stack Team Ventures and associated funds.

Want to know more?

Sign up for our Information Session on Tues 18 March here - Applications open after this session

FAQ

Stack Team Venture Lab - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stack Team Venture Lab?

Stack Team Venture Lab is a 3-month intensive program designed to help promising startups achieve their next major milestone, whether that's accelerator acceptance, funding, or significant revenue growth. We provide hands-on support and resources focused on achieving specific traction goals.

Application Process

What does the program include?

  • $20K program package consisting of:

    • $15K in hands-on strategic guidance and support

    • $5K budget for specific traction-building activities

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk Melbourne

  • Access to our cohort portal with resources and partner content

  • Opportunity to present for follow-on investment

  • No equity taken

Who is this program for?

We're looking for promising startups who have:

  • Validated their problem/solution fit

  • A technology-driven solution with competitive advantage

  • Specific, measurable traction goals achievable in 3 months

  • Capacity to execute rapidly on guidance

  • Ability to attend in-person sessions in Melbourne

Who is NOT a good fit?

  • Pre-validation stage companies

  • Startups already generating significant revenue

  • Those primarily seeking development resources

  • Teams unable to attend Melbourne sessions

What are the key dates for Cohort #1?

  • EOIs Open: Monday, 3 March

  • Info Session: Wed 19  March

  • Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

  • Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted

  • Applications Close: Fri 28  March

  • Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April

  • Offers: Friday 4 April

  • Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

What makes a strong application?

Program Structure

Strong candidates will have:

  • Working prototype or MVP

  • Early user feedback or pilot customers

  • Clear go-to-market hypothesis

  • Understanding of key metrics and success indicators

  • Identified specific barriers to growth they need help overcoming

  • Clear vision for what traction goal would most impact their success

How do the in-person sessions work?

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk - King Street Melbourne (Wednesdays)

  • Flexible drop-in format - spend part or all day with the team

  • Mix of group check-ins and individual support

  • Additional 1:1 support available via video call as needed

Funding & Resources

Program Basics

How does the $5K budget work?

  • Can be used for activities directly supporting your traction goal

  • Examples include market research, user testing, early adopter programs, ad campaigns, prototyping

  • Work provided by the Growth Box and Product Bus Teams

How much time commitment is required?

The program is designed to be flexible and focused on your specific traction goals. Rather than following a rigid schedule, we align with your priorities and help you focus on achieving them. Time commitment varies based on your goals and capacity.

Do I need to be incorporated to apply?

No, you don't need to have a formal entity to participate in the program. However, you will need to establish one if you want to present for follow-on investment opportunities.

What happens after the program?

Top-performing startups will have the opportunity to present their case for follow-on investment from Stack Team Ventures and associated funds.

Want to know more?

Sign up for our Information Session on Tues 18 March here - Applications open after this session

FAQ

Stack Team Venture Lab - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stack Team Venture Lab?

Stack Team Venture Lab is a 3-month intensive program designed to help promising startups achieve their next major milestone, whether that's accelerator acceptance, funding, or significant revenue growth. We provide hands-on support and resources focused on achieving specific traction goals.

Application Process

What does the program include?

  • $20K program package consisting of:

    • $15K in hands-on strategic guidance and support

    • $5K budget for specific traction-building activities

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk Melbourne

  • Access to our cohort portal with resources and partner content

  • Opportunity to present for follow-on investment

  • No equity taken

Who is this program for?

We're looking for promising startups who have:

  • Validated their problem/solution fit

  • A technology-driven solution with competitive advantage

  • Specific, measurable traction goals achievable in 3 months

  • Capacity to execute rapidly on guidance

  • Ability to attend in-person sessions in Melbourne

Who is NOT a good fit?

  • Pre-validation stage companies

  • Startups already generating significant revenue

  • Those primarily seeking development resources

  • Teams unable to attend Melbourne sessions

What are the key dates for Cohort #1?

  • EOIs Open: Monday, 3 March

  • Info Session: Wed 19  March

  • Applications Open: Wed 19 March (following info session)

  • Rolling interviews may be conducted as applications are submitted

  • Applications Close: Fri 28  March

  • Final Interviews: 31 March - 2 April

  • Offers: Friday 4 April

  • Program Starts: Wednesday 16 April

What makes a strong application?

Program Structure

Strong candidates will have:

  • Working prototype or MVP

  • Early user feedback or pilot customers

  • Clear go-to-market hypothesis

  • Understanding of key metrics and success indicators

  • Identified specific barriers to growth they need help overcoming

  • Clear vision for what traction goal would most impact their success

How do the in-person sessions work?

  • Weekly office hours at Stone & Chalk - King Street Melbourne (Wednesdays)

  • Flexible drop-in format - spend part or all day with the team

  • Mix of group check-ins and individual support

  • Additional 1:1 support available via video call as needed

Funding & Resources

Program Basics

How does the $5K budget work?

  • Can be used for activities directly supporting your traction goal

  • Examples include market research, user testing, early adopter programs, ad campaigns, prototyping

  • Work provided by the Growth Box and Product Bus Teams

How much time commitment is required?

The program is designed to be flexible and focused on your specific traction goals. Rather than following a rigid schedule, we align with your priorities and help you focus on achieving them. Time commitment varies based on your goals and capacity.

Do I need to be incorporated to apply?

No, you don't need to have a formal entity to participate in the program. However, you will need to establish one if you want to present for follow-on investment opportunities.

What happens after the program?

Top-performing startups will have the opportunity to present their case for follow-on investment from Stack Team Ventures and associated funds.

Want to know more?

Sign up for our Information Session on Tues 18 March here - Applications open after this session