Zeller Business Blog

The Best Business Bank Accounts in Australia

For Australian businesses, choosing the right business bank account isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Between traditional banks, online-only challengers, and modern fintech alternatives like Zeller, the options are broader than ever – and more confusing. This guide compares some of the top options in Australia, from the Big Four to rising digital banking platforms, so you can choose the right account for your needs, whether you're a sole trader, freelancer, small business or scaling company. Understanding business bank accounts: what they are and why they're essential. A business bank account isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a key part of running a compliant, professional and scalable operation. Here’s why you need one: Legal and tax compliance : If you're registered for GST or operate as a company, you’ll need a dedicated account for your business transactions. Simplified admin : Separating personal and business finances makes reconciling income, preparing for BAS, and managing deductions far easier. Professionalism : Customers take you more seriously, and are more likely to trust your business, when invoices and payments come from a business bank account. Cash flow control : Monitor your business incomings and outgoings more clearly to make faster decisions. Access to finance : It’s typically a requirement for business loans, overdrafts, business credit cards, and trade accounts. Types of business bank accounts in Australia. In Australia, there are a few core types of business accounts on offer, such as: Transaction accounts : Your day-to-day account for receiving payments, making purchases, paying suppliers. Savings accounts : For earning interest on unused business funds. Term deposits : Lock away funds for a set time to earn higher interest. Offset accounts : Linked to a business loan, helping reduce interest payments. Key factors to consider when choosing a business bank account. Fees Monthly fees, overdraft fees, dishonour fees, and FX costs can vary widely amongst business banks. For example: – Traditional banks may charge $10-$25/month just to keep the account open– Overdraft fees can be surprisingly high and feel unnecessarily punitive– International payments might include conversion fees or transfer costs– Staff-assisted transactions and even electronic transactions can also incur more fees This last point is worth illustrating with two examples: 1. CommBank charges $5 per staff-assisted transaction on business accounts 2.  Bendigo Bank charges $0.40 per electronic transaction on their Business Basic Account In contrast, Zeller Business Transaction Account has no fees whatsoever . For small businesses, especially those just starting out, these savings can quickly add up. Access and convenience In business, time is money. You’ll want an account that’s easy to use and built for purpose. Consider things like: – Does the online banking interface have a clean, modern design? – Does it have powerful transaction filtering and searching? – Is the mobile app easy to use on the go? ( Zeller App is rated 4.2 on the App Store) – Can you access help when you need it? (Zeller offers 24/7 online access and support) More businesses are moving away from needing face-to-face banking and instead placing higher value on mobile-first platforms that work wherever they are. Account features Choosing a business account isn’t just about the basics. The right features can save you time, reduce admin, and give you more control over how your business operates. For example, a Zeller Business Transaction Account offers you: Cards: Zeller lets you issue unlimited free physical and virtual debit cards with custom spending limits. You can also generate single-use virtual cards for added security when shopping online. Multi-user access: Give team members custom access, so they can view balances, send invoices or manage cards, without full account control. Integrations: You can easily connect your Zeller Business Transaction Account to tools like Xero for easy bookkeeping. Reporting: Built-in analytics, spending breakdowns, and receipt capture with Zeller. Access to interest: A Zeller Savings Account allows you to earn significantly more interest than with a traditional big-4 bank. Transaction categorisation: Automatically sort and label incoming and outgoing payments, helping you track spending by type, supplier or category. Multiple accounts: Spin up extra accounts for different projects, teams or business locations – no paperwork or branch visit required. Real-time fund transfers: Move money instantly via Australia's New Payment Platform (NPP). BPAY: Quickly and easily pay suppliers directly from your dashboard using BPAY. Security and regulation Traditional banks are Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs), so deposits are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), a government guarantee of up to $250,000 if the bank was to fail. With Zeller, customer funds are held in a segregated account at a fully-regulated, authorised Australian bank. Zeller also maintains strict compliance protocols, and uses advanced encryption, fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication to keep your business finances secure. For many modern businesses, the benefits of speed, flexibility and innovation make this a smart, secure, and trusted alternative to traditional banking. Customer support Zeller offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email and SMS – so whether you need help setting up your account, have a question about a transaction, or are sorting something urgent during tax time, you can speak to someone when it matters most. Unlike many traditional providers, support isn't limited to business hours or ticket-based systems, you’ll speak to a real human with experience in supporting Aussie businesses. Suitability for your business type Every business is different. The right account for your business should suit your operating model, whether you're client-facing, retail-based, or remote. For example: Sole traders/freelancers often prioritise ease of use and low fees Growing businesses typically look for multi-user access, cards, and integrations Retailers/tradies frequently find POS and EFTPOS integration can make a huge difference International traders need strong FX capabilities and multi-currency accounts. Compare top Australian business accounts to see why Zeller Transaction Account stands out. As you can see from the table above, Zeller either matches or beats the big-4 banks in almost every area. Traditional banks like CommBank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ each offer business accounts with in-branch service, cash handling and international payment features. While these can suit businesses that still rely on physical banking, they often come with higher monthly fees and less flexible digital tools. The two limitations to a Zeller Business Transaction Account are depositing cash and multi-currency accounts. Zeller merchants typically overcome this by: – keeping a separate bank account with a traditional bank for the sole purpose of depositing cash, then sending the money directly to their Zeller Business Transaction Account – keeping international currencies with another provider (like Wise or Airwallex).   Note: Zeller is working towards offering multi-currency accounts, so watch this space! Real-world examples: who should choose what? Not every business needs the same thing from their transaction account. Here are a few common scenarios to help you match features to your business type. Tradie on the road Zeller’s mobile-first setup, SMS invoicing and no-branch model means you can quote, invoice and track payments without ever setting foot in a bank. Freelancer with local clients Zeller gives you all the essentials with no monthly cost, plus faster access to funds to keep your cash flow healthy. Import/export business Wise and Airwallex make more sense here, with multi-currency accounts and competitive FX. Zeller does not currently offer multi-currency accounts yet, but has plans to do so in the future. Brick and mortar retailer Zeller integrates with EFTPOS and provides detailed sales tracking across channels. How to open a business account in Australia. Opening a business account in Australia is fairly straightforward, but exact requirements can vary slightly between providers. Here’s what to expect. In most cases, you’ll need: – A business name – An ABN or ACN – An industry type – Personal ID (driver licence or passport) – Business contact details – In some cases, business structure documentation (e.g. partnership agreement) With Zeller, the process is 100% online and takes just a few minutes. No paperwork. No queues. Just fast onboarding and instant access to your transaction account and cards. Managing your business account effectively. Once you’ve opened your account, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it: Separate personal and business spending so your bookkeeping is cleaner and reconciling transactions is easier come tax time. Use categories and tags to track expenses by type – this helps you understand where your money’s going and identify areas to reduce spend. Review reports monthly to spot trends, catch anomalies, and stay on top of cash flow. Set up automatic payments to ensure bills, wages and subscriptions are always paid on time. Stay on top of GST and BAS by regularly exporting your records, so you’re never scrambling at lodgement time. Zeller makes all this easy, with built-in notes, digital receipts, auto-categorisation and integrations that connect your financial activity directly to your accounting software. So, which account is right for your business? The best business account depends on your priorities, but if you're an Australian business looking for a modern, mobile-first, all-in-one platform that’s free to use, integrates with your tools, and helps you manage everything from invoicing to spending, Zeller offers a strong alternative to the big-4 Australian banks. A Zeller Business Transaction Account is fast to set up, simple to use, and purpose-built for how Aussie businesses operate.

