Answer quickly
Every applicant hears back. A fast no beats a slow maybe.
About
A strategic accelerator for blockchain founders.
Brisbane-based, Asia-Pacific focused, and built to take early teams from idea to market fit.
The name
AXL, as in accelerate.
AXL is a strategic accelerator that activates the next generation of blockchain founders. We started in Brisbane in 2022 with a focus on Asia-Pacific.
The work is to get the newest batch of blockchain entrepreneurs going: a customised curriculum, a global network of mentors, and an introduction to the investors who fund the next round.
Strong engineering teams are forming across the region. What they need is the business around the code, delivered fast enough to matter.
The reason AXL exists
At a glance
The firm in five lines.
- Type Strategic accelerator
- Founded 2022
- Headquarters Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Region Asia-Pacific
- Focus Blockchain, digital assets, fintech
- First program Algorand APAC Accelerator, 2023
- Profiles LinkedIn · Crunchbase · X
Principles
How we work with founders.
Hold us to these, especially if we decline you.
Give the real reason
If we pass, we say why, and what would change our mind.
Publish the terms
The investment and equity are stated before you apply, not negotiated after.
Teach to the company
The curriculum bends to what your company needs this week.
Mentors who have done it
Introductions to people who solved the problem, not people who have opinions on it.
Stay after pitch day
The network is for the life of the company, not for twelve weeks.
Team
The people running the program.
A small team out of Brisbane, with a mentor network that reaches well beyond it.
Zach Varnier
Program DirectorRuns the accelerator program: selection, the twelve-week curriculum, and the mentor and investor network around each cohort.
Viola Hui
TeamPart of the AXL team working with founders across the program, and a regular voice for AXL on Blockchain Week panels.
The full team is listed on LinkedIn.