Technical Requirements for Startup Founders
Running a startup in Australia means juggling a lot of moving parts. And the tech side? That can feel like its own full-time job if you're not prepared.
We've worked with hundreds of founders across Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. Most of them came to us asking the same question: what do I actually need to get started, and what can wait?
Here's what we've learned from watching startups succeed and stumble over the past few years.
The Basics You Can't Skip
Before you think about fancy dashboards or automation tools, you need a solid foundation. We're talking about the things that keep your business running day to day.
- A reliable internet connection with backup options for critical operations
- Cloud storage that meets Australian data sovereignty requirements
- Basic accounting software that syncs with your bank feeds
- Communication tools that work across mobile and desktop
- Security protocols including two-factor authentication
What Actually Matters
Here's something we tell every founder who walks through our door: expensive doesn't mean better. You'd be surprised how many successful startups run on free or low-cost tools for their first year.
The key is choosing tools that scale with you. Nothing fancy, just solid.
We've seen founders waste months building custom solutions when an off-the-shelf product would do the job. Save the custom builds for when you've got real traction and specific needs that no existing tool can meet.
Quick note: If you're handling customer payments, make sure you're PCI compliant from day one. It's not optional, and fixing compliance issues later is expensive.
Hardware and Devices
You don't need the latest MacBook Pro. But you do need something reliable that won't crash during an important video call or lose your work halfway through the day.
Most startup founders we work with use mid-range laptops that are 1-2 years old. They work fine. The money you save goes into things that actually grow your business.
Computing Power
A machine with at least 8GB RAM and a decent processor. If you're doing design work or data analysis, bump that to 16GB.
Mobile Setup
A smartphone less than three years old. You'll be answering emails and taking calls on the go more than you think.
Backup Systems
External storage or automated cloud backups. Losing your data is not a risk worth taking, trust us on this one.
Software and Applications
The Australian startup scene has moved almost entirely to cloud-based tools. It makes sense when you're working with remote teams or need to access your systems from anywhere.
Start with the essentials. You can always add more sophisticated tools as you grow. But switching platforms later is painful, so choose wisely from the start.
Financial Management
Xero or MYOB are popular choices among Australian startups. They integrate well with local banks and make tax time easier.
Project Tracking
Something simple like Trello or Asana. You need to see who's doing what and when things are due.
Document Management
Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. Pick one and stick with it. Both work well for collaboration.
What Founders Tell Us
We spent six months building a custom CRM before realizing we could have used HubSpot for free. That's six months we could have spent talking to customers instead.
The best advice I got was to over-invest in security from day one. We were handling customer data, and one breach would have killed us before we even launched.
Security and Compliance
This is where a lot of founders get nervous. The good news is that basic security isn't complicated, and it doesn't require a big budget.
Use strong passwords. Enable two-factor authentication everywhere. Keep your software updated. Encrypt sensitive data. These four things will protect you from most problems.
If you're collecting customer information, you need to understand your obligations under Australian Privacy Principles. It's not as scary as it sounds, but you can't ignore it.
Talk to Our TeamPlanning for Growth
Your tech needs will change as you grow. That's normal. But you can make smart choices now that won't box you in later.
Choose tools that integrate with each other. Avoid platforms that lock you into proprietary formats. Keep your data exportable. Think about how you'll scale when you go from 5 users to 50.
We're running workshops throughout 2025 and early 2026 where we walk through these decisions in detail. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for your tech stack.
Learn About Workshops