EOFY Tax Tips for Small Businesses from a CPA with 40+ Years Experience

With tax time almost upon us, we caught up with Lloyd Richardson , CEO of Jim’s Tax and a Fellow CPA, to get his perspective on what small business owners need to keep in mind as the end of the financial year approaches. Lloyd has spent more than 40 years in the accounting world – he grew up in the industry, took over his father’s practice, and now heads up a 60-strong network of tax agents and bookkeepers across the country, so you could say he knows a thing or two about tax.  Read on to learn his practical, no-nonsense advice for small business owners looking to get the most out of this end of financial year.  Preparing your small business for EOFY tax. Question: How far in advance should small businesses start preparing for EOFY? Answer: Small business owners generally prepare BAS statements quarterly, and that’s when you should be thinking about your end-of-year tax too. A good bookkeeper will prep your financials quarterly and refer them to a tax agent, who can then estimate your tax position. It’s always better to plan early, but a lot of businesses wait until June and panic. You need a proactive bookkeeper. A Jim’s bookkeeper is trained to handle this, and then your tax agent (hopefully also a Jim’s Tax person!) will review it at tax time. But at a minimum, your accounts should be updated quarterly. Key financial documents for EOFY tax. Question: What key documents or reports should small businesses have ready? Answer: Importantly, you need a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, ideally on an accrual basis. These help determine profitability based on your business structure – whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, trust or company.  Remember that GST is typically calculated on a cash basis – money in, money out. But small business tax is done on an accrual basis – what’s been invoiced. That’s why it’s so important to know whether you’re reporting on a cash or accrual basis, it affects when income is counted. You should have your financials up to date by the end of March. Then in early June you can sit down and ask yourself (and your tax agent), “What’s my profitability up to March? How much have I earned in April and May, and what can I do before June 30 to legally minimise tax?” Common EOFY tax deductions and overlooked claims.  Question: Are there any deductions or claims that often get overlooked? Answer: There are two sides to EOFY planning – income and expenses. On the expenses side, look at your debtors. Write off bad debts before 30 June or you’ll be taxed on them. Check your depreciation schedule too – sometimes there’s old plant and equipment that’s been written off or no longer exists. Write it off and claim the deduction. Also, pay expenses before the end of June and delay income if you can. For example, if I finish a job on 29 June, I might not invoice until 1 July (subject to cash flow, of course) and that pushes the tax into the next year. EOFY tax tips by business structure (sole trader, company, trust). Question: What steps should sole traders take that might differ from those with staff or a company structure? Answer: Sole traders pay tax on net profit. Super isn’t compulsory for sole traders, which catches people out. You can contribute up to $30,000 into super and claim it as a deduction – taxed at 15% in super instead of up to 47%. Companies should keep an eye on debit loans – directors drawing from the company. You’ve got to sort those before EOFY or they’ll be taxed as unfranked dividends. Directors can also contribute to their super – up to $30k per director) – and if you haven’t used your full contribution cap in the last five years, you can add more. If you’ve got staff and your pay run starts 1 July, consider paying it early on 30 June so you can claim the deduction this year. You can pay expenses up to 12 months in advance. And if you buy plant and equipment under $20k and receive it before 30 June, you can write off 100% of it. Over $20k, you have to depreciate it. 2025 ATO guidance for small businesses at EOFY. Question: Have you seen any recent changes in ATO guidance that business owners should be across Answer: The ATO is focused on trusts this year. If you operate through a family trust, make sure your distribution minutes are done before 30 June to allocate profit to beneficiaries. If not, the whole lot could be taxed at up to 47%. Be careful with trust distributions to companies too, that’s under scrutiny. If you’re in a company, sort out your debit loans before EOFY. If you don’t, they might be taxed as income. Super and wage adjustments can help, but don’t go throwing around massive bonuses, your structure has to support it. Overcoming EOFY tax stress. Question: For business owners who feel overwhelmed by EOFY, what’s your advice? Answer: Talk to a Jim’s Tax agent. The first step is getting your accounts up to date, at least to March, so you’ve got a clear idea of where you stand. What’s your actual net profit? What tax is payable? What’s already been paid through your BAS? Once you know those numbers, the fear factor drops and you can take action if needed. A lot of people get overwhelmed because they don’t have the right info in front of them. If your books are a mess, EOFY can feel like a mountain. But if you’ve kept things tidy through the year, or get someone to help you sort it out now, it becomes much more manageable. I do the same process in my own business – I check receivables and payables, think about super, and look at expenses I might bring forward. Also, another big benefit of using a tax agent is that your return can be lodged as late as May or June the following year. If you’re not using a tax agent, it’s due by the end of October.   Reviewing business performance at EOFY. Question: What should business owners be asking themselves (or their advisors) when reviewing the past financial year? Answer: Start by getting your accounts up to date – that’s non-negotiable. Then ask the basics: “What’s my net profit? How much tax is payable? What have I already paid?” Once you’ve got those answers, the next question is “What can I do before 30 June to reduce my tax?” That’s the conversation you want to be having with your tax agent. EOFY is also a good time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t go so well over the past 12 months. Were your margins healthy? Are you on top of your cash flow? Is your structure still the right fit? Those kinds of questions can lead to smarter decisions for the year ahead. Quick 2025 EOFY tax wins for small businesses. Question: What are some quick wins business owners can take in the final month of the financial year? Answer: Pay super before June 30, that’s a big one. If you’ve run a payroll and you know what super is owed, pay it a few business days before 30 June so it lands in the fund on time – then you can claim the deduction this year. If you miss the cut-off, you can’t claim it until next year, even if you pay it in early July. Delay income where it makes sense, bring expenses forward where possible and write off bad debts. Review your depreciation schedule — if you’ve bought any assets under $20k and started using them before 30 June, you can claim the full deduction this year. It’s not about magic tricks, it’s about good management. The small things can make a big difference when they’re done right and done on time. Business restructuring or system changes at 2025 EOFY. Question: Should business owners consider restructuring, changing systems or adjusting payment schedules at EOFY? Answer: If you’re thinking about changing structure, say from sole trader to company or trust, EOFY is the time to do it. You can wrap things up neatly on 30 June and start fresh on 1 July. It’s much easier from a bookkeeping and reporting point of view, otherwise you’re dealing with a crossover year, and that just creates more complexity. The same goes for system changes. If you’re switching accounting software, or introducing a new payroll or invoicing system, 1 July is a clean starting point.  EOFY is a natural point to review how your business is running. If something’s not working, now’s the time to make a change, but always get advice first so you’re not creating a bigger headache down the track.

