Startups That Hire Remote Employees in Australia
Working for a startup can be an appealing alternative to joining a large, established company. Smaller teams, faster decision-making and the opportunity to influence a growing business are just some of the reasons professionals are drawn to startup careers.
For Australians interested in working from home, startups can be particularly attractive.
Many technology startups have built their businesses around distributed teams, online collaboration and flexible working arrangements. Rather than investing heavily in offices, they recruit talented people across different cities, states and countries.
This creates opportunities for Australians to work for businesses based in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or overseas without necessarily relocating.
However, not every startup advertising flexible work offers a genuinely remote position. Some require employees to attend an office several days per week, while international startups may only hire in selected countries.
The best way to find remote startup jobs in Australia is to identify companies with established distributed working arrangements and check whether their individual vacancies explicitly accept Australian-based applicants.
In this guide, we'll explore Australian and international startups worth researching, the types of remote roles they offer, what working for a startup is actually like and how to improve your chances of getting hired.
This guide was prepared in October 2026. Some companies featured are established scaleups rather than early-stage startups. Hiring policies, vacancies and geographical eligibility can change, so always confirm the requirements on the employer's official careers page.
Why Startups Are Worth Considering for Remote Work
Startups often approach recruitment differently from traditional employers.
A large organisation may have established offices, formal reporting structures and recruitment processes designed around specific locations. A startup, particularly one developing software or digital products, may have fewer reasons to require employees to work in the same building.
For example, a startup building cloud infrastructure software might employ engineers in Melbourne, a customer success specialist in Brisbane and a product designer in Adelaide.
If the business has developed effective systems for online collaboration, those employees may be able to work together without regularly attending an office.
Remote hiring can also help startups access specialised skills that aren't available within one city.
Rather than competing exclusively for local talent, a growing business can recruit professionals from across Australia or internationally.
This doesn't mean every startup is remote-friendly. Some founders prefer teams to work together in person, particularly during early product development.
Others offer hybrid arrangements that require employees to live near a particular office.
Understanding a startup's actual working model is therefore more important than assuming that a small or innovative company automatically supports remote employment.
Australian Startups and Scaleups With Remote Opportunities
Australia has a growing technology ecosystem spanning software development, artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, healthcare and business services.
Several Australian-founded businesses have established remote-first teams, while others advertise remote positions alongside hybrid or office-based opportunities.
The following companies are worth researching for Australian remote startup careers.
1. Buildkite
Industry: Developer infrastructure and software delivery
Careers: Buildkite Careers
Buildkite is an Australian-founded technology company developing software that helps engineering teams build, test and release applications.
It is one of the strongest examples of a growing Australian technology business with an established remote-first operating model.
Buildkite's careers information explains that its teams use asynchronous communication, written documentation and flexible working arrangements. Rather than requiring everyone to attend an office, the company designs its operations around people working from different locations.
The business also provides equipment support and remote-working benefits.
Buildkite has advertised engineering positions explicitly open to Australian and New Zealand applicants, alongside other location-specific opportunities.
Its careers page is particularly relevant to software engineers, DevOps specialists, cloud infrastructure professionals and technical support workers.
However, its individual vacancies can have geographical restrictions, so applicants should check the approved countries and time zones.
2. Hava
Industry: Cloud infrastructure software
Careers: Hava Careers
Hava is an Australian technology business developing tools that help organisations understand and visualise their cloud infrastructure.
Its careers page explicitly describes the company as a fully remote Australian workplace.
Employees can work from anywhere in Australia, although the business generally operates around Melbourne time zones.
This can make Hava particularly appealing to developers living outside major capital cities.
For example, someone living in regional Victoria or Queensland may be able to work for the company without relocating.
Hava also promotes flexible working arrangements, equipment support and professional development opportunities.
Its vacancies tend to focus on technical roles, particularly software development and cloud-related expertise.
As a smaller specialist company, Hava may have fewer openings than larger technology employers, making its careers page worth checking periodically.
3. Employment Hero
Industry: Human resources and payroll technology
Careers: Employment Hero
Employment Hero is an Australian-founded employment technology business that has grown into an international scaleup.
The company provides payroll, human resources and workforce management software to businesses.
Its remote-first operating model is particularly interesting because its workforce includes far more than software engineers.
Employment Hero has recruited for customer support, payroll, sales, implementation, marketing, operations and technical positions.
This creates potential opportunities for Australians looking to transition from traditional industries into technology.
