Frequently Asked Questions

Apropela is a founder-first platform designed to accelerate high-potential, female-led businesses through powerful connections. We bring together carefully selected Founders, senior business leaders, investors and partners to unlock opportunities that drive real commercial growth.

At its core, Apropela exists to help women-led businesses scale faster by connecting them with the people, insights and opportunities that matter most.

Apropela is designed for:

• Female Founders and CEOs leading growth-stage or scale-ready businesses

• Senior business leaders, connectors and investors who want to support and accelerate women-led companies

• Corporate partners and sponsors committed to gender equity, innovation and impact

If you believe in the power of connection to drive growth, Apropela is for you.

Apropela is intentionally curated, outcomes-driven and connection-led.

We don’t host large networking events or open-access programs. By application only, every Founder, Connector and Partner is carefully selected, and every interaction is designed to lead to meaningful introductions, commercial opportunities and long-term impact.  

Our success is measured not by attendance, but by offers of connection, introductions made and outcomes achieved.

A Portfolio CEO is a Founder selected into the Apropela Portfolio — a highly curated group of female-led businesses with strong growth potential.

Portfolio CEOs are coached and supported to clearly articulate:

• their growth goals

• the connections they need

• the opportunities that would materially change their business

They then present to a room of senior leaders who can help accelerate that growth.

Portfolio CEOs are selected through a rigorous screening process.

We look for:

• Female-led businesses with demonstrated traction

• A clear path to scale

• Founders who are open, coachable and ready for growth

• Businesses that will benefit from strategic connections, partnerships or investment

Places in the Portfolio are limited to ensure depth of support and quality of connections.

An Offer of Connection is a tangible commitment made by a Connector to a Portfolio CEO — for example:

• an introduction to a customer, investor or strategic partner

• an advisory conversation or follow-up meeting

• support navigating a new market or opportunity

These offers are tracked and form the backbone of Apropela’s impact model.

Apropela delivers a small number of highly curated events each year, including:

• In-person Portfolio Events (Sydney & Melbourne)

• Hybrid and virtual events for international markets

• Private partner-hosted sessions and strategic roundtables

Each event features a small group of Portfolio CEOs and a carefully selected audience of senior leaders.

Typically, three Portfolio CEOs present at each event.

This ensures:

• meaningful time for each Founder

• focused, high-quality discussion

• stronger, more actionable connections

Quality over quantity is central to the Apropela model.

Founders can apply directly or be referred by a member of the Apropela community.

If successfully screened, you’ll be guided through a preparation and coaching process before presenting at an Apropela event.

Expressions of interest can be submitted via our website. Link to >> https://apropela.com/become-a-connector

Connectors are senior leaders, investors and decision-makers who are invited to attend Apropela events.

As a Connector, you’ll:

• be part of a high impact, highly networked community  

• hear directly from exceptional female Founders

• offer introductions, insight or support where appropriate

• play an active role in accelerating women-led businesses

Many Connectors return regularly due to the quality of Founders and conversations.

Expressions of interest can be submitted via our website. Link to >> https://apropela.com/become-a-connector

No. Apropela is not an investment platform.

While investment connections may occur organically, participation is about connection, contribution and commercial opportunity, not obligation.

Corporate partners support Apropela by hosting events, sponsoring the platform and actively participating in the community.

Partnerships are aligned with:

• gender equity goals

• innovation and entrepreneurship

• meaningful engagement with female-led businesses

Partners gain access to curated founders, senior networks and a highly engaged community.

Apropela operates as a purpose-driven platform with a strong focus on impact.

Our model prioritises outcomes for Founders while partnering with organisations aligned to our mission.

Success at Apropela is measured through:

• Offers of Connection made

• Follow-up introductions and meetings

• Commercial outcomes such as partnerships, customers, investment or growth opportunities

We track connections because connection is what drives change.

Apropela is based in Australia, with events held in Sydney and Melbourne, and a growing focus on international markets through virtual and hybrid formats.

You can:

• Subscribe to the Apropela newsletter  

• Follow Apropela on LinkedIn

• Register interest via our website >> link to https://apropela.com/become-a-connector

Due to the curated nature of events, attendance is by invitation.

For general enquiries, partnerships or expressions of interest, please contact us via the form on our website. Link to >> https://apropela.com/contact