Diluted and Confused? Fundraising in 2025 And ESOP Insights
Join us for an unmissable evening with Carta and Cremorne Digital Hub.
On the night, Carta will run through their latest data on the funding landscape here and abroad. This will be followed by a deep dive from the team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer on all things ESOP. They’ll cover the legal mechanics of building an ESOP program, including the tax dos and don’ts.
Session 1: Fundraising Trends & Startup Data
Jazlyn Chew (Carta GTM ANZ | Startup Lead) kicks things off with fresh data from thousands of startups to unpack:
What’s actually happening in the fundraising market here and abroad;
The trends investors are watching and founders should be aware of; and
What’s changing (and what’s staying the same) in 2025.
Session 2: ESOP & Cap Table Clarity
Then we shift gears into a focused breakdown on ESOP with:
Toby Eggleston - Partner | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Adam Ong - Senior Associate | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Together, they’ll cover:
How to design and manage an ESOP plan that works;
Legal pitfalls founders overlook; and
The tax impacts an ESOP can have on employees and the company.
Why You Should Come:
Get the tactical insights and data-backed perspective every founder needs in today’s funding climate and learn about the ins and outs of ESOPs.
PLUS: Meet the Carta team at our live ‘Ask Carta’ Booth for personalised Q&A and networking.
🗓️ Thursday, 26 June
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Cremorne Digital Hub – 80 Balmain St, Cremorne
Speakers:
Jazlyn Chew - Carta GTM ANZ | Startup Lead
Jazlyn Chew has worked closely with startups since 2021, helping early-stage teams go from 0 to 1. Before joining Carta, she raised a $12M Series A as part of a deep tech startup. Today, she supports startups in ANZ with equity management, fundraising, and audit readiness. Jazlyn understands how crucial yet complicated this part of the journey can be, and she is driven to make it as seamless as possible.
Toby Eggleston - Partner | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Toby brings more than 20 years of experience to his role as partner, specialising in general corporate and mergers and acquisitions taxation matters, with a particular focus on private equity and venture capital.
Adam Ong - Senior Associate | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Adam is a senior associate and corporate solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer with experience in private M&A and equity capital market transactions. He has developed particular expertise in employee share ownership plans (ESOPs) and advises on corporate transactions across the Australian market.
About Carta
Carta connects founders, investors, and partners through software built for venture capital and private equity. Trusted by over 40,000 companies in more than 160 countries, Carta supports nearly 7,000 funds and SPVs, managing $130B in assets. Carta's tools streamline cap tables, valuations, equity programs, and more, setting a new standard for private capital management.
About Cremorne Digital Hub
Cremorne Digital Hub fosters Australia's tech ecosystem through events, community building, and practical education for founders, investors, and innovation leaders.
Please Note: Photography and videography may be taken at this event. If you would prefer not to be included in this, please let any of the CDH team know upon entry to the event.