Scalare Partners Acquires Fishburners to Reach 40,000 Founders Nationwide
Scalare Partners acquires Fishburners to build Australia’s most connected startup ecosystem
Scalare Partners Holdings Limited (ASX: SCP) has completed the acquisition of Fishburners, one of Australia’s most recognised startup communities, in a cash-only transaction completed on 2 June 2026. The deal was executed through an asset purchase agreement covering the Fishburners brand, programs, intellectual property and associated community assets, with no employees or liabilities assumed. The Company has confirmed the acquisition is not material to its overall financial position.
Fishburners has operated for more than 15 years, supporting Australian entrepreneurs through coworking, events, mentorship and founder programs. Scalare’s stated intent is to preserve the Fishburners brand and integrate it into its existing ecosystem, which already spans Tank Stream Labs, The Founders Union, Planet Startup, Tech Ready Women, InHouse Ventures and the Australian Technologies Competition.
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What Fishburners brings to the Scalare ecosystem
The Scalare Partners Fishburners acquisition meaningfully expands the company’s community footprint. Following completion, Scalare’s ecosystem collectively represents:
- More than 40,000 founders and startup participants across its brands and programs
- Over 10,530 startups supported through coworking communities, accelerator programs and ecosystem initiatives
- A startup alumni that have collectively raised more than $5.4 billion in funding
- More than 7,000 startup and innovation events delivered by Tank Stream Labs and Fishburners since inception
Alongside these scale metrics, Scalare has outlined a structured integration plan:
- Fishburners members will be provided access to Tank Stream Labs locations nationally, including a dedicated Fishburners Hub within Tank Stream Labs’ flagship Kent Street, Sydney campus
- Scalare intends to relaunch Fishburners Pitch Nights and founder showcase programs nationally
- Scalare plans to establish a Fishburners Investment Vehicle to invest in selected startups emerging from the Pitch Night program, subject to regulatory and commercial considerations
- Founders will be able to gain broader access to Scalare ecosystem services, including mentorship, capital readiness programs, investor introductions, founder education and growth advisory services
| Metric | Post-Acquisition (Combined) | What It Represents | Investment Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founders & startup participants | 40,000+ | Total community reach across all brands and programs | Expanded proprietary deal flow and service addressable market |
| Startups supported | 10,530+ | Businesses engaged through coworking, accelerators and ecosystem initiatives | Broader base for potential investment pipeline |
| Alumni funding raised | $5.4B+ | Cumulative capital raised by ecosystem graduates | Evidence of founder quality and ecosystem credibility |
| Startup & innovation events | 7,000+ | Events delivered by Tank Stream Labs and Fishburners since inception | Demonstrates sustained community engagement at scale |
Why the startup ecosystem model matters for investors
What is an integrated startup ecosystem and why does it create value?
An integrated startup ecosystem is a platform that connects founders with multiple layers of support, including physical workspace, education programs, mentorship networks, investor introductions and access to capital. Rather than offering a single service, an integrated model creates interconnected value: founders who enter through coworking are exposed to programming, which feeds into investment pipelines, which in turn generates financial returns alongside service revenue.
The planned Fishburners Investment Vehicle illustrates this logic directly. By identifying high-potential startups through Pitch Night programs, Scalare would gain early access to investment opportunities that originate from within its own community, rather than sourcing them externally. This proprietary deal flow is a meaningful differentiator, provided the investment vehicle proceeds through regulatory and commercial approvals.
How this acquisition advances Scalare’s investment case
The acquisition is consistent with Scalare’s stated strategy of building Australia’s most connected founder ecosystem. The network now spans six established brands alongside Fishburners, giving the company broad coverage across early-stage technology and founder segments.
From a structural standpoint, the deal is capital-efficient. Scalare acquired brand recognition, programs and IP without taking on employees or liabilities, limiting execution risk. The Fishburners Investment Vehicle, if established, would represent a forward-looking return opportunity beyond service and program revenue, though it remains subject to regulatory and commercial conditions.
Scalare Partners Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Breeze
“Fishburners has been an important part of Australia’s innovation ecosystem for more than fifteen years. We are proud to continue that legacy and provide founders with stronger pathways to community, education, customers, capital and support. This acquisition further strengthens Scalare’s mission to build one of the most connected founder ecosystems in Australia.”
Tank Stream Labs CEO Bradley Delamare
“Founder communities remain critically important despite advances in technology and remote work. The strongest startup ecosystems are built through collaboration, connection and shared experience.”
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What comes next for Scalare Partners
With the acquisition completed as of 2 June 2026, Scalare’s near-term priorities include:
- Relaunch of Fishburners Pitch Nights and national founder showcase programs
- Establishment of a dedicated Fishburners Hub within the Tank Stream Labs Kent Street, Sydney flagship campus
- Development of the Fishburners Investment Vehicle, subject to regulatory and commercial considerations
- Broader integration of Fishburners members into Scalare’s suite of ecosystem services
Scalare is systematically building network density across Australia’s startup community, with Fishburners the latest and most recognisable addition to its platform.
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