
businessOct 27, 202544:41pending
Australian unicorns: $1 billion startups you've never heard of
About this episode
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
Get every episode summarized
Each time Australian Finance Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Australian Finance Podcast

How AI agents are changing business - Ep 2: The Business Stack of the Future
Australian Finance Podcast
Sep 14, 202638:29completed

Why the best companies are scaling faster than ever - Ep 1: The Business Stack o...
Australian Finance Podcast
Sep 12, 202628:50failed

AI bubble or real boom? What investors should watch
Australian Finance Podcast
Sep 10, 20261:03:33pending

Sounds like good money advice... But is it?
Australian Finance Podcast
Sep 3, 202659:22failed