Coach & Connect

Coach & Connect is an ‘always on’ 1:1 coaching service.

From developing an idea, building a business model, marketing campaigns, planning a capital raise or just curious about entrepreneurship, we’re here to help. Apply to Coach & Connect via the link below.

Service overview

What is Coach & Connect?

Coach & Connect, now delivered exclusively online, links people who have an innovative idea, or an existing business, with an experienced startup coach to accelerate and amplify success. Your coach will start by introducing you to resources, opportunities and others to champion you on your way. With no limit on the number of sessions you can access, our coaches can support your entire entrepreneurial journey from guiding you through your lean canvas and assisting you to validate your key assumptions to helping you design your first marketing campaign and plan for a capital raise.

Who is the Coach & Connect for?

Coach & Connect is available for UNSW staff, student or alumni with a bright idea for a new startup, or an already established business.

How do I get access to Coach & Connect?

Coach & Connect can be accessed by completing this registration form!

Our startup coaches

  • David Burt

    Director of Entrepreneurship

    David’s an experienced commercial adviser who has helped hundreds of founders to successfully start and grow their companies. Topics to talk about with David include research commercialisation, capital raising, sales strategy, recruitment, B2B partnerships, and people management.

  • Kristen Phillips

    Senior Manager (Ideas)

    Kristen runs UNSW Founders Idea stage programs, where the next generation of entrepreneurs have their first brilliant idea. Kristen has vast experience & insights to share, having supported hundreds of founders turn their ideas into startups and preparing their businesses for global expansion.

  • Dina Titkova

    Program Manager (Health 10x)

    Dina is a Health 10x program manager at UNSW Founders, she has 10+ years of international business development experience in healthcare, ranging from startups to established companies and is passionate about helping health tech innovators bring their solutions to the market.

  • Beste Onay

    Portfolio Manager and Program Manager (Angel Investors)

    If you are raising capital or seeking to, then Beste is your coach. Beste manages the Founders portfolio and runs the AGSM Angel Investors Program. She has worked with 250+ startups through pre-accelerator and accelerator programs at UNSW and is passionate about supporting early-stage founders and investors.

  • Lucas Hakewill

    Program Manager (10x)

    Lucas enjoys supporting people through the process of creating new things and turning their ideas into a reality. People he’s approachable, non-judgmental and can help you figure out what to do next, set achievable goals and stay accountable.

  • Victoria-Rose Tucker

    Program Manager (New Wave)

    Victoria is the UNSW Founders team Program Manager (New Wave). With a background in Psychology and wellbeing, she is passionate about personal development and helping people to reach goals & achieve success. Victoria loves helping early stage startups and entrepreneurs, especially in building confidence and communication skills.

  • Jonathan Chak

    Startup Coach

    Johnathan has founded a number of businesses and was deeply involved with advising startups and assessing applications on the recently resurrected NSW Government MVP Grant.

  • Nathalie Rafeh

    Startup Coach

    Nathalie is a startup coach and current founder of a Deep tech startup in e-commerce. Previously, she set up her own startups and was part of fast growing startup that now IPO-ed. Reach out to Nathalie to get your startup off the ground on: Validating your idea, refining your USP, setting up a MVP, product/service journey mapping, brand/messaging, creative growth ideas, and getting the important metrics for your business.

  • Dr Samantha Khoury

    Startup Coach

    Samantha uses her scientific and interdisciplinary approach to creatively problem solve and provide start-up guidance. She looks forward to listening, learning and guiding you on your exciting journey ahead as you move from your research days into your business days.

  • Bryony Tottey

    Program Manager (Curiosity)

    Bryony has expertise in business operations and graphic design so she can help you with all your visual branding decisions as well as how to organise the operations for your team.