Tractor Ventures

🎉 BIG NEWS ALERT 🎉 (Drumroll please… 🥁🥁) We have now FUNDED 200+ COMPANIES!! 🚜 🚀✨ This is more than a number to us - it’s: 200+ tractors fueled for the future, getting the funding they need to fuel their engines and drive their missions forward… 🚜 200+ businesses sowing the seeds to help spark innovation, create impact, and generate opportunities for growth and change in their industries… 🌱 200+ teams ploughing through milestones, empowered to turn their bold visions into reality, expanding their reach and making waves… 🌊 (𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴...) It’s been an incredible journey so far - and we’re just getting started.  And despite turbulent times recently (like we’re all facing), our team is more focused than ever to help more founders and Tractors fuel their engines! The best is yet to come! 💥 But most importantly, we would not have reached this milestone without our amazing team (past and present), partners, shareholders, and our amazing Tractors who’ve made this milestone possible. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you 🫶 Let’s keep pushing boundaries and achieving milestones together. Here’s to the next 200+! 🙌🚜

🚨 Beyond Barriers: Part 2 is Here 🚨 What a privilege to curate this series which explores the gender funding gap. In case you needed reminding, this has dropped even further with only 2% of VC funding going to women-led startups in 2024. In this second content drop, we go deeper into the complexities - tackling media narratives, alternative funding pathways, and the real stories behind the statistics: 📌 Changing the narrative: Does the media have a role in closing the gender funding gap? 📌 Disenfranchised from VC: Women are looking elsewhere for startup funding 📌 Debt vs Equity: What the great debate looks like for women on the ground 📌 “This is fixable”: Two VC-backed founders share the inside stories Stats tell one story. Founders tell another. Two women share their real, unfiltered experiences raising VC. 📌 Beyond VC: The women improving economic inclusion for women These leaders aren’t just talking about change—they’re redesigning systems to create real equity. 📌 When the hard path is worth treading: Advice for women seeking VC, from one who’s been there 📌 VCs, networks, accelerators and more: A complete Australian guide to resources for women founders 📌 The gap is widening: Funding for women-led startups dips to 2% 👉 Read the Series Now - https://lnkd.in/gtgzzzYC Huge thanks to Tractor Ventures for championing this work, and Stephanie Palmer-Derrien for bringing it to life. A massive thanks to the contributors in this series - Bronwen Clune, Jen Dobbie, Bill Trestrail, Aprill Enright, Darcy Naunton, Danielle Owen Whitford, Lauren Humphrey, Lisa Fedorenko and Amanda Robbins, and all past contributors. I will spotlight articles over coming weeks, but if you want to binge, here you go: 👉 Read the Series Now - https://lnkd.in/gtgzzzYC

🚨 Beyond Barriers: Parts 5-12 - The Next Series Chapter is Here 🚨 In the first half of our Beyond Barriers series, we explored the systemic challenges behind the gender funding gap. Now, with parts 5-12, we’re going even deeper - tackling media narratives, alternative funding pathways, and the real stories behind the statistics. And here’s the kicker: the gap is widening. Cut Through Venture’s latest data shows that only 2% of VC funding went to women-led startups in 2024. That’s right - less than before. So, where do we go from here? These next stories unpack the complexities and the solutions: 📌 Changing the narrative: Does the media have a role in closing the gender funding gap? Are we amplifying the problem instead of solving it? The way we talk about the funding gap shapes perceptions—and potential solutions. 📌 Disenfranchised from VC: Women are looking elsewhere for startup funding Women founders are opting out of VC at increasing rates. So, what alternative pathways are they choosing instead? 📌 Debt vs Equity: What the great debate looks like for women on the ground Not all capital is created equal. Here’s what women need to know when weighing up their options. 📌 “This is fixable”: Two VC-backed founders share the inside stories Stats tell one story. Founders tell another. Two women share their real, unfiltered experiences raising VC. 📌 Beyond VC: The women improving economic inclusion for women These leaders aren’t just talking about change—they’re redesigning systems to create real equity. 📌 When the hard path is worth treading: Advice for women seeking VC, from one who’s been there Lauren Humphrey shares the hard-won lessons from her VC-backed journey. 📌 VCs, networks, accelerators and more: A complete Australian guide to resources for women founders Access to funding starts with access to networks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the grants, funds, and communities supporting women founders. 📌 The gap is widening: Funding for women-led startups dips to 2% The latest data paints a grim picture - but ignoring it won’t solve it. It’s time for bigger, bolder action. 👉 Read the Series Now - https://lnkd.in/gtgzzzYC Massive thanks to our author Stephanie Palmer-Derrien for continuing to drive this conversation, to Noga Edelstein for her unwavering leadership, and to every contributor who shared their insights. Thank you - Bronwen Clune, Jen Dobbie, Bill Trestrail, Aprill Enright, Darcy Naunton, Danielle Owen Whitford, Lauren Humphrey, Lisa Fedorenko and Amanda Robbins. A big thank you as well to all past contributors too. This isn’t just a content series. The gender funding gap won’t close on its own - it’s up to all of us to rethink, challenge, and rebuild the ecosystem.