For example, someone with experience in customer service, administration or account management may find relevant roles without needing a software engineering qualification.
Although Employment Hero has a substantial remote-first workforce, applicants should still confirm the working arrangements and geographical requirements of each vacancy.
4. Supabase
Industry: Developer tools and database infrastructure
Careers: Supabase Careers
Supabase is a globally distributed technology company with Australian roots, developing a platform that helps software developers build applications using PostgreSQL and related tools.
Its careers page describes the company as born remote, with team members working across numerous countries.
Supabase explicitly promotes fully remote work, asynchronous collaboration and flexible working arrangements.
The company also provides professional development benefits, equipment allowances and opportunities for team members to meet in person.
Its career opportunities extend across engineering, technical support, customer success, sales, product management and operations.
Some vacancies are labelled Remote — Global, while others specify APAC, EMEA or the Americas.
For Australian applicants, positions labelled Global or APAC may be particularly relevant, but individual country eligibility should still be confirmed.
Supabase is especially interesting for experienced developers, database specialists and professionals comfortable working in a rapidly growing technical environment.
5. Outercite
Industry: Artificial intelligence and marketing technology
Careers: Outercite Careers
Outercite describes itself as an Australian-built, remote-first company developing technology related to visibility in AI-generated search results.
Its careers page promotes asynchronous collaboration and working across different time zones.
The company advertises positions in engineering, marketing, customer success and design.
This makes it an example of the smaller AI-focused businesses emerging as companies adapt to changes in online search and digital marketing.
For Australians interested in artificial intelligence, SEO, software development or growth marketing, businesses like Outercite may be worth investigating.
However, smaller startups can have less established public track records than major employers.
Before applying or providing sensitive information, independently verify the business, recruitment process and employment terms.
6. NextAura
Industry: Artificial intelligence, automation and digital services
Careers: NextAura Jobs
NextAura is an Australian business promoting remote-first work across AI products, business automation and digital services.
Its careers page has advertised Australian remote positions including AI engineering, business development and appointment setting.
This variety demonstrates that startup opportunities aren't limited to highly technical careers.
A candidate with sales experience might be interested in business development, while someone with programming or automation expertise could investigate AI engineering.
However, startup advertisements sometimes combine base salaries, commissions and performance incentives.
Applicants should carefully check the compensation structure, employment classification and whether the advertised earnings are guaranteed or dependent on results.
7. ClickGuard
Industry: Advertising technology and fraud prevention
Careers: ClickGuard Careers
ClickGuard develops technology intended to help businesses manage unwanted or fraudulent advertising clicks.
Its careers page promotes a remote-first mentality, employee autonomy and flexible working arrangements.
The company operates in the broader digital advertising technology sector, which can create opportunities for software developers, marketers, customer success professionals and commercial teams.
ClickGuard may appeal to Australians with experience in digital marketing, paid advertising or software-as-a-service products.
However, remote-first doesn't automatically mean every role is available in Australia.
Applicants should verify the employer's geographical requirements and the specific working arrangement before applying.
Other Australian Startups Worth Monitoring
Not every interesting startup operates with a fully remote workforce.
Some Australian technology businesses offer flexible or hybrid positions, while others advertise occasional remote vacancies.
These companies can still be worth monitoring, particularly if you're comfortable with some office attendance or want to identify future opportunities.
8. Dovetail
Industry: Customer intelligence and research software
Careers: Dovetail Careers
Dovetail is an Australian-founded technology company developing software that helps organisations analyse customer feedback and research.
It is a useful example of why job seekers should look beyond a company's reputation for modern working practices.
Dovetail's careers information currently describes its Sydney team as primarily office-based, with employees generally collaborating in person four days per week.
Its US team operates with a remote-first approach.
This means a remote position advertised by Dovetail in the United States shouldn't automatically be interpreted as available to Australians.
The company does advertise remote positions from time to time, but Australian applicants should carefully check the specific location and working requirements.
9. Linktree
Industry: Creator technology
Careers: Linktree Careers
Linktree is an Australian-founded technology business developing tools for creators, businesses and online audiences.
Its teams work across software engineering, product development, marketing, design and partnerships.
The company has experience with distributed and asynchronous collaboration, although working arrangements vary between teams.
Some positions may be fully remote, while others require hybrid attendance.
Linktree is worth monitoring for professionals interested in creator technology, digital marketing and consumer software.
