Australian unicorns: $1 billion startups you've never heard of

Australian unicorns: $1 billion startups you've never heard of

Author: Rask October 27, 2025 Duration: 44:41
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Wenee Yap and Thomas Derricott, co-authors of the new book “Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want to Read” In a deeply insightful and inspiring conversation, they explore: – What makes a company a “unicorn” – Why Australia punches above its weight in the global startup scene – The biggest myths about startups and side hustles – The six-stage founder framework – What startup success (and failure) really looks like Whether you dream of launching a business, joining the startup ecosystem, or backing the next Aussie success story, this conversation is a must-listen. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! 🔗 Apple: Australian Finance Podcast on Apple 🔗 Spotify: Australian Finance Podcast on Spotify 🔗 YouTube: Australian Finance Podcast on YouTube Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for daily insights: 📲 Instagram: @rask.invest 📲 TikTok: @rask.invest Topics Covered – What is a Unicorn Startup? – Why Australia is one of the most capital-efficient ecosystems – How Australia compares to Silicon Valley – The six-stage startup founder framework – The differences between a startup, small business, and side hustle – Lessons from launching a cat café (yes, really) – The “Sulopolis Score” and problem-solving in startups – Why storytelling matters for business growth – Mistakes to avoid from failed startups (MilkRun, etc.) – How successful founders think differently the second time around – Common traits of Australia’s top founders – The truth about market research and pivots – How to get started in the startup ecosystem—without quitting your job Resources for this episode Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4q52j56 Website link: https://www.ridingtheunicornhq.com/ We are on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riding-the-unicorn/ https://www.instagram.com/ridingtheunicornhq/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ridingtheunicorn Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating the financial landscape can feel overwhelming, but Australian Finance Podcast cuts through the noise with grounded, practical advice tailored for life in Australia. Hosted by Owen Rask, the Chief Investment Officer, and Gemma Mitchell, a Senior Financial Adviser, conversations on this podcast feel less like a lecture and more like a direct chat with experts who genuinely want you to succeed. Each episode is built around actionable strategies-whether it's about restructuring debt, understanding investment vehicles, or tax efficiency-that you can apply immediately, not just abstract theories. The focus is on building the confidence to make informed decisions with your money, aiming for a future where your finances support the life you want to live, rather than dictating it. For those just beginning their journey, the hosts suggest diving into their foundational "Starter Pack" series to build a solid base of knowledge. This isn't about get-rich-quick schemes; it's a steady, educational companion for developing lasting financial health. Tune in for a straightforward blend of market insights, personal finance management, and long-term wealth-building principles, all delivered with a clear Australian context. The Australian Finance Podcast from Rask is that reliable resource for turning financial complexity into manageable, actionable steps.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Australian Finance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Money in your 20s: investing, super and your first home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen is joined by Emily from the Rask design team for a practical conversation about money in your 20s. Together they unpack the real questions younger Australians face…
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In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down sudden wealth events, and what happens when life goes from “normal” to financially complex overnight. They cover: – What coun…
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In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Brian Parker, Chief Economist of Australian Retirement Trust (ART), to discuss how ART thinks about runway, portfolio construction, private mar…
Interest rates are rising… here’s how to actually benefit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down what rising interest rates actually mean for your money — and how you can benefit if you’ve got cash sitting in the bank. The…
Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:17
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Becoming a financial planner, SpaceX IPO & your questions answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:14
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Rask Advice Associate Milli Russell to unpack Milli’s journey into financial advice, alongside answering your biggest money questions. They cov…
Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss whether first homebuyers should use the 5% deposit scheme. Here’s what they cover:…
Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:42
If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠…