FWD›INVEST
FWD›INVEST empowers entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to attract funding and grow.
Explore real-life success stories, attend expert-led workshops on being investment-ready, and participate in live pitch sessions designed to open doors.
Whether you’re seeking venture capital, angel investment, or mentorship, the Invest stream is your gateway to turning ideas into scalable realities. The Invest stream connects entrepreneurs with investors and funding opportunities.
The INVEST stream at FWD›››FEST 25 is your opportunity to secure the resources you need to grow your business. Gain insights from experienced investors, learn how to perfect your pitch, and meet the financial partners who can help turn your vision into a thriving enterprise.
Tailored for entrepreneurs at all stages, this stream combines practical advice, interactive sessions, and real-world success stories to equip you with the tools to scale with confidence.
Kevin has more than 25 years of financial markets and investment management experience in Australia and overseas.
Sean O’Neill is the Managing Director of Nash Capital, a mid-market private equity fund in Australia that manages $200m of high-net-worth client funds.
CEO | Entrepreneur | Speaker | MC | Author | Panel Facilitator | Leadership Expert | Founder - Influential Leader Academy
Entrepreneur, Fintech Innovator, and Community Leader who is recognised globally for his groundbreaking work in digital identity, banking, and cybersecurity.
Laura believes the success of any business is determined by its ability to innovate, harness the potential of its people and be utterly obsessed with its customers.
Helping innovative founders turn R&D into a growth engine.
FWD›INVEST’s Sessions
Storytelling
Exploring how institutional investors strategically allocate capital into private equity, venture capital, and alternative assets to drive economic and business growth, featuring a fireside chat with a portfolio organisation.
Venue 114
Learning
Unlock deep industry knowledge to explore the world of capital investment.
Venue 114
FWD›LUNCH & LEARN
Following his acclaimed FWD>>>FEST debut in 2023, we are incredibly excited to welcome back Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder of Thankyou, as the Keynote Speaker for the FWD>DAY ONE Lunch & Learn Session at FWD>>>FEST 25. Daniel will share his insights on building a sustainable social enterprise and challenging conventional business models that are relatable to all business types. Learn from Thankyou's journey of funding vital global programs through consumer products.
Venue 114
Action
It is time to be judged (in the best possible way!). Selected scaling companies will live pitch in front of a panel of judges sharing their scaling strategies, projections and critical challenges - hoping to be named the business to back! Facilitated by Laura Ashmole, Head of Growth ACS Labs.
Venue 114
Immersion
Explore the POV of differing players in investor attraction. Presented by: Steve Allan, Rob Neely, Sophie Robertson, Alex Knight
Venue 114
Networking
The perfect way to wind down and catchup with old connections, make new ones and celebrate a big first day at FWD>>>FEST. All thanks to the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA) who provides the first shout! SCTechIA is the gateway for the digital economy and a driving force for industry development, advancement, promotion and connection!
Venue 114
Connect, Support & Grow
DAY ONE is a full day dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools, connections and support they need to accelerate to the next level through the delivery of 4 Streams delivering real life storytelling, learning, immersion and action!
Challenge, Lead & Drive
DAY TWO is a full day meticulously designed to challenge the mindset and business acumen of our entrepreneurs, innovators and their support system.
Professional and personal development are a cornerstone to leadership and this day is designed to produce our next gen leaders.
Conversate, Collaborate & Act!
DAY THREE will be like no other day you have ever experienced, designed to encourage the conversations that should happen, but don’t!
This day is designed to be life-changing and fun. Our hope is that in 10 years you look back and realise that the people and opportunities that shaped your future, you met at FWD›››FEST 25.
7 - 9 MAY 2025 Sunshine Coast
Silicon Coast and partners pays our deepest respect to the Traditional Custodians of this country; the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples of the coastal plains and hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast, as we honor them as the original storytellers, innovators, and custodians of this land, embracing their wisdom to innovate while respecting the sacred ground on which it takes place.
© 2022 - 2025 FWD›››FEST | SILICONCOAST. All Rights Reserved.