Best Invoicing Software for Australian Businesses in 2025

For many Australian businesses, invoicing is still a time-consuming, manual task – even in 2025. Whether it’s creating Word or Excel templates, chasing late payments, or staying on top of GST and BAS obligations, invoicing can quickly turn into a mess of paperwork and frustration. But the right invoicing software doesn’t just make it easier to send professional invoices. It helps you get paid faster, improves your cash flow, reduces errors, and saves you hours each week. It also gives your customers more convenient ways to pay and makes your business look more polished and trustworthy. This guide compares some of the top invoicing software options for Australian small businesses, freelancers, sole traders and tradies, with a close look at how Zeller stacks up as an all-in-one solution. Use the table below to see how Zeller Invoices stacks up against other popular invoicing tools. Why your Australian business needs invoicing software. Whether you’re a plumber, graphic designer, or running a café, invoicing is at the heart of your business operations. Invoicing isn’t just a box to tick, it's one of the most important touchpoints between you and your customers. Here’s why switching to proper invoicing software is a smart move: Get paid faster : Offer an instant, secure payment option and reduce the back-and-forth Easier for your customers: Save your customers from having to manually transfer funds Look more professional : Send polished, branded invoices in a few clicks Save time : Automate invoice payment reminders, recurring invoices, and more Stay compliant : Automatically handle GST to help you prepare for BAS Track everything : See who’s paid, who hasn’t, and what’s overdue Work on the go : Create and send invoices from your phone or tablet By choosing the right invoicing tool, you'll be giving your cash flow a boost and freeing yourself to focus on growing your business. How to choose the best invoicing software for your Australian business. Not all invoicing tools are made the same. Some are built into broader accounting platforms while others are standalone tools. If you’re shopping around, here are the key features and criteria to consider: Ease of use and interface A clean, intuitive interface on your invoice app is essential, especially if you’re not naturally a numbers person. Look for software that’s genuinely easy to use, whether you’re sending invoices from your desktop, or directly from your smartphone when you’re on the go.  Invoicing features Naturally, you want flexibility and control. Does the software let you invoice on the go? Can you add your logo and colours to your invoices? Apply discounts or GST line items? Track invoice status? Set up recurring or scheduled invoices? Zeller Invoices does all that and more.  Payment acceptance and speed Getting paid quickly matters. Does the software support secure credit card payments? Can customers pay instantly via a secure link? Just as importantly, how quickly do those funds land in your account – within a few business days, or by the next day? With Zeller Invoices, funds settle nightly into your Zeller Business Transaction account. So when your customers pay, you’ll have your funds by the next morning.   Integration and ecosystem Good invoicing software should integrate with your other tools, especially accounting software like Xero. But beyond that, some solutions (like Zeller Invoices) are part of a bigger ecosystem of financial tools that include EFTPOS terminals, transaction accounts, debit cards, reporting, and more. This integrated ecosystem approach can save you time and reduce complexity. Pricing model and value Many platforms advertise a free plan, but keep their features locked behind a paywall. Consider how pricing scales as your business grows, and make sure you’re not paying monthly fees for features you don’t need. Zeller Invoices has no monthly fees, and it’s free to create and send an unlimited number of invoices at no cost to your business. AU tax compliance Running a business in Australia with an annual turnover above $75,000 means GST obligations and BAS reporting. Your invoicing software should make that easier, not harder. Choose a tool (like Zeller) that lets you toggle GST and export records for BAS. Support and local relevance Does the provider offer local support in Australian time zones? Are help documents written with Australian businesses in mind? Are fees listed in AUD? Local understanding can make a big difference. Zeller’s support team is here to support you 24/7 via phone, email, or SMS. Top invoicing software options in Australia (and how Zeller Invoices compares). There’s no shortage of invoicing software out there, but not all are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top platforms used by Australian businesses. Zeller Invoices Zeller Invoices is built specifically for Australian small businesses. You can create and send unlimited invoices for free, and accept online payments via Zeller’s secure payment gateway. Funds settle nightly into a free Zeller Transaction Account. It also lets you: – Customise invoices with your logo, colours and branding – Send invoices via email or SMS – Track payment status in real time – Automate reminders for late payments – Create and send invoices from your phone – Accept payments online with just a tap from your customer All this without paying any monthly subscription fees, or locking key features behind a paywall. Square Invoices Square’s invoicing tools are tightly integrated with its POS ecosystem. It offers a decent free tier, though many features require paid upgrades. Payments take 1 to 2 business days to settle, and the interface leans retail-first. Xero Invoicing Xero is first and foremost accounting software, but it includes invoicing features as part of its paid plans. It’s strong on reporting and BAS prep, but you’ll need to pay $32+ per month. That’s not ideal if invoicing is all you need, or if you’re just looking to get started with your first online invoicing tool or mobile invoicing app. Invoice2go Invoice2go focuses on mobile-friendly invoicing, particularly for tradies and on-the-go professionals. It offers solid features but quickly gets expensive, with plans starting at $12.99/month and limits on clients and invoices. MYOB and QuickBooks These are traditional accounting platforms with invoicing bolted on. MYOB has decent features, but its UI can feel clunky. QuickBooks is more modern, but comes with monthly fees and isn’t built for mobile-first use. Why Zeller Invoices really stands out. Zeller Invoices is built for the way modern Australian businesses actually work. Mobile-first, tax-compliant, and designed to help you get paid fast. Here’s what sets it apart. It’s free to create and send invoices There are no monthly fees, no invoice send limits, and no hidden costs. You only pay a small fee of 1.7% +25¢ for domestic cards (separate pricing for international cards) when a customer pays using their card. That’s it. No surprises.  It’s made for mobile With Zeller App, you can create, send and manage invoices on the go, in under 30 seconds. Send invoices by email or SMS, track them in real time, and manage everything from your phone. You don’t need to be in the office to run your business. Fast payments = better cash flow Payments made online via Zeller Invoices are processed fast, with funds settling nightly into your Zeller Transaction Account. That’s money you can use sooner, whether you’re paying suppliers or investing back into the business. Built for Australian businesses  From GST toggling to BAS-friendly reporting and local support, Zeller Invoices is designed for Aussie businesses from the ground up. You won’t waste time trying to adapt US-centric software to suit local needs. Easy for your customers Your customers can pay securely online via card or mobile wallet, straight from the invoice. No app or login required. In fact, over 75% of Zeller Invoices are paid in under 24 hours. Integrated with the full Zeller ecosystem Zeller Invoices connects to your Zeller Transaction Account , which can easily also be connected to your Zeller EFTPOS terminal and Zeller Debit Card . Having everything in one place means less admin, fewer systems to juggle, lower costs, and better visibility of your cash flow. Choosing the right software for your business type. Still unsure which software is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help guide your decision. Tradies : Zeller Invoices makes it super simple to create and send an invoice while still on-site. With no monthly fees and fast payments, it’s a natural fit for businesses on the move. Freelancers : Zeller helps you send professional invoices, manage your cash flow, and stay on top of tax – all from your phone, and all without paying a subscription. You’ll save time and look more professional than with an outdated PDF invoice.  Retailers : Zeller’s integrated ecosystem means you can take payments in person and send invoices when needed, all from the same platform. Everything’s connected. Service providers : If your business relies on recurring invoices, payment tracking, and brand consistency, Zeller gives you the tools to manage it all with ease. It’s simple, efficient, and professional. Growing businesses : Whether you're scaling up or streamlining, Zeller’s free invoicing software works alongside your EFTPOS, accounts, and more, with no extra logins or tools needed. For most Australian small businesses, Zeller Invoices delivers what others promise – a convenient, modern and flexible way to send invoices and get paid faster.  Ready to level up your invoicing? It’s easy to start doing all your invoicing with Zeller.   1. Download Zeller App Get the free Zeller App from the App Store or Google Play . Sign in with your Zeller Account, or create one online in minutes. 2. Set up your invoice template Head to Invoices in the main menu of Zeller App, then tap Settings. From there you can upload your business logo, add details for your receipts, customise colours, and more. 3. Create and send your first invoice Once you’re ready, click the ‘+ Invoice’ button and follow the steps to create and send your first invoice. You'll receive an email and push notification as soon as the invoice is paid. If you're ready to take the hassle out of invoicing and start getting paid faster, it's time to try the best free mobile invoicing app in Australia.

