Ben Grabiner
Co-Founder & General Partner, Side Stage Ventures
“Australia is this underestimated, underappreciated opportunity sitting right in front of us.” Hear the conversation
2 episodes All companies 
Side Stage Ventures
3 conversations across 2 shows.
Meet the people behind the company.
Latest conversation · First Cheque
Why Australia Builds More Unicorns per Dollar Than Anyone (Replay) | Ben Grabiner, Side Stage VenturesAbout Side Stage Ventures
Side Stage Ventures is a Sydney venture capital firm that invests $500,000 to $1.5 million in pre-seed and seed rounds, mainly backing Australian founders, with no fixed sector focus. Ben Grabiner and Markus Kahlbetzer co-founded it, and in August 2023 it announced a $15 million first close for its launch fund. In April 2026 it announced a $40 million first close of a $50 million second fund, backed by founders of companies including Canva, Linktree, Leonardo AI and Airtasker. Its exits include Leonardo AI and MagicBrief.
- Sector
- Venture capital (early stage)
- Business model
- Venture fund
- Founders
- Ben Grabiner, Markus Kahlbetzer
- Headquarters
- Sydney
- Markets
- Australia
Sources: itnews.com.au, sidestage.vc, startupdaily.net
The people on Day One.
Markus Kahlbetzer
Co-Founder & General Partner, Side Stage Ventures
“When you focus on trying to master something and be really good at it, then you have much greater chances of success.” Hear the conversation
1 episode
Elli Hanson
Partner, Side Stage Ventures
Hear from the team.
First Cheque with Cheryl Mack & Maxine Minter Why Australia Builds More Unicorns per Dollar Than Anyone (Replay) | Ben Grabiner, Side Stage Ventures
With Ben Grabiner
First Cheque with Cheryl Mack & Maxine Minter Why Australia Builds More Unicorns per Dollar Than Anyone | with Ben Grabiner from Side Stage Ventures
With Ben Grabiner
The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview Series Markus Kahlbetzer explores support opportunities for government and universities
With Markus Kahlbetzer
Milestones.
- Founded by Ben Grabiner and Markus Kahlbetzer, raised $15M debut funditnews.com.au
- Closed $50M Fund II, backed by Canva and Linktree foundersstartupdaily.net
In the news.
Portfolio on Day One.
Companies Side Stage Ventures has backed whose teams have been on the network.
Alumni on Day One.
People who worked at Side Stage Ventures before, and what they're doing now.
More companies on Day One.
Spot something wrong? Suggest a correctionUpdated 29 October 2026
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