June 04, 2026
Founders, focus and finding your fit
What does it really take to build a successful start-up? Sponsored by FaBA, this year’s UQ Ventures UNCUT brought together founders who shared candid insights on the realities of the journey, offering practical advice and personal reflections for the next generation of innovators.
Successful East Forged Founder Kym Cooper drew on her experience to highlight one of the most important ingredients for startup success: alignment with your co-founder, but not in the way many expect.
“It’s far more important to have a founder partner who shares your values and is heading in the same direction than it is to have perfectly complementary skills,” Kym said.
“You can build a team around capability, but you can’t fix misalignment.”
Kym was joined on-stage by MC Sinead Singh, SKIPPER Co-Founder Lachlan Hill and GreaseBoss Co-Founder Tim Hall.
Throughout the discussion, panellists were open about both the challenges and opportunities of building a business, reinforcing that there is no single blueprint for success. Founders shared different approaches to growth, funding and navigating uncertainty.
For Kym, this diversity of experience is something founders should actively embrace.
“Every founder has a unique journey. Listen to lots of stories and perspectives to find the one that resonates with you,” she said.
FaBA Director Dr Chris Downs said events like UNCUT play an important role in strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
“UNCUT gives future founders the opportunity to hear directly from those who have been through it, in an honest and practical way,” Dr Downs said.
“FaBA is proud to support initiatives like this that connect people, build capability and help turn great ideas into impact.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting founders and industry, FaBA continues to invest in opportunities that foster collaboration, capability and commercialisation across the food and beverage sector.