Zeller for Startups

The Venture Capital Firms Backing the Next Wave of Australian Startups

Picking the right venture capital (VC) partner can be a game-changer for early-stage founders. Beyond just cutting a cheque, a great VC brings industry connections, mentorship, and long-term support to help your startup thrive. In Australia’s vibrant startup ecosystem, there’s a growing roster of Australian VC firms eager to back the next Canva. This guide introduces some of the most prominent and active VC firms for Australian startups and what they offer. We’ll also touch on why choosing the right VC matters, and what founders should consider when navigating startup funding in Australia. Why choosing the right VC partner matters. One of the first things you should know about raising funds for your startup is that not all investment is created equal. The right VC will provide more than just capital, they’ll become a true partner in your growth. Early-stage founders should consider: Stage & cheque size fit: Ensure the VC firm invests at your stage (pre-seed, seed, Series A, etc.) with cheque sizes that meet your needs. For instance, some funds write first cheques as low as a few hundred thousand dollars, while others lead rounds of $10M and more. Sector focus: Look at the VC’s portfolio and focus areas. A fintech startup may benefit from a fund known for fintech expertise, while a climate tech venture might seek out an impact-focused VC. Value-add & support: Beyond money, what does the VC offer? Many top firms provide hands-on help with hiring, networking, strategy, and follow-on funding. The ideal investor believes in your vision and can open doors in your industry. Cultural fit: All things going well, you’ll be working alongside your investors for years. It helps if their values and expectations align with yours. A supportive, founder-friendly ethos can make the tough journey of building a startup a bit less lonely. Keeping these factors in mind will help you target investors who truly add value and understand your business. Now let’s dive into some of Australia’s top VC firms backing early-stage startups, and what makes each stand out. Square Peg Square Peg is one of Australia’s largest VC firms and has made a serious mark by backing some of the country’s biggest startup successes. Founded in 2012, Square Peg invests from pre-seed through Series C stages. They focus broadly on technology companies, with a particular interest in SaaS, fintech, online marketplaces, and enterprise software. This global fund (with teams in Melbourne, Sydney, Tel Aviv and Singapore) often writes a substantial first cheque (around A$2 million on average in seed or Series A rounds) and can continue supporting startups with follow-on capital into later rounds. Key sectors: SaaS, fintech, online marketplaces, enterprise software Notable startups: Canva, Airwallex, Zeller Website: squarepeg.vc AirTree Ventures AirTree Ventures is a heavyweight in the Australian VC scene, known for its founder-first approach. AirTree invests primarily in early-stage tech startups (seed, Series A and B), and they’ve raised large funds to back bold Aussie and Kiwi founders. AirTree is willing to write a founder’s first cheque at seed stage (around A$200k) – they even set aside a seed fund for this – and then continue supporting companies all the way through $100M+ growth rounds. In practice, that means AirTree can lead your seed round and still be there with deep pockets at Series C and beyond. Key sectors: Broad technology, SaaS, fintech, marketplaces, finance, education, health, agriculture Notable startups: Linktree, Employment Hero, Buildkite, Zepto Website: airtree.vc Blackbird Ventures Blackbird Ventures is often top-of-mind when discussing Aussie startup funding, and for good reason. Blackbird has grown from the new kid on the block in 2012 to managing over A$1 billion across funds by 2022, making it one of Australia’s largest and most active VC firms. Blackbird loves to invest from the very beginning – they’ll back companies at pre-seed, seed or Series A, and continue through growth stages and even to IPO.  In practical terms, Blackbird might invest a small pre-seed cheque (they’ve been known to invest $250k-$1M at seed) and can follow up with multi-million-dollar investments as your company scales (up to $50M in later rounds). Key sectors: Sector-agnostic, software, marketplaces, fintech, space tech, synthetic biology, cybersecurity, cultured meat Notable startups: SafetyCulture, Zoox, Culture Amp, Zipline.io, Rocket Lab, Darwinium, Vow Website: blackbird.vc Folklore Ventures Folklore Ventures (formerly known as Tempus Partners) is an early-stage VC firm committed to backing Australian and New Zealand founders “from first cheque to forever”. They aim to be long-term partners, often writing the very first cheque (pre-seed) and continuing to support startups through growth.  Folklore primarily invests at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. They don’t mind getting in early, even pre-product or pre-revenue in many cases, and helping founders navigate those early growth steps. Key sectors: Sector-agnostic, B2B SaaS, AI/analytics, digital health, developer tools, robotics, cloud infrastructure, quantum computing Notable startups: Sajari, UpGuard, Harrison.ai, Propeller Aero, Culture Amp Website: folklore.vc Tidal Ventures Tidal Ventures is a newer VC making waves in the seed-stage arena. Headquartered in Sydney with an outpost in New York, Tidal brands itself as “Seed First, Founder First, Product First, Head First”. They specialise in leading seed rounds and early Series A investments, frequently serving as the first institutional investor a startup secures. Tidal typically writes initial seed cheques ranging from around A$500k to A$1.5M, enabling startups to get off the ground with meaningful early capital. Beyond this initial investment, Tidal maintains the capacity to support its portfolio companies through larger follow-on investments – potentially exceeding A$8M – in subsequent Series A and Series B rounds, underscoring their commitment to long-term partnership and growth. Key sectors: Software, tech-driven businesses, B2B, consumer tech, fintech, SaaS, enterprise software, API-based startups Notable startups: FrankieOne, Shippit, Search.io Website: tidalvc.com Giant Leap If your startup has a mission to change the world for the better, Giant Leap is a VC firm you should know about. Launched in 2016, Giant Leap is Australia’s first venture capital fund 100% dedicated to investing in impact startups. That means they back companies that deliver measurable social or environmental benefits alongside financial returns.  Giant Leap typically invests in early-stage rounds (seed and Series A), often taking a minority stake in purpose-driven tech ventures. By 2021, Giant Leap had invested in over 30 impact companies, showing that doing good and high growth can go hand in hand. Key sectors: Climate tech, renewable energy, sustainable materials, circular economy, digital health, mental health, wellness, edtech, worktech, diversity and inclusion solutions Notable startups: Sendle, Who Gives A Crap Website: giantleap.com.au Glitch Capital One of the most recent yet high profile entrants onto the Australian investment landscape is Glitch Capital, which is the first 'founders fund' based in the Australian region. Glitch Capital is bringing together some of the best local entrepreneurs to help build the next generation of global technology companies. The team founded Glitch around the thesis that it recognises that building a company is hard, chaotic and lonely, yet having investors who have shared experiences can help entrepreneurs navigate the journey. Glitch is comprised of an experienced team who have been entrepreneurs themselves, who aim to share their obsession with building the tech companies of tomorrow, as well as a strong belief in curiosity, humility and skin in the game. Glitch aims to be the preferred investment partner for local founders, helping to navigate the imperfect process of scaling high growth companies. The company has raised over $50m from over 15 unicorn founders and 50 operators that are building companies alongside founders. Glitch invests ~$1-3m from Seed to Series B alongside other VCs in companies who have found product-market fit and want to scale globally. Key sectors: General technology, vertical software, AI, fintech Website: glitchcap.com Set yourself up for fundraising success. The Australian VC landscape has grown and matured significantly over the past decade, so whether you’re building a fintech app, a climate tech solution or something never seen before, there’s likely a firm (or several) with the experience to help you navigate growth. But once you secure that all important term sheet, it’s crucial to manage your funding wisely. This is where tools like Zeller for Startups come in. As Australia’s first all-in-one financial platform for founders, Zeller for Startups can help you handle your new funds – with fee-free business transaction accounts , high-interest savings , and smart debit cards for easy expense management – so you can focus on growth. By picking the right investors and staying on top of your finances, you’ll be well on your way to turning your startup vision into reality .

