The Aussie Startups to Watch in 2021 (and beyond)

The aussie startups to watch in 2021

When you hear the term ‘startup’, you probably think about Big Tech and Silicon Valley. While the likes of Facebook, Google and even Peloton might be some of the most famous startups, there’s stacks of exciting new startups launching closer to home.


Right now, the current stats from Crunchbase reveal there are 1,805 startups in Australia. And things are only set to accelerate, with KPMG reporting Australia saw a record year of venture capital (VC) funding in 2020 (with a whopping US$1.6 billion invested).


You’re probably pretty familiar with some of Australia's most established startups like Volt Bank, SafetyCulture and the design startup Canva (which has recently been valued at $15 billion). Seriously. 


But with so many new players constantly entering the field, we wanted to spotlight some of our personal favourites. So, let’s walk you through nine Aussie startups to watch in 2021 (and beyond). 

Fable Foods

Are you one of the 2.5 million people in Australia that are following a vegetarian diet? Whether you’re totally plant-based or dabbling in the meat-free lifestyle, Fable Foods is the startup you need to know about.


Launched in 2019, Fable Foods is a Sydney-based startup founded by chef turned chemical engineer (a.k.a. Mushroom scientist) Jim Fuller, organic mushroom farmer Chris McLoghlin and startup veteran Michael Fox.


In a nutshell, their product is a range of alternative meat products made from Shiitake mushrooms. The dense, fleshy fibres of this veggie mean their products are juicy, meaty and satisfying naturally (no meat required).


To date, they’ve raised an impressive AU$6.5 million in seed funding (primarily from Blackbird Ventures),and are gearing up for a launch in the US later this year. 


Ovira

For tonnes of women, cramps and pain are a regular part of their period. But, direct-to-consumer healthcare brand Ovira is on a mission to change that. 


Founder Alice Williams’ had been struggling with endometriosis and debilitating period pain for years. So, she created a company that would provide drug-free, instant relief for a problem experienced by 88% of women.

 

Ovira uses a small portable device (a TENS machine) that is placed on the abdomen and provides small electric pulses that relieve cramps and pain instantly. That means no more painkillers or days spent curled up with a hot water bottle for stacks of women across Australia (and beyond).

Heaps Normal

More Aussies are ditching booze than ever before, making Heaps Normal’s non-alcoholic beer a winning new startup concept.


The brand might have only launched just 12 months ago, but Heaps Normal has already scored $1.3 million in VC funding from a group of Aussie angel investors. And despite launching during a pandemic, they’ve been able to prove profitability since month two in business. 


Rather than seeing alcohol as the enemy, Heaps Normal are champions of mindful drinking and created their ‘Quiet XPA’ as a flavourful alternative for those who still want to drink something delicious with their mates (minus the booze). 

Outland Denim

Think startups are only for tech brands? Think again. 


In fact, sustainable fashion company Outland Denim is most certainly an Aussie startup to keep your eye on. The startup has just blown its $1.3 million equity crowdfunding campaign out of the water, experiencing huge growth over the past 12 months, too. 


This B Corp certified brand now has over 1,000 investors, a testament to consumers' appetite for supporting sustainable brands. Outland Denim is designing denim made to last, with a transparent supply chain and an anti-slavery driven mission. 

Vitable

On a mission to disrupt the vitamin industry is Sydney-based startup, Vitable. While the company has been around since 2019, Vitable has just scored an impressive $5.5 million Series A funding (with plans to expand into the APAC region over the next year).


In a nutshell, Vitable offers personalised vitamin subscriptions. After taking a quiz online, users score a unique vitamin routine that can be delivered straight to their door. 


With pre-packaged dosages ready to go, Vitable is making it easier for Aussies to take care of their health. 

Atelier

Disrupting the beauty and manufacturing space is Aussie startup Atelier. This startup calls itself a cloud manufacturing platform, with a network of 1,000s of manufacturers, primary producers, biochemists, packaging experts, formulation blenders and more at their disposal.


The platform is there to help beauty, health and wellness brands create products at-scale and on demand. It’s all about making production less complex, time-consuming and expensive for brands. 

Carted

Taking the friction out of social shopping is Aussie startup Carted. The team have just raised a huge $13 million in seed funding, helping them to expand their operations into more social platforms than before. 


So, what exactly is Carted? Essentially, they’ve created an API and infrastructure that allows businesses to generate revenue by selling products from other brands without using clunky middlemen like affiliate links. 


Basically, it can turn online communities and content platforms into effective online stores, paving the way for a new generation of ecommerce businesses. 

Arli

Getting help and support is now as easy as opening a mobile app, as the Aussie startup Arli proves. 


The platform is designed for people navigating drug and alcohol addiction and connects them in the form of virtual support and mentoring groups. 


They’ve got an ambitious vision of having thousands of coaches (who started off as early members) on the platform, ready to help others navigate and overcome addiction. 


Regrow 

The team from Aussie startup Regrow believe agriculture has the power to reverse climate change. So, they’ve built software that is helping to transform farming, food systems and the future of our planet. 


Just last month the Regrow team raised an incredible $17 million in Series A funding, allowing them to scale some of their latest tools (including carbon marketing monitoring and verification).


Essentially, they’re helping to justify the business case for sustainable agriculture with the tech and software to prove it works for bottom lines and our planet.


And that’s a wrap. Did we miss one of your favourite Aussie startups? Leave a comment and share your top picks with us.