Bitpool & EnergyLab

 David and Audun are passionate startup leaders and ecosystem builders who know firsthand the power of talent, capital, and community support in driving innovation. David, co-founder of Bitpool, shares his journey of navigating Queensland’s startup network and tapping into resources such as EnergyLab, Deloitte, Advance Queensland, and QIC’s $130M VCDF commitment, which played a pivotal role in connecting Bitpool with the right opportunities and support.

Audun, through his work at EnergyLab, champions founder-focused programs that go beyond education—fostering community, accountability, and mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs become truly investment-ready. Together, David and Audun bring candid insights into the realities of fundraising vs. bootstrapping, what investors actually look for, and practical advice for making the most of accelerators, government programs, and corporate partners. Their shared message is clear: founders don’t have to do it alone, but they do need to show up prepared and intentional.

David and Audun

Bitpool & EnergyLab

www.bitpool.com

energylab.org.au

About the Company

We’re Bitpool and EnergyLab, two organisations united by a shared belief in the power of innovation, community, and support. At Bitpool, our journey started in Queensland, where we quickly discovered how vital the right ecosystem of talent, capital, and infrastructure is for a startup to thrive. With the backing of programs like Advance Queensland, Ignite+, Deloitte, and QIC’s $130M VCDF commitment, we were able to accelerate our growth and connect with the right partners at the right time.

At EnergyLab, we focus on preparing founders to become truly investment-ready, offering not just education but a community of peers, mentors, and investors who understand the challenges of building a startup. Our programs provide momentum, accountability, and the mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs scale with confidence. Together, Bitpool and EnergyLab embody what’s possible when founders tap into a strong ecosystem: growth, resilience, and the knowledge that you don’t have to do it alone—you just need to show up ready.

How to Get Investment Ready: Bootstrapping vs Funding with David Blanch and Audun Fiskerud

 

What happens in this episode?

Join us on The Business Game Podcast with hosts Jazmyn and Dan as we dive into Queensland’s startup scene alongside David from Bitpool and Audun from EnergyLab. Learn how talent, capital and support infrastructure come together, why accelerator programs like EnergyLab matter, and how QIC’s $130 million VCDF commitment is fueling real connections between founders and investors.

In this episode you’ll discover:

-What makes a healthy ecosystem and how Bitpool tapped into Queensland’s network

-Why EnergyLab’s 12-week, founder-focused cohort delivers community, accountability and mindset shifts beyond the curriculum -The trade-offs between fundraising and bootstrapping, with candid lessons from Bitpool’s own journey

-What “investment ready” really means in a pitch deck and data room, and how to spot common gaps

-Practical tips for engaging accelerators, government bodies (Advance Queensland, Ignite+), corporates (Deloitte) and investors (QIC, angels, early-stage VCs)

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Connect with EnergyLab

Website: https://energylab.org.au

LinkedIn:   / energylab-au  

Connect with Bitpool

Website: https://www.bitpool.com/

LinkedIn:   / bitpool  

Connect with QIC

Website: https://www.qic.com.au

LinkedIn:   / qic