01
Master the Craft
A group kickoff session with a professional stand-up comedian to shape your act, tuning your best stories for the spotlight.
Sydney · Oct 14, 2026
Startup.Standup.Minimum Viable Comedy
The high-stakes collision of startups and stand-up comedy.
Event Partners
The Concept
From Pitch to Punchline.
We are recruiting eight brave founders and VCs to step away from the pitch and onto the stage. After a four week (2-3 hrs per week) comedy bootcamp with the pros, you will perform a five minute original stand-up routine live in front of a room full of the startup community. Sign up to join the lineup.
8
Founders on stage
5 min
Per routine
4 weeks
Of training
250
Seats in the room
Your Host
Merrick
Watts.
Hosted by Australian comedy icon, radio, and TV presenter, Merrick Watts - bringing three decades of stage instinct to keep the night moving, tight, and a little bit dangerous.
Comedy IconRadioTelevisionLive MC
What You Get
A 4-week program,
built around your routine.
Selected participants will learn the art of engaging storytelling, build unshakeable stage presence and delivery, and form high-value connections within the startup ecosystem. Expect to reserve 2–3 hours per week.
02
Nail the Delivery
Dedicated sessions with a Presentation Skills coach to build undeniable stage presence.
03
Inside Access
A group trip to the Sydney Comedy Store to watch how seasoned professionals work the room.
04
Polish & Perfect
A professional recording of your act for offline review and expert judge feedback.
Timeline
From application to applause.
- Stage 01Jul 24
Applications Open
Application process begins: apply yourself or refer a funny friend. Submit a short video for selection.
- Stage 02Jul 29
Live Selection Event
An open audition night at the Pillars, Sydney CBD for selected submissions to pitch their first set.
- Stage 03Sep 23 – Oct 14
4-Week Training Program
Comedy bootcamp, pitch delivery coaching, recorded reviews and a dress rehearsal.
- Stage 04Oct 14 · 5 PM
The Main Event
Eight founders. Five minutes each. One unforgettable night.
Apply / Refer
Step Up or
Stitch Up.
Do you have what it takes to make the room laugh? Or have a friend that loves cracking a joke? Apply or refer a peer below.
CHUCKLES FOR CHARITY
Raising money for Forever Projects.
Forever Projects' mission is to end the Tanzanian orphan crisis by creating income for women. They fund a year-long support program built for women and run by locals, delivering nutrition for her baby, supplies to meet basic needs, weekly health and skills training, capital to set up a business, and a community of women around her. Income creation for women. Nutrition for their babies. Families together, forever.
Learn more
Tickets
Strictly limited to 250 seats.
Book early for discounts, bring your friends along for a laugh, and remember... it's for charity!
Oct 14 Sydney Comedy Store, Moore Park
Early BirdBest value
Limited release · get 'em while they're hot
$60+BF
General AdmissionUnavailable
You're on time. Better than late!
$80+BF
Final ReleaseUnavailable
Last chance saloon
$100+BF
FAQ
Questions from the room.
Anyone in the startup ecosystem: founders, VCs, operators, builders, and ecosystem partners. You don't need any stage experience, but you should have a track record of making people laugh.
Not at all. We're looking for brave 'wannabe comedians' from the startup ecosystem who are ready to step out of their comfort zone.
Selected participants must be fully committed to the 4-week training curriculum running from early September through to late October.
The event takes place at the Comedy Store, Moore Park, Sydney.
No everyone is welcome. But we do need you to laugh.
Yes, the event is strictly 18+ for both comedians and audience members.
Tickets are transferrable but not refundable.