Zeller for Startups

Top Tips on Marketing for Australian Startups

Launching a startup without a marketing plan is like putting all the effort into throwing a party and then forgetting to invite anyone. For founders juggling a million things, nailing your early-stage marketing can mean the difference between gaining traction and burning through your budget. The good news is you don’t need piles of cash to make an impact, you just need to employ some smart tactics. Here’s our best practice guide on early stage startup marketing. Find your people, then speak their language. Start by understanding who you're targeting. The more specific, the better. Research their needs, pain points, habits and where they spend time online. Are they scrolling Instagram on their lunch break, or browsing LinkedIn late at night? The more you know, the sharper your messaging can be. Use Linkedin surveys, Facebook polls, or informal chats to gather insights from potential customers, stakeholders, and decision makers. You can even create profiles of your ideal customers to guide your marketing. Then, define your value proposition – why your startup exists, how you’re different, and what problem you solve. Once your positioning is clear, build a consistent brand identity. This includes your values, visual style and tone of voice. A strong, consistent brand builds recognition and trust. Stay true to it across all touchpoints, from your website and socials to your email footers and packaging. Create relevant content people actually want. Content marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to bring in leads, and begin to establish your startup’s brand. Instead of just selling, create blog posts, videos, or guides that help your audience solve problems or learn something new. For example, If you’re launching a fintech app, create content that explains industry trends or compliance tips. If you’re in e-commerce logistics, share posts about optimising delivery times or inventory management. Good content is helpful, entertaining, or both. Think about what your ideal customer is Googling, and become the answer to that question. Share real experiences from your journey. Founder stories, customer Q&As, and “how we built this” blogs can humanise your brand and boost engagement. Keep it simple. You don’t need perfectly polished production – even casual videos posted to Linkedin, or blog posts can work if they’re genuinely helpful. Focus on quality and consistency. A post every two weeks or short weekly videos can build trust and improve your visibility over time. Pick your platforms wisely. You don’t need to be everywhere, just where your customers are. For example, Instagram and TikTok are great for building awareness through visual storytelling, especially for consumer brands. LinkedIn suits B2B and tech startups looking to attract talent, connect with early adopters, or raise capital. Facebook can work well for building communities or reaching local audiences with targeted groups and events. Post regularly and respond to comments and messages promptly to show you care. Show behind-the-scenes moments, customer stories, quick tips, or team updates. Early supporters want to see the people behind the product. Use platform analytics to learn what works and tweak your content accordingly. Test different formats, like polls, carousels, reels and live Q&As, then double down on the ones that get traction. Pay attention to what your audience finds engaging. A simple reel or story can often get more traction than a polished campaign. Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s about connection more than perfection. Avoid paying for every click. If your business has a physical location or serves a specific region, be sure to set up a free Google Business Profile . This boosts your visibility in local search results and maps. It also allows customers to find your contact info, hours, reviews, and photos quickly. Plus, you can post updates and respond to reviews directly, building trust and credibility with minimal effort. Start by thinking about what your customers might be Googling, and build a keyword list around those terms. For example, if you're building a music collaboration platform, you might target phrases like “real-time DAW for remote bands” or “how to record music online with others”. Use these naturally in your landing page headlines, subheadings, and meta descriptions – and make sure your copy actually delivers on what the searcher expects. Google's algorithms are smart enough to spot keyword stuffing or clickbait, so relevance and clarity matter more than cleverness. Use tools like Google Search Console to track your performance, and make sure your site loads quickly and looks good on mobile since most users now browse on their phones. Use free tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to see how your site stacks up. Add internal links between blog posts and product pages, and earn backlinks by guest posting or getting listed in directories. SEO is a slow burn, but the return on investment is massive. Slide into inboxes the right way. Email remains one of the most effective marketing tools for startups. Start building a list early by offering something in return, like a discount, free guide, or early access. Add sign-up forms to your site and social media profiles. Keep your emails simple and relevant. Share updates, tips, or offers that add value. Sharing behind-the-scenes stories or offering early access to new products helps build loyalty and keep your audience engaged. Don’t flood inboxes – one or two emails a month is plenty. Use tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to manage your list and send automated messages. Try to segment your list if you can. For example, send different messages to potential customers vs. returning ones. It helps improve open rates and keeps your emails feeling personal. Over time, your email list becomes an owned audience, one you can speak to directly without relying on algorithms. Say howdy to a partnership. Collaborations can help you expand your reach without having to spend much. Partner with complementary businesses to run joint giveaways, events, or content. Look for partners whose audiences overlap with yours but aren’t direct competitors. You can also trade shoutouts on social media or guest blog posts – it’s a great way to reach new people and build credibility. Bonus points if your partner has a loyal audience and strong brand alignment. Build your fanbase. Your early supporters can become powerful advocates. Create spaces for them to engage, like a private Facebook or WhatsApp group, or even physical meetups. Encourage user-generated content, like photos or stories featuring your product. Repost and celebrate your community. It makes people feel part of your journey and builds word-of-mouth. Ask for testimonials, reviews, and feedback. The more invested your early users feel, the more likely they’ll be to stick around and spread the word. Community-building takes time, but it pays off. Loyal fans are more likely to recommend you, and support your future initiatives. Consider micro-influencers. You don’t need big-name celebrities to get noticed. Micro-influencers (with 1,000 to 20,000 followers) often have higher engagement and charge far less. Find people whose audience aligns with yours and who genuinely like your product. Offer to send them your product for free. If they like it, they may post about it. You can also collaborate on content, like live chats, takeovers, or co-hosted events. Keep it authentic. Influencer content works best when it feels natural, not scripted. Work smarter with automation and AI. Gone are the days of needing a massive team to market like a pro. AI tools can help you move faster, make better decisions, and scale your marketing without blowing your budget. Use platforms like ChatGPT or Claude to brainstorm ideas or refine copy. For design, apps like Canva’s Magic Studio, Adobe Firefly and Google Veo can help you quickly create high-quality graphics, social posts and even video content without needing a full creative team. If you’re running email campaigns, AI features in platforms like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign can recommend send times, subject lines, and automated workflows based on customer behaviour. Not every tool is worth your time – some are all hype and no real help – but the right stack can reduce the tedious work and free you up to focus on strategy and customer connection. Test, tweak, repeat. Use free tools like Google Analytics or social platform insights to track your performance. See what content people engage with, which channels drive traffic, and where conversions come from. Use this data to improve. Set clear goals for each channel, whether it’s traffic, leads, sales, or awareness, and review your progress monthly. Identify your best-performing posts or campaigns and repurpose them elsewhere. Not everything will work, and that’s normal. The key is to test small, learn quickly, and double down on what works. Whether it’s an Instagram ad or a blog series, measure its impact and adapt as needed. Be smart with paid ads. You don’t need a huge budget to try paid marketing. Start small with Facebook, Instagram or Google Ads – even $10 to $20 a day can work to give you insights. Focus your targeting by picking a location, age range and selecting interests relevant to your audience. Set clear goals for these ads. For example, are you aiming for sign-ups, purchases or brand awareness? Watch your results and tweak the creative or audience to improve performance. Don’t spend more until you’re confident the channel works. Test different headlines, visuals, and calls to action. Use A/B testing to refine your ads and improve conversion rates. And always keep an eye on your cost per result, it’ll tell you whether your budget is being spent wisely. Ready, set, grow! Effective startup marketing isn’t about doing everything you can, all at once. It’s about doing the right things well. Focus on your customer, create value consistently, and stay open to trying new tactics. Most importantly, let your passion, personality and purpose come through. There’s a well-known saying in marketing attributed to Simon Sinek – “ People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." Finally, remember marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. But with persistence and a smart approach, you’ll build a presence that grows with your business.

Zeller for Startups

Less Time Banking, More Time Building: Meet Zeller For Startups.

Australia’s first all-in-one financial stack for founders, by founders. Australia’s startup ecosystem is entering a new area of investment speculation following the May 2025 federal election, with the Labor Government’s proposed tax on unrealised gains on superannuation balances exceeding $3 million, foreshadowing a potential impact on future investment in early-stage startups. Self-managed superannuation funds have historically played an essential role in the Australian startup sector. Concerningly, the government’s proposed policy agenda may spell a risk in future investment, which has been flagged by startup advocacy groups, VCs, and local founders. With early-stage startups searching for greater control and visibility over their finances to support them in this emerging landscape, we’re proud to have deployed an all-new solution – designed for founders, by founders. Introducing Zeller for Startups , a free, purpose-built solution that combines every financial tool a founder needs to start and scale. From business accounts and spending cards to high-interest accounts and expense management, Zeller for Startups brings all your cash inflows and outflows into one place, delivering powerful real-time financial oversight. By unifying these tools, Zeller for Startups removes the need to juggle multiple disparate finance applications, and reduces the reliance on outdated banking products built for traditional, bricks-and-mortar businesses. Zeller for Startups was inspired by the experience Zeller’s founding team had in the early days of establishing and navigating Australia’s outdated business banking landscape. With a recent Zeller survey finding that 9 out of 10 (91%) of Australian founders don’t believe the big-4 banks offer financial products designed to help them launch and scale , it’s clear to see these pain points are clearly also felt by the wider startup community. The only all-in-one financial solution for Australian founders. Say goodbye to wasting countless hours setting up and bouncing between bank accounts, excel sheets, and expense trackers. When you open a Zeller for Startups account, you get instant access to a fully integrated cash flow and financial management solution, including: • Feature-rich digital business accounts: Manage and separate funds across teams, projects, expenditure and capital by creating free, unlimited business transaction accounts in minutes, without the need to visit a bank branch. Every individual business account comes with its own BSB and account number, and is armed with BPAY payments, transaction notes for streamlined reconciliation, and instant, real-time fund transfers. • Unlimited startup debit cards: Issue free unlimited virtual or physical Zeller Debit Cards, with no monthly fees or charges. Debit cards can be issued to founders or team members instantly, enabling you to spend in-person or online, pay for recurring software subscriptions, and attach notes or invoices to transactions for enhanced expense tracking. As an exclusive benefit for Zeller for Startups founders, you can even customise your debit cards by adding your logo, giving your brand an extra early-stage boost. • High-interest savings on your capital: You’ll earn  a competitive 3.2% p.a. standard variable rate on funds stored in a Zeller Savings Account . Unlike a term deposit, funds saved with Zeller are never locked-in – so you can make your spare capital work harder, while retaining the flexibility to access and spend your funds whenever you need. • Real-time expense management: Track every expense with Zeller Corporate Cards , which is completely free to founders for the first 12 months. Zeller Corporate Cards can be issued instantly from Zeller App and Dashboard, with spend limits and recurring budgets applied giving you greater control over how and when your team spends. Transactions are automatically categorised to simplify your bookkeeping and keep you on top of your cash flow. • Exclusive partner perks: Founders using Zeller for Startups enjoy discounts on popular business tools to help kickstart their growth. For example, save 90% on Xero accounting software for 6 months, get 3 months free of Employment Hero’s HR platform, and access discounted tax compliance packages from POP Business . How to get up and running with Zeller for Startups. 1. Create your free Zeller account. Sign up for a free account in minutes. It’s fast, fully online, and takes far fewer steps than opening an account with a traditional bank. 2. Set up your finances. Tailor your Zeller for Startups account to suit your business. You can create  separate transaction accounts for specific purposes  (e.g. for operating cash, or an account to store founding capital), design and issue free debit cards, and build your expense categories. You can instantly send virtual cards to your team with defined spending limits when you’re ready for them to start spending. 3. Start tracking your finances. Once your account is set up and funds added, you can start using Zeller for Startups as your primary financial solution. We’d love to hear your feedback. If there are products or features you’d like to see included in your Zeller for Startups account, please get in touch with us at startups@myzeller.com .