10. SafetyCulture
Industry: Workplace operations technology
Careers: SafetyCulture Careers
SafetyCulture is an Australian-founded technology company providing software for workplace operations, inspections and safety processes.
Its workforce includes software developers, product specialists, customer success professionals and commercial teams.
Depending on the position, flexible or hybrid working arrangements may be available.
However, applicants specifically seeking fully remote work should check whether office attendance is required.
SafetyCulture may be particularly relevant to people with experience in operations, workplace safety, construction or business software.
11. ROLLER
Industry: Entertainment and venue management software
Careers: ROLLER Careers
ROLLER is an Australian-founded technology business developing software for entertainment venues, attractions and leisure operators.
Its international operations include software engineering, customer support, product development and sales.
Some positions may offer remote or flexible working arrangements.
ROLLER can be particularly interesting for people with hospitality, tourism, entertainment or customer service experience who want to transition into technology.
The company's products serve industries where practical operational knowledge can be valuable alongside technical skills.
12. Deputy
Industry: Workforce management software
Careers: Deputy Careers
Deputy develops software for employee scheduling, timesheets and workforce management.
Its customer base includes businesses in hospitality, retail and other industries employing shift workers.
The company has international operations and may offer remote or hybrid opportunities depending on the position.
Deputy is worth researching for software engineers, implementation specialists, customer success managers and sales professionals.
For Australians with experience in hospitality or retail management, familiarity with workforce scheduling and operational challenges may provide useful transferable knowledge.
International Startups That May Hire Australians Remotely
Australian job seekers don't need to restrict themselves to startups headquartered in Australia.
Many international technology companies recruit across multiple countries, particularly when they operate with distributed teams.
However, the term worldwide doesn't always mean every country is eligible.
An international startup might hire across several regions while maintaining restrictions based on payroll arrangements, employment laws or time-zone requirements.
The following businesses are useful starting points for international startup research.
13. Ashby
Industry: Recruitment and applicant tracking software
Careers: Ashby Careers
Ashby develops recruitment software used by growing companies to manage hiring, interviews and candidate information.
The company has a distributed operating model and recruits across several professional functions.
Potential roles include software engineering, customer success, product development, sales and operations.
Ashby is particularly relevant to professionals interested in recruitment technology and business software.
Australian applicants should check whether the individual position supports their location.
14. Linear
Industry: Product development and project management software
Careers: Linear Careers
Linear develops software used by product and engineering teams to manage projects and development workflows.
The company has built a reputation for product-focused operations and distributed collaboration.
Its vacancies can include software engineering, design, product management and customer-facing positions.
However, eligibility varies by role, and some positions may require employees to work within specific regions.
Linear may be particularly appealing to experienced technology professionals interested in smaller, product-focused teams.
15. Vercel
Industry: Cloud hosting and developer infrastructure
Careers: Vercel Careers
Vercel develops cloud infrastructure and deployment tools used by web developers.
Its workforce includes software engineers, developer relations specialists, customer success professionals and commercial teams.
Vercel has operated with geographically distributed employees, although vacancies may be restricted to certain locations.
It is worth researching for Australians with experience in modern web development, cloud infrastructure and developer-focused software.
16. PostHog
Industry: Product analytics and developer software
Careers: PostHog Careers
PostHog develops analytics and product development tools used by software teams.
The company is known for its remote-oriented culture, transparent documentation and emphasis on employee autonomy.
Its teams include engineering, product, design, marketing and customer-facing functions.
PostHog can be particularly interesting for candidates who enjoy working independently and taking responsibility for complex problems.
However, applicants should confirm country eligibility and employment arrangements for each vacancy.
17. Remote
Industry: International employment and payroll technology
Careers: Remote Careers
Remote provides technology and services that help companies hire and manage employees internationally.
The business operates with a distributed workforce and advertises positions across engineering, customer success, sales, marketing and operations.
Its careers information explains that most positions are globally remote, although geographical and time-zone restrictions can apply.
For Australians interested in human resources technology, international payroll or global business operations, Remote is worth researching.
18. Deel
Industry: Global payroll and workforce management
Careers: Deel Careers
Deel provides international payroll, employment and contractor management services.
Its global operations create opportunities across software engineering, customer success, sales, compliance and business operations.
The company has a distributed working model, but some vacancies are restricted to specific countries or regions.
Deel is particularly interesting for professionals with experience in software sales, payroll, human resources or international business services.
