Stone & Chalk

12/02/2026

MassRobotics is in the house at Tech Central!

As part of ARM Hub’s PropelAIR 2.0 launch, Stone & Chalk is hosting a fireside chat with the world’s largest independent robotic hub.

Joyce Sidopoulos, Co-Founder and COO, and Marita McGinn, Director of Growth, from MassRobotics will join us for a conversation about where industry is adopting robotics, what types of solutions are getting funded, and how the next wave of robotics and embodied AI is unfolding.

If you’re building in robotics, AI or applied industry tech, this conversation is for you.

Event details:

📅 Wednesday 18 February, 12.30pm-2pm
📍 Stone & Chalk at Tech Central Sydney
🎟️ RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/gJeGjR4U

Light lunch provided.

MassRobotics is the largest independent and most active robotics hubs in the world, working at the centre of global robotics innovation

PropelAIR 2.0 is Australia’s AI and robotics sprint, connecting Australian innovators with one of the world’s leading robotics ecosystems. Applications open 17 February.

About Founders Unfiltered:

Founders Unfiltered is Stone & Chalk’s fireside chat series. Growth stories without the gloss. Founders paying forward and sharing what they’ve learned.

04/02/2026

When Christopher Kirk joined the founding team in 2015, Stone & Chalk was not yet a place. It was just a bold idea on a page.

Few could have predicted that what started as a tiny spark - 41 startups in a building marked for demolition - would grow into the engine room for Australian innovation that we know today.

Over the past decade, under Chris’s leadership, that spark has evolved into a vibrant, bustling community that has supported over 3,000 Australian startups and scaleups. Together, we have helped founders raise more than $4.2 billion and created 50,000+ jobs along the way.

But if you ask Chris, it’s never been about the numbers. It’s been about the people, founders who help founders, alumni who pay it forward, and partners who roll up their sleeves. That culture of generosity and belief in what’s possible is the heartbeat of Stone & Chalk, and it is Chris's lasting legacy.

After more than a decade leading the organisation, Chris will step down as CEO, with his last day on 10 April 2026.

Reflecting on the transition, Chris said:

"Across the thousands of businesses I've watched scale, I’ve learned that companies have seasons. The best way to lead a company you love is to know when to pass the baton.

Leading Stone & Chalk has been the greatest privilege of my career. To the founders who trusted us with their ambitions, the government and corporate partners who backed the vision, and the team that makes magic happen daily, thank you for allowing me to serve this incredible community."

The search for a new CEO is well progressed and the Board will announce the next leader in the coming months. In the meantime, Stone & Chalk’s programs, partnerships, and mission continue without disruption.

Please join us in thanking Chris for his vision, his values, and a decade of service to the Australian innovation community.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3LRZGEJ

23/11/2025

Keen to connect with the community this week? Here are some of the standout events happening at Stone & Chalk.

Check out our website for a full list of upcoming events 👉 https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/events

17/11/2025

Adelaide Sweetspot is all about community, connection, and celebrating the wins that make this ecosystem special.

But if that’s not reason enough to attend...sometimes we also have dogs! 🐶

Come for the innovation, stay for the community and the surprise guest appearances 🐾.

Check out our website to learn more about upcoming community events: https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/events

07/10/2025

What makes our ecosystem thrive? Connection.

Last week’s Ecosystem Mixer: Financial Innovation brought together founders, investors, students, and partners for open discussions and genuine networking.

These moments matter. They help us bridge gaps, build relationships, and spark collaborations that move the whole community forward.

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Melbourne – we can't wait to see you at the next one!

Discover more community events at Stone & Chalk 👉 https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/events

18/09/2025

At Stone & Chalk, no founder builds in isolation. You’re always in good company. And we're here to help you succeed.

15/09/2025

Why do people keep coming back to Stone & Chalk events?

Because they always deliver what matters most:
📚 Knowledge to spark ideas
🤝 Community to share the journey

Most of the time, you’ll walk away with both.
Explore what’s coming up: https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/events

27/08/2025

Outgrowing your current office? We’ve got space to match.

Stone & Chalk at Tech Central offers move-in ready suites designed for emerging tech companies that are going places.

With 24/7 access, flexible terms, and a community of innovators, you’ll have everything you need to go further, faster.

📍 Book a tour and explore the available suites: https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/sydney-tech-central

26/08/2025

25/08/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Stone & Chalk Melbourne for our workshop with Josh Sharma from 🙌

It was fantastic to see founders diving into practical strategies for raising capital and building strong investor relationships.

Events like this are all about connecting our startup community with the insights and networks to scale. Interested in coming along to our future events? Check out our website (link in bio).