Comparing Australia’s Top Branding Agencies for Startups Seeking Funding
Several top Australian branding agencies are helping startups achieve all this, offering comprehensive branding solutions to position them for
Securing funding as a startup is a complex challenge that goes beyond having a robust business idea. It involves convincing investors, painting a compelling vision for growth, and presenting a market-ready brand. Several top Australian branding agencies are helping startups achieve all this, offering comprehensive branding solutions to position them for success.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of leading branding agencies in Australia, focusing on their expertise, unique approaches, and ability to support startups in their funding journeys.
1. Tokyo Design Studio Australia
The Full-Service Branding Powerhouse
At the top of the list is Tokyo Design Studio Australia (TDS Australia), a design powerhouse renowned for its integrated approach to branding. What sets TDS apart is not just its creative innovation but also its deep understanding of business strategy. Their “System 1 Brand Design” approach leverages behavioural insights to create brands that evoke emotional connections and align seamlessly with market demands. For startups, this means branding solutions that resonate with both customers and investors.
Tokyo Design Studio Australia (TDS Australia) is a complete solution provider for startups seeking funding. Their end-to-end services range from conceptual branding to investment pitch deck creation, and unlike other agencies, TDS Australia is supported by their connections with investment consulting firms. This makes them uniquely positioned to turn early-stage ventures into investment-ready businesses.
What Sets Tokyo Design Studio Apart?
- System 1 Brand Design
TDS champions the System 1 Brand Design approach, which leverages behavioural insights to develop branding that resonates emotionally with both customers and investors. This method ensures startups capture attention quickly and memorably. - Expertise in Crafting Investment Pitch Decks
Tokyo Design Studio elevates startups by creating professional, persuasive pitch decks tailored to capture investor interest. These decks are infused with strategic storytelling and data-driven visuals, making them a critical asset for fundraising meetings and presentations. - Connections with Investment Firms
Going beyond branding, TDS leverages its relationships with investment consulting firms to provide startups with an edge in accessing funding networks. - Comprehensive Services
Offering video production, web design, and full-scale production house capabilities, Tokyo Design Studio can create everything from logos and websites to multimedia campaigns, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.
Portfolio Highlights
Their portfolio showcases a strong track record of working with innovative startups across various industries:
- EKRUZER and KRUZER Technology: Displaying futuristic branding and market appeal for emerging tech ventures.
- ULTRAVERSE Platform and Squad Legacy (ARG Game): Merging cutting-edge design and immersive storytelling to position these startups as leaders in their niches.
- Pretty Privilege and Sunburnt Space Co: Bold and memorable branding solutions tailored to unique markets.
Ideal For
Startups looking for a partner capable of handling all aspects of their funding journey, from A to Z, while offering strategic business insights and visually striking designs.

2. Percept Brand Design
Strategic Branding and Sophisticated Execution
Percept Brand Design in Sydney is renowned for its ability to meticulously craft brands that exude professionalism and market strength. Their comprehensive approach to branding includes everything from corporate identity development to digital design.
Key Differentiators
Percept specialises in creating refined, timeless visual identities that convey credibility. Their ability to translate complex business goals into cohesive branding makes them ideal for startups operating in highly regulated industries or targeting traditional investors.
Ideal For
Startups seeking conservative, polished branding with a strong focus on market positioning and professionalism.
3. Chello
Branding Meets Storytelling
Chello, a creative agency based in Redfern, incorporates storytelling into its branding projects. Their approach is heavily focused on emotional engagement, ensuring the branding connects deeply with target audiences.
Strengths
Chello stands out for its dynamic video production, advertising assets, and campaign strategies. This makes them particularly suited for startups aiming to run crowdfunding campaigns or requiring multimedia branding to support investor relations.
Ideal For
Startups in creative industries or consumer-facing verticals needing bold, engaging branding solutions.
4. Soto Group
Strategic Brand Builders
Based in Brunswick, Soto Group prides itself on its ability to craft brands that are as strategic as they are visually appealing. Their work focuses on aligning branding with a startup’s funding objectives, often incorporating refined pitch materials as part of the package.
Where They Shine
Soto Group excels in creating detailed pitch decks and strategic storytelling that bolster startups’ market propositions. They’re highly suited to supporting early-stage startups in strategically communicating their value to investors.
Ideal For
Startups at the early phases of their growth, requiring assistance with strategy-backed branding and pitch preparation.
5. Still Not Scared
Visually Bold Branding for Emerging Businesses
Still Not Scared, headquartered in Melbourne, is a creative agency that thrives on disruption. Their branding solutions are modern, bold, and designed to resonate with future-focused audiences.
Special Strength
This agency’s ability to create innovative visuals makes them ideal for startups seeking to differentiate themselves in crowded or competitive markets.
Ideal For
Early-stage startups and tech ventures looking for visually groundbreaking branding.
6. FutureBrand Australia
Expertise in Corporate Branding
FutureBrand Australia stands out for its corporate branding capabilities. Their attention to detail and understanding of mature market aesthetics make them highly suitable for startups targeting enterprise-level investors or aiming to present themselves as established organisations.
Key Differentiator
FutureBrand is adept at balancing the demands of enterprise branding with the agility of startup projects, making them a great fit for B2B startups in regulated industries.
Ideal For
Startups targeting enterprise clients or presenting themselves for large-scale funding rounds.
Comparative Overview
| Agency | Key Strengths | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Design Studio | System 1 Brand Design, investment pitch decks, and end-to-end services. | Startups needing comprehensive support for funding and growth strategies. |
| Percept Brand Design | Polished, professional branding ideal for corporate audiences. | Startups in regulated sectors seeking formal corporate identities. |
| Chello | Bold emotional engagement through visual storytelling and campaigns. | Creatively-driven startups with crowdfunding or advertising needs. |
| Soto Group | Strategy-driven branding and pitch materials that inspire investor confidence. | Startups needing a sharp, strategic edge early in their growth. |
| Still Not Scared | Disruptive, innovative branding for tech and design-forward startups. | Emerging ventures aiming for bold market presence. |
| FutureBrand | Expertise in corporate branding for enterprise-level audiences. | B2B startups targeting high-value investors or regulated industries. |
Final Thoughts
Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for startups, but with the right branding partner, it becomes a manageable goal. Whether you choose Tokyo Design Studio Australia for its comprehensive expertise or Percept Brand Design for its polished professionalism, the key is to identify a partner whose approach aligns with your startup’s vision and funding goals. For those seeking an all-in-one agency capable of driving results from A to Z, Tokyo Design Studio Australia emerges as the standout choice to transform your startup into an irresistible proposition for investors.