What Is It Like Working Remotely for a Startup?
Working for a startup can feel different from working for an established corporation.
In a large business, employees may have narrowly defined responsibilities and established processes.
At a startup, roles can be broader.
A customer success manager might contribute to onboarding, product feedback, account management and operational improvements.
A marketing specialist might manage content, paid advertising, email campaigns and website analytics rather than focusing on one channel.
This variety can be appealing because employees have opportunities to learn quickly and influence how the business develops.
However, it can also create uncertainty.
Priorities may change as the company responds to customer feedback, funding conditions or new market opportunities.
Remote startup employees often need to be comfortable managing their own workload, asking questions proactively and adapting to changing requirements.
The flexibility can be rewarding, but it usually comes with substantial responsibility.
Startup vs Corporate Remote Jobs: Which Is Better?
Neither option is automatically better.
Startups can offer faster learning, broader responsibilities and opportunities to work closely with founders or senior leaders.
Smaller teams may also provide greater visibility into how business decisions are made.
However, startups can have less predictable revenue, fewer established processes and greater exposure to financial uncertainty.
Large corporations may offer more structured training, established career pathways and broader employee benefits.
They can also have more formal approval processes and narrower job responsibilities.
For Australians who value stability and predictable progression, an established employer may be more attractive.
For someone who enjoys building systems, solving unfamiliar problems and working with a high degree of autonomy, a startup could be a strong fit.
The best decision depends on your financial circumstances, experience and tolerance for uncertainty.
Do Startup Remote Jobs Pay Well in Australia?
Startup salaries vary considerably depending on the business, profession, funding and stage of growth.
An established technology scaleup may offer competitive compensation for experienced software engineers, product managers or enterprise sales professionals.
An early-stage startup may have a smaller salary budget but offer equity or other incentives.
For example, a startup could offer a lower base salary alongside employee share options.
However, equity isn't equivalent to guaranteed cash compensation.
Its eventual value depends on the company's performance, the terms of the equity arrangement and whether a suitable liquidity event occurs.
Some startup equity may never produce a financial return.
When comparing offers, focus first on whether the guaranteed salary meets your needs.
Then consider superannuation, paid leave, bonuses, equity and other benefits separately.
You should also confirm whether the position is permanent employment or independent contracting.
Can You Get a Remote Startup Job Without a Degree?
Yes, depending on the position.
Many startups value demonstrated ability, practical experience and evidence that candidates can solve problems.
Customer support, sales, marketing, operations and some administrative positions may not require university qualifications.
For example, someone with experience in retail sales or account management may have relevant skills for a startup sales development position.
A person with hospitality management experience might be suited to customer success at a workforce management or venue software business.
Someone who has managed an online business may have experience in marketing, customer communication, website administration and commercial operations.
These skills can be valuable to smaller businesses that need employees capable of handling different responsibilities.
However, specialised technical positions may require substantial experience, qualifications or a strong portfolio.
The key is to match your demonstrated skills to the employer's actual requirements.
How to Find Remote Startup Jobs in Australia
The most effective approach is to combine employer research with targeted job searching.
Start by identifying startups whose products or industries interest you.
Then visit their official careers pages and look for remote positions explicitly accepting Australian applicants.
Search terms such as "remote startup jobs Australia", "remote-first startup Australia" and "startup customer success remote Australia" can help identify relevant employers.
You can also search for positions by function rather than by company.
For example, a sales professional might look for remote startup account executive roles, while someone interested in administration could search for remote operations coordinator positions.
International job boards and startup recruitment platforms can also be useful.
However, some international listings are restricted to the United States or Europe.
Always confirm that Australia is an approved hiring location.
Where to Find Startup Job Opportunities Beyond SEEK and Indeed
Traditional recruitment websites can be useful, but they don't always provide complete coverage of startup hiring.
Some growing companies publish vacancies directly through their own careers websites.
Others use recruitment platforms such as Ashby, Greenhouse or Lever.
Startup-focused websites such as Wellfound can help candidates discover companies and opportunities in the technology sector.
Professional networking platforms can also be useful for identifying founders, hiring managers and newly announced vacancies.
For Australian job seekers, dedicated remote job platforms provide another way to discover employer-sourced opportunities.
The important thing is to verify the original job advertisement rather than relying solely on a third-party listing.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out at a Startup
Startups often look for candidates who can contribute quickly and operate with limited supervision.
This means your application should focus on practical achievements rather than simply listing responsibilities.