Zeller for Startups

The Top 15 Financial Metrics All Startup Founders Need to Monitor

Building a startup is exciting, but keeping it financially healthy from day one can feel like walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches. For early-stage founders, understanding your numbers is key to survival. By monitoring the right KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), you’ll know whether your startup is on track for success, or headed for trouble. Whether you’re launching a cutting-edge SaaS product, a mobile app, or an online marketplace, the fundamentals are the same. Let’s break down 15 of the most important financial metrics that every startup founder should keep an eye on. Sales and growth metrics. First up, let's look at metrics that demonstrate your sales and growth momentum. No matter your business model, you should know how much money is coming in and how your customer base is expanding over time. Tracking these figures helps you spot opportunities to boost growth or catch signs of a slowdown. 1. Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) ($) MRR is the total predictable revenue your startup earns each month from recurring sources like subscriptions or ongoing service contracts. It’s a snapshot of steady monthly income you can count on. For example, if you have 50 customers each paying $100 per month, your MRR is $5,000. 2. Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) ($) ARR is the yearly recurring revenue run rate based on your current monthly recurring income. It tells you how much revenue you’d generate in a year if your subscriber base and pricing stayed consistent. Investors often look at ARR to gauge your startup’s traction on an annual scale. 3. Conversion Rate (%) Conversion rate measures how effectively you turn potential customers into actual customers. It’s usually expressed as a percentage of people who take a desired action out of the total who had the chance. For example, it could be the percentage of website visitors who sign up for your product, or the percentage of free trial users who become paying customers. A higher conversion rate means your marketing and onboarding are working well. 4. Annual Contract Value (ACV) ($) ACV represents the average revenue per customer contract per year. This metric is especially relevant if you sell multi-year deals or annual subscriptions as it helps you understand the yearly value of a customer’s contract. To calculate ACV, take the total value of the contract and divide it by the contract length in years. For example, if a client signs a 2-year contract worth $10,000 in total, the ACV is $5,000 per year. 5. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) ($) ARPU tells you how much revenue you earn from each customer on average, usually per month. You calculate it by dividing your total monthly recurring revenue by the number of active customers that month, which shows the average value of each user. For instance, if your MRR is $5,000 and you have 50 active customers, your ARPU is $100. Tracking ARPU over time can reveal if you’re increasing the value of each customer (through upselling or higher pricing) or if it’s dropping. Customer acquisition and retention metrics. Your customers are the heart of your business, and these metrics examine how much it costs to get new customers and how well you keep them active. By tracking acquisition and retention, you can ensure you’re growing sustainably – gaining new users without losing too many existing ones along the way. 6. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) ($) CAC tells you the average cost of acquiring a new customer. It includes all your marketing and sales spend (ads, promotions, salaries, etc.) divided by the number of new customers gained in that period. Knowing your CAC helps you understand if your growth strategies are cost-effective. For example, if you spent $1,000 on marketing in a month and acquired 100 new customers, your CAC is $10 per customer. 7. Churn Rate (%) Churn rate is the percentage of customers who leave or cancel over a given period. It’s essentially the opposite of your retention rate – if your retention rate is 90%, your churn is 10%. This metric is crucial for any startup with recurring revenue because high churn means you’re losing customers almost as fast as you gain them. For instance, a 5% monthly churn means 5 out of every 100 customers leave each month. 8. Monthly Active Users (MAU) MAU is the number of unique users who actively use your product or service in a given month. “Active” might be defined as logging in, making a transaction, or otherwise engaging with your app, whatever activity matters for your business. This metric shows how well you’re retaining users and keeping them engaged. If your MAU is growing, it means more people are finding value in your product and sticking around. Startups often track MAU to demonstrate user traction, even before revenue ramps up. Cash flow and runway metrics. When you're running a startup, staying on top of your cash flow is everything. You might have great revenue on paper, but if you run out of cash to pay the bills, your startup can’t survive. These metrics focus on your cash usage and how long you can keep operating. They’re especially critical if you’re not yet profitable and are burning through savings or investor funding to drive growth. 9. Burn Rate ($) Burn rate is how much cash your startup is spending each month to operate. In other words, it’s the amount by which your monthly expenses exceed your revenue (if you’re in the red). It shows how quickly you’re “burning” through your cash reserves. For example, if you spend $50,000 in a month and your revenue is $30,000, your burn rate is $20,000 for that month. A high burn rate isn’t sustainable for long, so keeping this number in check is critical. 10. Cash Runway Cash runway tells you how many months you can continue operating at your current burn rate before you run out of money. It’s basically your financial lifeline. For instance, if you have $200,000 in the bank and your burn rate is $20,000 per month, you’ve got about 10 months of runway. Knowing your runway helps you plan ahead – you’ll know when you need to start raising more funds or cutting costs to avoid hitting empty. 11. Operating Cash Flow ($) Operating cash flow is the amount of cash generated (or used) by your core business operations. It excludes things like new financing (loans or investments) and capital expenditures, it’s purely about day-to-day operating money coming in versus going out. This metric tells you if your core business is self-sustaining. If this number is positive, your operations are bringing in more cash than they spend, which is a very good sign. If it’s negative, it means your business needs external funding or additional revenue to cover its costs. Economic metrics. Finally, let’s examine metrics that speak to your startup’s overall economic health and long-term sustainability. These metrics help you understand if your business model makes financial sense in the long run. They cover everything from how much profit you make on each sale to how valuable each customer is over their lifetime, relative to what it costs to acquire them. 12. Payback Period Payback period is the time it takes to recover a given investment. In a startup context, founders often look at how long it takes to earn back the cost of acquiring a customer. (This is sometimes called the CAC payback period.) For example, if your Customer Acquisition Cost is $100 and a customer generates $50 of gross margin for you per month on average, the payback period is 2 months. A shorter payback period is better because it means you recoup your costs sooner. 13. Gross Profit Margin (%) Gross profit margin is the percentage of revenue left after you’ve paid the direct costs associated with your product or service. Those direct costs are often called Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). For a software startup, COGS might include hosting fees, whereas for a hardware product, the COGS includes manufacturing costs. Gross margin basically tells you how much of each dollar of revenue is gross profit. The higher, the better – a healthy gross margin means you have more money available to cover your other expenses (like salaries, rent, and marketing) and invest back into growth. 14. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) ($) LTV is the total revenue you expect to earn from a typical customer over the entire time they remain a customer. In other words, how valuable an average customer is to your startup in the long run. A higher LTV means each customer is contributing more to your bottom line over time, either because they stay with you for a long time or because they purchase repeatedly.  For a subscription business, for example, you might calculate LTV by taking the monthly revenue per user (ARPU) and multiplying it by the average number of months a customer stays subscribed. 15. LTV:CAC Ratio This ratio compares the lifetime value of a customer (LTV) to the cost of acquiring that customer (CAC). It’s a quick way to gauge the efficiency of your business model – are you getting significantly more value from a customer than what you spent to get them? As a rule of thumb, an LTV:CAC around 3:1 or higher is often considered healthy in the startup world, meaning you get about $3 or more in lifetime revenue for every $1 spent acquiring a customer.  If the ratio is much lower (say 1:1), you’re spending nearly as much to acquire a customer as they bring in, which may not be sustainable. If it’s extremely high, it could mean you have room to invest more in acquiring customers to drive faster growth. The right tools make all the difference. As a founder, knowing these metrics is only half the battle. The other half is tracking them consistently and acting on what they tell you. Having the right tools to keep tabs on your financial metrics makes things much easier.  Zeller for Startups is designed with this in mind. It’s completely free to sign up, and you’ll get instant access to zero-fee business transaction accounts , smart debit cards for real-time expense tracking, high-interest savings accounts and more.

