‘Be seen’ is the call as this year’s Startup Muster approaches its close on Monday.
This year, Australia’s biggest startup survey is on track to get its best response ever ahead of next week’s closing, says Startup Muster MD, Murray Hurps.
“Our key theme we are repeating everywhere this year is ‘Make sure you’re seen.’”
“We’re asking every founder and startup supporter to take part before August 24, and to encourage others in their network to do the same,” said Startup Muster MD Murray Hurps.
“If we get past 1,000, we’ll have our strongest picture of the Australian startup sector yet.”
The controversy over capital gains tax changes this year has shown why the startup community needs a voice, says Murray.
“Sentiment towards government has deteriorated on every measure between 2025 and 2026,” Hurps told Startup Daily when speaking about the results that have come in so far.
“‘Far below average’ is now the single response chosen by one in four raters, up from 19% in 2025.”
Respondents are also explicitly saying the RDTI changes are pushing their R&D offshore, naming USA and Singapore as the most preferred destinations.
A strong voice
Hurps is optimistic the 11-year old survey will top a thousand respondents this year, providing a clear picture of the state of Australian startups to investors, industry, and governments.
“That matters because the startup sector needs a strong voice, and Startup Muster gives us a way to hear directly from the people building and supporting Australia’s future economy.
“The more people who take part, the better we can show governments, investors and the broader community what is really happening across the sector — where startups are succeeding, where they are struggling and what they need to grow.
Startup Muster encourages anyone in the startup system to participate, regardless of whether you’re a founder, investor, or involved in supporting the ecosystem.
Have your say in this year’s survey here.