For example, instead of stating that you have experience in sales, explain how you developed customer relationships, increased revenue or improved a sales process.
If you've worked in operations, describe a system you improved or a problem you solved.
If you've built a website, managed an online store or launched a small business, those experiences may demonstrate initiative and commercial awareness.
Remote startups also value clear written communication.
Because employees may collaborate asynchronously, being able to explain decisions, document work and communicate progress is particularly important.
Before applying, research the startup's product and customers.
A short, tailored explanation of how your experience could help the business is generally more useful than a generic statement about wanting flexible work.
What to Check Before Accepting a Remote Startup Job
Before joining a startup, investigate the business as well as the position.
Try to understand what the company sells, who its customers are and how it generates revenue.
For early-stage businesses, you may also want to ask about funding, growth plans and the size of the team.
These questions can help you understand the organisation's stability and expectations.
You should also clarify the remote working policy.
Does the company allow employees to work anywhere in Australia, or must they remain near a particular office?
Are working hours flexible, or will you need to overlap with international colleagues?
Does the business provide equipment and support for home-office expenses?
If equity is offered, ask about vesting, exercise conditions and what happens if you leave.
Finally, confirm whether you're being hired as an Australian employee or an independent contractor.
The arrangement can affect tax, superannuation, leave and other entitlements.
Find Remote Startup Jobs on Deskless
Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.
New opportunities are added daily, with positions across software development, sales, marketing, finance, customer success, operations and other professions when available.
Deskless operates through a paid membership model.
For Australians interested in startups, employer-sourced listings can help uncover opportunities with growing businesses beyond the traditional job market.
However, not every startup vacancy accepts Australian applicants, and remote working arrangements vary between companies.
Before applying, check the original advertisement to confirm geographical eligibility and whether the role is fully remote or hybrid.
Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian startups offer fully remote jobs?
Yes. Some Australian startups and scaleups, including Buildkite and Hava, explicitly promote fully remote or remote-first working arrangements.
Which startups hire remote workers in Australia?
Companies worth researching include Buildkite, Hava, Employment Hero, Supabase and other businesses with established distributed teams. Individual vacancies and eligibility requirements vary.
Can Australians work remotely for international startups?
Yes, when the company supports Australian-based employees or genuine contractors and the individual vacancy accepts Australian applicants.
Are startup remote jobs only for software developers?
No. Startups also employ people in sales, customer success, marketing, finance, operations and support roles.
Can I work for a startup without a university degree?
Some positions don't require a degree, particularly where employers prioritise relevant experience and practical skills.
Are remote startup jobs well paid?
They can be, particularly in specialised technical and commercial roles. However, compensation varies substantially by company, experience and funding.
Do startups offer employee equity?
Some do. Equity can provide potential upside, but its value isn't guaranteed and depends on the terms and performance of the business.
Are startup jobs less secure than corporate jobs?
Some startups face greater financial uncertainty, particularly when they depend on external funding or haven't established sustainable revenue. However, risk varies between companies.
Do remote startups allow employees to work from anywhere?
Some allow employees to work anywhere in Australia, while others impose country, time-zone or travel restrictions.
What does remote-first mean at a startup?
It generally means the company designs its communication and operations around employees working remotely, even if it maintains offices or organises occasional in-person meetings.
Where can I find remote startup jobs in Australia?
Start with official startup careers pages, startup recruitment platforms and dedicated remote job boards such as Deskless.
Final Thoughts
Startups can provide Australians with an alternative pathway into remote employment.
Companies such as Buildkite and Hava demonstrate how Australian technology businesses can operate with fully remote teams.
Employment Hero and Supabase show how growing technology businesses can recruit across multiple locations while supporting distributed collaboration.
Smaller companies working in artificial intelligence, advertising technology and business automation may also provide opportunities beyond traditional corporate careers.
However, not every startup is remote-first, and not every international remote vacancy is available to Australians.
It's important to research the employer's working arrangements, financial position and recruitment requirements before applying.
Startup employment can involve broader responsibilities, faster learning and greater autonomy, but it may also involve more uncertainty than working for an established organisation.
For job seekers who enjoy solving problems, learning new skills and contributing to growing businesses, remote startup careers can be worth exploring.
Ready to discover your next remote opportunity?
Explore remote jobs on Deskless and find opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Discover positions across technology, sales, marketing, customer success, finance and operations, and explore career opportunities beyond the traditional office.