EVP Launches “40x” Program for Early-Stage Software
Synopsis
EVP unveils 40x, a new program connecting early-stage software founders with peers, mentors, and investors ahead of their next capital raise.
Key Highlights
- EVP has announced the launch of 40x, an Incubator for early-stage software founders who are scaling and seeking funding within the next 12 months.
- The program is run in partnership with founder and investor Mark “Z” Zmarzly.
- It will include a maximum of 40 founders over three days in person between October 2026 and January 2027.
- Applications are open until September 15, with the program starting in Sydney in October 2026.
- Existing founders not focused on news and mints Top 10 covered brands
EVP just launched a new program called 40x, specifically intended for software founders with revenue-generating businesses that need to grow in order to raise capital within the next year. In October 2026, the program will launch in Sydney.
Per EVP, the program was devised in response to an era of rapid change for the software business, where norms governing how companies are built and capital acquired never seem to stay still. The goal of the programme is to help founders through this transition.
Mark “Z” Zmarzly
This program is effectively run in conjunction with Mark “Z” Zmarzly, founder, investor, former basketball professional & EVP Venture Partner. Zmarzly founded and exited Hip Pocket, spent seven years optimising AWS for an ecosystem of venture capital funds and their portfolio companies, in addition to having angel invested over 60 startups across Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.
Due to support of AWS Startups, the 40x program has invested in 60+ so far, and over 50 vc funds.
Structure of the Program
The 40x program will convene between 20 and 40 early stage software founders in a single cohort for the express purpose of helping to create peer relationships and exposure to veteran founders and investors ahead of a capital raise.
During this course, participants will meet for three days (in person), interspersed with virtual sessions and cohort connection time in between. As is standard with a program kickoff, the first session will happen at an AWS office (Sydney) on October 1, 2026 and will comprise breakout sessions, raising investment ensemble sessions, founder panels, VC Panels and networking.
Session two (content day), will be conducted by members of the cohort who will share expertise in areas such as marketing, go-to-market strategy, PR and sales at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
After finishing on January 28, 2027 with a close event at AWS’s Sydney office where founders will meet active pre-seed and seed stage investors (who themselves are in fund raising mode) to discuss and explore fundraising information / metrics / strategy.
Additional Perks for Participants
EVP stated it is partnering with other partners to use its services and the perks that are offered in the program, like AWS Activate credits of up to $25,000 (subject to terms set by AWS).
How to Apply
To participate fill the cohort Interest form, which takes under 10 minutes to fill out. The deadline for applications is 15 September 2026.
Source: 40xbyevp
At Inspirepreneurs Magazine, covering entrepreneurship, business failures, and the human stories behind the world's most ambitious founders. She writes at the intersection of strategy and storytelling.
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