Australia has long been a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a thriving startup ecosystem and a growing number of entrepreneurs driving change across various industries. From tech disruptors to sustainability pioneers, Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape is evolving rapidly, and by 2025, a new wave of innovators is set to leave their mark on the global stage. Here are 25 entrepreneurs who are breaking new ground in Australia and are poised to shape the future in their respective fields.
1. Melanie Perkins – Co-Founder and CEO, Canva
Melanie Perkins is the co-founder and CEO of Canva, the graphic design platform that has revolutionized how people create visual content. Founded in 2012, Canva has since grown into one of the most successful startups to come out of Australia, reaching a valuation of $40 billion in 2021. By 2025, Melanie is set to expand Canva’s reach even further, focusing on innovation in design tools and pushing the boundaries of AI-assisted design, empowering more people around the world to design like professionals.
2. Mike Cannon-Brookes – Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Atlassian
Mike Cannon-Brookes is the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, the enterprise software company that has disrupted the global business collaboration and project management space. As one of Australia’s most well-known tech entrepreneurs, Cannon-Brookes continues to expand Atlassian’s offerings, looking toward 2025 to solidify the company’s position as a leader in cloud-based software solutions, AI integrations, and enterprise collaboration tools.
3. Scott Farquhar – Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Atlassian
Alongside Mike Cannon-Brookes, Scott Farquhar co-founded Atlassian in 2002. He has played a crucial role in the company’s global success, and his strategic leadership has helped shape Atlassian’s product suite, making it a go-to tool for software teams and businesses worldwide. As of 2025, Farquhar’s focus remains on scaling the company’s AI capabilities and expanding into new markets, further cementing Atlassian’s reputation as a global leader.
4. Jemima Harris – Founder and CEO, Heaps Normal
Jemima Harris is the founder and CEO of Heaps Normal, a non-alcoholic craft beer company that has rapidly gained popularity in Australia. With a growing trend toward sober-curious lifestyles, Heaps Normal’s innovation in non-alcoholic beverages has placed Harris at the forefront of a new movement in the Australian beverage industry. By 2025, Heaps Normal is set to become a significant player on the global stage in the non-alcoholic drink market.
5. David Ferrucci – Founder and CEO, Freshchain
David Ferrucci is the founder and CEO of Freshchain, a logistics company that uses blockchain technology to improve food supply chain transparency and reduce food waste. With a background in tech and a passion for sustainability, Ferrucci is using emerging technologies to create a more efficient and sustainable food system. By 2025, Freshchain is expected to revolutionize food distribution globally, with a particular focus on reducing the carbon footprint of food logistics.
6. Nina Hendy – Founder, FounderSmart
Nina Hendy is the founder of FounderSmart, a platform dedicated to helping early-stage entrepreneurs in Australia navigate the challenges of launching their businesses. Hendy’s expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship has made her a go-to mentor for many budding startups. By 2025, FounderSmart will expand its services and resources to become a key player in Australia’s startup ecosystem, offering tools and networks for aspiring entrepreneurs.
7. Katherine McConnell – Founder and CEO, Brighte
Katherine McConnell is the founder and CEO of Brighte, a fintech company that provides financing solutions for renewable energy and energy-efficient home improvements. Brighte’s mission is to help Australians adopt sustainable technologies by making clean energy more affordable. McConnell’s work is critical to Australia’s energy transition, and by 2025, Brighte aims to have helped thousands of Australian households make the switch to cleaner energy.
8. Tom and James McLoughlin – Co-Founders, Who Gives A Crap
Tom and James McLoughlin co-founded Who Gives A Crap, a social enterprise that sells eco-friendly toilet paper and donates 50% of its profits to sanitation projects in developing countries. With their strong commitment to sustainability, the McLoughlin brothers have turned Who Gives A Crap into a global brand. By 2025, the company is expected to have expanded its product range and distribution channels, making it an even bigger force for good in the world.
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9. Sally-Ann Williams – CEO, Cicada Innovations
Sally-Ann Williams is the CEO of Cicada Innovations, an Australian technology incubator that supports deep-tech startups in various sectors, including robotics, advanced manufacturing, and medtech. Williams is a key player in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia, helping founders turn their high-tech ideas into successful businesses. By 2025, Cicada Innovations will be an even more influential hub for Australia’s most ambitious tech startups.
10. Benjamin Chong – Co-Founder, Pollenizer
Benjamin Chong is the co-founder of Pollenizer, a startup accelerator that helps early-stage companies build scalable businesses. Chong has a deep understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face and provides valuable mentorship to help them succeed. With a focus on both the Australian and global markets, Chong’s work is helping to shape the next generation of high-growth startups, with a strong emphasis on global scalability.
11. Yuan Liu – Co-Founder, Brella
Yuan Liu is the co-founder of Brella, a tech startup focused on helping businesses develop better workplace solutions through AI-driven insights and automation. Liu is using machine learning to address common workplace inefficiencies, from project management to employee engagement. As companies continue to embrace digital transformation, Brella’s innovative tools are expected to become indispensable by 2025.
12. Chris Thomas – Founder, Airsorted (now Houst)
Chris Thomas founded Airsorted (now Houst), a property management company that helps homeowners turn their properties into short-term rental spaces. With a growing number of travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations, Houst has positioned itself as a leader in the short-term rental market. By 2025, Thomas’s company will likely continue to scale globally, providing property management services to homeowners across the world.