How could you NOT want the chance to spend two nights in an Unyoked cabin?! 😍😍 We’re wrapping up our first-ever public survey this Friday 28th February, and it takes just 5 minutes to complete! We’ve teamed up with the legends at SmartCompany and Unyoked to dig into the real challenges of business finance and debt - what’s working, what’s tough, and where founders could use a boost. 👉  Survey link: https://lnkd.in/gkpffcqT As a thank-you for sharing your insights, you’ll go in the draw to win those two nights of pure off-grid bliss at an Unyoked cabin.

Final call folks - our first public survey is closing this Friday! 🎉 Our SmartCompany x Tractor Ventures Survey 2025 closes this Friday the 28th, and only takes 5 minutes to do (I promise)! 👉  Survey link: https://lnkd.in/gdAeabKq It’s quick, anonymous, and gives you a chance to win a two-night stay at an Unyoked cabin. A weekend in nature = priceless 🌲😍 Together with SmartCompany, we’ll use this data to dive deeper into the cultural, strategic, and tech trends that shape how founders view (and handle) debt and funding. More on that soon! We’ll announce the lucky winner on Monday, March 3, 2025. 🙌 Photo by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

❤️ I love working at Tractor Ventures. It actually fits into my 'dream job' category. For me, I'm juggling a few big buckets 🪣 --> career and study, parenting and a busy family life, home renovations, and of course - a daily workout 🏃♀️ I really don't sit still. So remote work and a 4-day work week? F Yes. 🙏 EVERY.SINGLE.DAY I'm grateful for the remarkable work-life balance Tractor has gifted me. Our company's values really do help me thrive in my role and contribute my best efforts to our team, and overall Tractor growth. ⭐ How many of you get to say that about your place of work? ⭐ AND - most importantly, Tractor enables me to be the best possible mum to my daughters. Tractor offers the flexibility needed for me to thrive in both roles. And nothing is sacrificed --> not Tractor nor time with my family. I will go to the nth-degree to protect what we have at Tractor. I will ALWAYS get my job done to my highest possible standard. The Benefits of Remote Work as a Mum: 💫 Work on Your Terms & More Focused Parenting No rigid office hours. No rushing out the door for a commute. You can schedule your work around school drop-offs, doctor’s appointments, sports days, and quality time with your kids—without feeling stretched too thin. 💫 Less Financial Pressure Remote work does help cut costs. No expensive commutes, work wardrobes, or child-care costs for long office hours. We've even chosen (less expensive) regional life because of the flexibility my workplace gifts us. 💫 Simplified Life Logistics Managing schedules for a kids everyday is easier. Remote work streamlines this stuff. Fewer frantic mornings, no wasted hours commuting, and the ability to be home when needed. 💫 Career Growth Without Compromise Parenting doesn’t mean career progression has to take a backseat. Remote roles allow for greater job opportunities across industries, without being tied to a specific city or company HQ. Thank you again to our amazing leaders at Tractor for making this life and dream job possible! Jodie Imam Matt Allen Aprill Enright