Zeller for Startups

View all
Zeller for Startups

Less Time Banking, More Time Building: Meet Zeller For Startups.

Australia’s first all-in-one financial stack for founders, by founders. Australia’s startup ecosystem is entering a new area of investment speculation following the May 2025 federal election, with the Labor Government’s proposed tax on unrealised gains on superannuation balances exceeding $3 million, foreshadowing a potential impact on future investment in early-stage startups. Self-managed superannuation funds have historically played an essential role in the Australian startup sector. Concerningly, the government’s proposed policy agenda may spell a risk in future investment, which has been flagged by startup advocacy groups, VCs, and local founders. With early-stage startups searching for greater control and visibility over their finances to support them in this emerging landscape, we’re proud to have deployed an all-new solution – designed for founders, by founders. Introducing Zeller for Startups , a free, purpose-built solution that combines every financial tool a founder needs to start and scale. From business accounts and spending cards to high-interest accounts and expense management, Zeller for Startups brings all your cash inflows and outflows into one place, delivering powerful real-time financial oversight. By unifying these tools, Zeller for Startups removes the need to juggle multiple disparate finance applications, and reduces the reliance on outdated banking products built for traditional, bricks-and-mortar businesses. Zeller for Startups was inspired by the experience Zeller’s founding team had in the early days of establishing and navigating Australia’s outdated business banking landscape. With a recent Zeller survey finding that 9 out of 10 (91%) of Australian founders don’t believe the big-4 banks offer financial products designed to help them launch and scale , it’s clear to see these pain points are clearly also felt by the wider startup community. The only all-in-one financial solution for Australian founders. Say goodbye to wasting countless hours setting up and bouncing between bank accounts, excel sheets, and expense trackers. When you open a Zeller for Startups account, you get instant access to a fully integrated cash flow and financial management solution, including: • Feature-rich digital business accounts: Manage and separate funds across teams, projects, expenditure and capital by creating free, unlimited business transaction accounts in minutes, without the need to visit a bank branch. Every individual business account comes with its own BSB and account number, and is armed with BPAY payments, transaction notes for streamlined reconciliation, and instant, real-time fund transfers. • Unlimited startup debit cards: Issue free unlimited virtual or physical Zeller Debit Cards, with no monthly fees or charges. Debit cards can be issued to founders or team members instantly, enabling you to spend in-person or online, pay for recurring software subscriptions, and attach notes or invoices to transactions for enhanced expense tracking. As an exclusive benefit for Zeller for Startups founders, you can even customise your debit cards by adding your logo, giving your brand an extra early-stage boost. • High-interest savings on your capital: You’ll earn  a competitive 3.2% p.a. standard variable rate on funds stored in a Zeller Savings Account . Unlike a term deposit, funds saved with Zeller are never locked-in – so you can make your spare capital work harder, while retaining the flexibility to access and spend your funds whenever you need. • Real-time expense management: Track every expense with Zeller Corporate Cards , which is completely free to founders for the first 12 months. Zeller Corporate Cards can be issued instantly from Zeller App and Dashboard, with spend limits and recurring budgets applied giving you greater control over how and when your team spends. Transactions are automatically categorised to simplify your bookkeeping and keep you on top of your cash flow. • Exclusive partner perks: Founders using Zeller for Startups enjoy discounts on popular business tools to help kickstart their growth. For example, save 90% on Xero accounting software for 6 months, get 3 months free of Employment Hero’s HR platform, and access discounted tax compliance packages from POP Business . How to get up and running with Zeller for Startups. 1. Create your free Zeller account. Sign up for a free account in minutes. It’s fast, fully online, and takes far fewer steps than opening an account with a traditional bank. 2. Set up your finances. Tailor your Zeller for Startups account to suit your business. You can create  separate transaction accounts for specific purposes  (e.g. for operating cash, or an account to store founding capital), design and issue free debit cards, and build your expense categories. You can instantly send virtual cards to your team with defined spending limits when you’re ready for them to start spending. 3. Start tracking your finances. Once your account is set up and funds added, you can start using Zeller for Startups as your primary financial solution. We’d love to hear your feedback. If there are products or features you’d like to see included in your Zeller for Startups account, please get in touch with us at startups@myzeller.com .

Let Zeller help you grow your business.

Curated news and content designed for small business owners, delivered to your inbox.

Latest Reports

Special Report

Zeller Small Business Resilience Report: Economic Trends & How to Curb the Crunch

This year, Australians are grappling with belt-tightening inflation, the likes of which we haven’t seen in three decades. How small business owners respond to soaring supply costs, continued staff shortages and customers with diminishing spending capacities will determine whether they survive or thrive.

Special Report

Zeller Pub Report: Pints, Patrons and Possibilities for Growth

Two billion dollars' worth of pubs has been bought and sold in the last two years. Perhaps spurred on by the unprecedented challenges of trading through a pandemic, an increasing number of experienced publicans are leaving the industry or retiring — ushering in a new generation of publicans.

Special Report

The Zeller Regional Report: Shining a Spotlight on Regional Businesses

Australia is rich with vibrant regional communities undergoing a period of transformation, with a record number of people packing their bags and making a tree change. Some are taking advantage of the newfound flexible work arrangements to pull up their city stumps, while for others lockdown was the final push needed to move to greener pastures and start fresh. This migratory shift is already having a ripple effect across local economies.

Special Report

The Zeller Hospitality Report: Diner-Led Insights to Recovery

Every sector across the globe has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the hospitality industry is among the hardest hit. In many Australian states and territories, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, sandwich shops and delis alike have been shuttered for months on end.

Zeller Communities

Welcome to Inglewood

Blink and you’ll miss it. For anyone travelling along the Calder Highway, just north of Bendigo, it may be hard to believe that the sleepy town of Inglewood was once one of the most populous centres in the state.

15 min. read

What’s the latest?

Fresh resources, offers and updates in your inbox every month, to help your business succeed.