13. Sarah Liu – Co-Founder, The Dream Collective
Sarah Liu is the co-founder of The Dream Collective, an organization focused on creating workplace diversity and supporting women in leadership. Liu’s work focuses on driving gender equality and breaking down barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. By 2025, The Dream Collective will have grown its influence, shaping corporate culture across Australia and the globe.
14. Craig Swann – Founder, Disruptive Innovation
Craig Swann is a well-known figure in the Australian tech scene, having founded Disruptive Innovation, a consulting firm that helps startups and established companies implement cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT. Swann’s expertise lies in helping businesses scale using innovative tech, and by 2025, his firm is expected to be a major player in Australia’s digital transformation sector.
15. Renee and Arwen Marinos – Co-Founders, Social Good Outlets
Renee and Arwen Marinos are the co-founders of Social Good Outlets, an e-commerce platform dedicated to supporting ethical businesses and sustainable products. Their company has grown rapidly, tapping into the growing demand for ethical shopping choices. By 2025, Social Good Outlets will have expanded its range and is likely to become one of Australia’s largest marketplaces for socially-conscious consumers.
16. Ben and Daniel Reich – Founders, BigCommerce
Ben and Daniel Reich co-founded BigCommerce, an e-commerce platform that enables businesses to build and manage online stores. The platform has helped thousands of businesses scale, offering powerful tools for entrepreneurs. As the world of online retail continues to grow, BigCommerce’s reach will expand, and by 2025, Ben and Daniel Reich’s leadership will have further solidified their place in the global e-commerce space.
17. Angela Bossie – Founder and CEO, Green Clean Group
Angela Bossie founded Green Clean Group, a company focused on providing eco-friendly commercial cleaning services. As sustainability becomes a priority for businesses worldwide, Green Clean Group is well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for environmentally-conscious cleaning solutions. By 2025, Bossie’s company is expected to be a leading provider of green cleaning services across Australia.
18. Stephen Baxter – Co-Founder, Pollenizer
Stephen Baxter, a seasoned entrepreneur, co-founded Pollenizer and is renowned for his work in accelerating high-growth startups. With a passion for scaling businesses and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, Baxter is set to continue making a significant impact on Australia’s tech sector. By 2025, Pollenizer’s success stories will continue to inspire and fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs.
19. Claudia Batten – Co-Founder, The Icehouse
Claudia Batten is the co-founder of The Icehouse, a leadership development and mentorship platform that connects entrepreneurs with business experts and advisors. By helping entrepreneurs grow and scale their ventures, The Icehouse is playing an integral role in shaping the future of Australian businesses. By 2025, Batten’s platform will have become a central pillar of Australia’s startup ecosystem.
20. Andrew and Scott Murrell – Co-Founders, Modibodi
Andrew and Scott Murrell co-founded Modibodi, an innovative company that produces leak-proof underwear designed for menstruation, incontinence, and postpartum needs. Their business focuses on disrupting the hygiene products industry by offering more sustainable and comfortable alternatives. By 2025, Modibodi will continue to scale, providing eco-friendly alternatives to millions of customers globally.
21. Emma Isaacs – Founder, Business Chicks
Emma Isaacs is the founder of Business Chicks, Australia’s largest and most influential community of women entrepreneurs and business leaders. Isaacs has grown Business Chicks into a global platform, providing support, networking, and resources for women in business. By 2025, Business Chicks will continue to empower women and drive gender equality in the business world.
22. Hannah Cole – Co-Founder, Tech For Good
Hannah Cole is the co-founder of Tech For Good, a platform dedicated to using technology to address social and environmental challenges. As the world faces increasing issues related to climate change and inequality, Cole’s efforts to integrate technology into solutions for good will play a significant role in shaping Australia’s future. By 2025, Tech For Good’s impact will be felt worldwide.
23. David and Scott McKeown – Co-Founders, This Is Flow
David and Scott McKeown co-founded This Is Flow, a digital marketing and branding agency that helps businesses create memorable and impactful brands. Their work focuses on telling authentic and engaging stories that resonate with modern consumers. By 2025, McKeown’s agency will continue to grow, helping companies connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
24. Yassmin Abdel-Magied – Founder, Youth Without Borders
Yassmin Abdel-Magied founded Youth Without Borders, an organization focused on empowering young people to drive social change. Her work with underrepresented communities and her advocacy for young people’s voices will shape the future of Australian activism and social innovation. By 2025, Abdel-Magied’s influence will extend even further, contributing to more inclusive and impactful social movements.
25. Ben Pasternak – Founder, Flogg
Ben Pasternak is the founder of Flogg, a social marketplace app that allows users to buy and sell items with a focus on peer-to-peer transactions. Pasternak’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and he is known for his ability to identify emerging trends in technology. By 2025, Flogg is expected to expand into international markets, offering a platform for online shopping that emphasizes social connections and user-driven transactions.
These 25 entrepreneurs represent the diverse and dynamic future of Australia’s business landscape. Their innovations span various industries, from tech and sustainability to social enterprises and consumer goods. By 2025, they will not only have impacted Australia but also contributed to global changes across multiple sectors. Whether through breakthrough technologies, cutting-edge products, or social impact initiatives, the entrepreneurial spirit of these individuals will continue to shape the future of the nation and the world.
