FathomTech
Search
Funding radar All Funding
Startups

Startmate Summer '27 closes Nov 1: A$120K deal, dates and how to apply

Startmate's Summer '27 Accelerator closes at 11:59pm AEDT on 1 November 2026. Here is the deadline in every major time zone, plus the A$120K deal and the selection timeline.

·4 min read

Applications for the Startmate Summer '27 Accelerator close at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 1 November 2026, which is 12:59 UTC on the same day. Startmate invests A$120,000 for 8% of the company (a A$1.5 million post-money valuation) in first-time raisers, and the 14-week program runs from 1 February to 7 May 2027.

Below you will find the deadline in other time zones, the deal terms, who can apply and what happens after you submit, all based on Startmate's program page as of October 2026.

Startmate deadline in your time zone

The cut-off is set in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC+11). Converted, the same moment is:

  • Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart (AEDT): 11:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Adelaide (ACDT): 11:29pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Brisbane (AEST): 10:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Darwin (ACST): 10:29pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Perth and Singapore: 8:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Auckland and Wellington (NZDT): 1:59am, Monday 2 November
  • UTC: 12:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • London (GMT): 12:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • Central Europe (CET): 1:59pm, Sunday 1 November
  • New York (ET): 7:59am, Sunday 1 November
  • San Francisco (PT): 4:59am, Sunday 1 November

Note for New Zealand founders: the deadline falls in the early hours of Monday local time, so a Sunday-night submission in Auckland is still on time, but only until 1:59am. US clocks move back an hour in the early hours of 1 November, so the ET and PT times above are already standard time.

The deal: A$120K for 8%

Startmate offers two sets of terms, depending on whether the company has raised before:

  • First-time raisers: A$120,000 at a A$1.5 million post-money valuation, equal to 8%.
  • Companies that have raised at least A$250,000 from VCs or angels: Startmate matches the terms and valuation of that previous round. The page says that round must be finalised, with documents executed, before interviews.

Founders choose the instrument: a SAFE or their own priced equity round.

Program dates and format

  • Start: Monday 1 February 2027
  • End: 7 May 2027 (14 weeks)
  • Format: remote-first, with three in-person weeks: Week 0 in Melbourne, a mid-program week (Week 6) and Demo Day week
  • Sessions: run on Australian time

Who can apply

The accelerator is aimed at founders in Australia and New Zealand. Founders based overseas can apply if they have a strong connection to the region. At least one founder must be full-time on the company, or commit to going full-time for the program.

Revenue is not a requirement. According to Startmate, 67% of its companies had no revenue when they applied. The firm also says half of its accelerator companies raise capital afterwards.

How to apply and the selection timeline

  1. Online application. Written answers plus a 90-second video. Startmate estimates 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
  2. Review. At least five selectors read each application.
  3. Interview. A one-hour remote interview with three or four mentors.
  4. Offers. Sent in mid-December 2026.

Startmate does not publish fixed interview dates on the program page, so plan to be reachable through November and early December.

Startmate vs YC: two deadlines a day apart

Founders weighing both programs face back-to-back cut-offs. Startmate closes at 12:59 UTC on 1 November; Y Combinator's Winter 2027 on-time deadline is 2 November at 8pm PT, which is 04:00 UTC on 3 November. That gives roughly 39 hours between the two. Our guide to the YC Winter 2027 deadline covers YC's terms, and the accelerator deadlines tracker lists other programs closing over the coming months.

The two are not interchangeable. YC is based in San Francisco, while Startmate is built around ANZ founders and runs on Australian hours. Check each program's eligibility before you split your time between applications.

For more on early-stage capital, see our Funding and Founders sections.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Startmate Summer '27 deadline?

11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 1 November 2026, which is 12:59 UTC, 7:59am ET or 4:59am PT on the same day.

How much does Startmate invest?

A$120,000 for 8% at a A$1.5 million post-money valuation for first-time raisers. Companies that have already raised A$250,000 or more get the terms of their previous round.

Can founders outside Australia and New Zealand apply?

Yes, if they have a strong connection to ANZ. Sessions run on Australian time, and three weeks of the program are in person.

When will applicants hear back?

Startmate sends offers in mid-December 2026, after a one-hour remote interview with mentors.

Read more