Curious about what happens when innovation meets taboo? Melbourne will host Unconventional Startups: What Sextech Entrepreneurs Can Teach Us About Launching a Startup, an event aiming to highlight the innovative potential within the often-overlooked sextech industry.
Held on 22 May at Collingwood Yards, the one-night-event will feature discussions on privacy, branding, global scaling, and investment in taboo sectors, bringing together founders, investors, and cultural leaders.
Organised by Robert Duff-Silsby, founder of Pcock, the event promises to challenge conventional ideas of startup success by highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of those operating in taboo sectors.
“Sextech is one of the most underestimated and underfunded corners of innovation, but it’s also one of the most impactful,” Duff-Silsby stated, emphasising the event’s mission to provide a platform for these “big ideas” and give “taboo founders the mic.”
From adult retail to intimacy-focused wellness, from creator-led media to boundary-pushing tech, Unconventional Startups will bring together the minds reimagining what’s possible in industries that have long been overlooked, censored, or misunderstood.
The agenda features four sessions tackling crucial aspects of building a successful startup, specifically tailored to the nuances of the sextech industry. Privacy concerns, effective branding strategies, navigating global scaling, and securing investment in taboo sectors will be explored by a diverse panel of experts.
The speaker lineup boasts prominent figures pushing boundaries across technology, wellness, and human connection. Globally recognised sextech authority and host of the Future of Sex podcast, Bryony Cole, will lend her expertise alongside international human rights advisor turned sextech advocate, Annika Ojala. Clinician and founder of Esme Health, Zoe Sever, will offer insights into the health and wellness aspects of the industry, while Garry Williams, founder of GROUP GROUP, will share his brand advisory experience from working with disruptive Australian startups.
The event will also feature perspectives from leading adult creators and marketers, including Annie Knight, Emma Gillman, and Marc Lyons.
Unconventional Startups is aiming to be more than just a conference. It’s designed to be a catalyst for growth and acceptance within the Australian startup ecosystem. The event will connect founders with potential investors and foster a new wave of unapologetic, user-centric innovation.
Tickets are currently available at https://sextech-event.webflow.io.