“A fully remote team and a 4-day workweek?” Sounds like a recipe for chaos - or so people say... But we’ve done it at Tractor Ventures 🚜 Here’s how: - We’ve been on a 4-day workweek for 4 years.  - We only went fully remote 6 months ago.  - That meant saying goodbye to our cozy, seven-seat office at The Commons in Sydney.  - Why pay rent for a mostly empty space? Now, we redirect that budget to what really matters: → Team retreats and conferences (next stop: _SOUTHSTART!) → Building real-life relationships with colleagues who are spread across the East Coast, internationally… Singapore (hi Andrew Fitzpatrick aka Fitzy!) ⭐ What’s Working ⭐ 1/ Money Where It Counts Instead of covering unused office rent, we can invest in bringing people together for in-person meetups. We couldn’t have funded full-team trips if we were still paying for a static office. 2/ Hiring Without Borders Remote culture expands our talent pool. We go where the best people are—no matter their timezone. 3/ Levelling the Playing Field No one’s “the remote person” on the Zoom screen. Everyone is remote-first. Every voice is equally heard. 4/ Shared Experiences We understand the highs and lows of WFH because everyone’s in the same boat—empathy happens naturally. Feeling isolated? We’ve been there. We get it. ⭐ What We’re Still Figuring Out ⭐ → Can you be 100% remote all the time? We believe in flexibility. Sometimes you need a fresh backdrop (a coworking space, a local café, or your couch). As long as we stay connected and deliver results, we’re all for it. → Staying Connected Digitally Zoom calls can be stiff, so we schedule “coffee chats” with no agenda—just real talk. Our #thanks channel on Slack celebrates everyday wins, and #team-chat is for sharing silly GIFs, interesting news, or a quick shoutout. → Living Our Values Physical distance can tempt silos. We counter that by sharing meeting notes openly, inviting feedback (no matter the job title), and showing up for each other on time and genuinely prepared. Trust, curiosity, caring, and a healthy dose of fun (Lots of Laughs) keep our culture strong across time zones. ⭐ The Bottom Line ⭐ Going fully remote while keeping a 4-day workweek felt overwhelming at first - we all have very different lives and work space needs, but a Hybrid of remote and IRL, was simply not working. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and genuine care for each other, it’s paying off in more ways than one. Here’s to building in public, staying flexible, and doing meaningful work - wherever we are.

With the first rate cut since November 2020 just announced, now is the perfect time to rethink how you're funding growth. One of the first questions you should ask any lender (including us at Tractor Ventures) is: “How much does your funding cost?” Here’s the simple answer: 💰 We charge a simple interest rate of ~10%, which translates to an effective rate of around 20–23%, depending on the term. 💡 It’s unsecured lending - no personal liability attached. 📈 You control the terms (we’re flexible!): → If cash flow is key, spread repayments over a longer term. → If getting the best price matters, repay over a shorter term. For simple math: borrow $100K, you’ll pay back between $110K and $113K total. Plus, we offer more than just capital. Our partner perks (such as Stripe and AWS credits) could potentially offset the entire cost of the loan (if you qualify for the credits). Another key reason why companies come to Tractor is our network and reputation in the startup ecosystem. A mix of equity and debt is what a lot of companies and investors are seeking. If you’re looking to fuel growth without dilution, send me a DM and I can send more info.

“Having debt on your balance sheet will kill your next equity raise.” I hear this more often than I’d like - and I couldn’t disagree with this more. It’s a common misconception among founders considering debt funding. I’m also asked the question by founders  who may worry about having debt on their balance sheet and how it might affect future equity investment interest. Being an investor myself, as well as having many investors in Tractor Ventures I understand the dilemma founders face. But here’s the reality of why debt works: → At Tractor Ventures, we fund growing companies with debt every day.  → Many of these companies go on to raise equity rounds later - often at higher valuations. → They use Tractor funds to boost revenue and valuation before selling shares. Most investors understand the cost of capital. They know that selling equity can be far more expensive down the track. They’re incentivised to save on dilution themselves. Yes, debt funding in Australia is still ‘relatively new’, but it’s catching on fast - both from companies, but also VC. In fact, the 2024 State of Funding Report shows that venture debt in the U.S. and other established markets makes up 15–20% of all funding. We even work with VC’s on venture debt deals. So, using the right type of funding at the right time isn’t a risk - it’s a strategic move to grow your company without giving up too much equity too soon. PS. If you’re doing an average of at least $50k monthly revenue, send me a message - I can get our credit team to do a free assessment, where you can then see how much you can potentially access. No harm in knowing your options, right? :) 

I am pretty excited about _SOUTHSTART this year! I have a feeling it will be the best one yet. So, I am bringing the whole Tractor Ventures team! 🚜 Matt Allen with be hosting a fireside chat with one of our favourite investors and absolute legend Rowan Simpson. I will be speaking alongside JD Sheard from Eastend Ventures, Callum Davidson from Cake, Taylor Fox-Smith from Airwallex and Julie Demsey. We're co-hosting the Ecosystem & Community Summit (at the stunning Pearl Aldinga)! We will be getting real, talking about all the ups and downs we go through on this scale up journey. There is even an opportunity for confessions! After two days of learning, connecting and creating. This will be like a breath out. It's going to be a refreshing, open-air experience for founders, funders, and innovators shaping Australia’s future. 🚜 Matt Allen, Karl Skewes, Dan Siepen, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Darragh McDonnell, 🚜 🏳️🌈 Olivia Doherty, Ian Kinsley (ACCA) and our newest team member to be announced very soon :) If you are yet to register, its not too late!!