In an era where startup networking events are often dominated by hurried pitches and transactional conversations, a new event series is gaining attention for its refreshingly human-first approach. Remarkable Strangers, a founder networking concept curated by Amrit Rupa and Mustafa Kassim of Roar Apex, is transforming how startup leaders, operators, and investors connect across Australia’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.
Remarkable Strangers dinner series deliberately removes the usual trappings of networking circuits; no pitch decks, no business cards, and no scripted agendas. Instead, it hosts curated, intimate dinners designed to foster meaningful conversations and lasting, collaborative relationships.
“Our goal is to turn strangers into friends in just two hours,” said Amrit Rupa, Director at Roar Apex. “We set out to create an authentic space for founders and operators to connect - not only to foster meaningful relationships, but also as a way to introduce Roar Apex to the Sydney startup community in a way that reflects how we operate: human-first, collaborative, and long-term focused. It’s proving to be a powerful multiplier for everyone involved.”
Since its inception, Remarkable Strangers has hosted 10 private dinners, in 5 cities in Australia, bringing together 50 carefully selected members of Australia’s startup community; ranging from exited founders and operators leading $100M+ companies to emerging entrepreneurs and niche business owners.
The outcomes of these events have been remarkable. Attendees have raised investment from people they met at the dinners, formed inspiring relationships, gained new clients and referrals for their businesses, connected with trusted allies across states and even attended subsequent industry events together.
The event series has quickly earned the trust and attention of Australia’s startup ecosystem, attracting established venture firms like Tidal Ventures and Fishburners to partner with Roar Apex in taking this exclusive dinner series across multiple states; and soon, into new markets beyond.
“It’s not a transaction, it’s a trust-building platform. It works because people are chosen for their character, curiosity, and contribution to the ecosystem, not just their credentials.”said Fee Barry, Partner at Tidal Ventures.
Behind this growing initiative is Roar Apex, a specialised remote talent solutions provider for startups. The company connects some of the best operators in Asia, including ex-Google, ex-Rocket Internet, and ex-IBM talent with fast-scaling companies in Australia and the USA.
In addition to launching its AI powered talent hub earlier this year, Roar Apex views its involvement in Remarkable Strangers as both a genuine contribution to the region’s startup community and a deliberate long-term investment in building meaningful brand equity and trusted relationships for Roar Apex within the ecosystem.
“Talent and networks are the two critical currencies for any founder,” said Mustafa Kassim, Founder & CEO of Roar Global. “While Roar Apex’s talent hub addresses one, Remarkable Strangers dinner series helps cultivate the other. It’s about ensuring founders have access to interesting personalities, real conversations, and new perspectives to navigate what is often a lonely, demanding journey.”
With successful dinners already hosted in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, interest in expanding Remarkable Strangers to other startup hubs across Australia and beyond is growing.
“As APAC’s startup hype soars, there’s increasing demand for authentic, human-first discourse around running businesses,” said Amrit. “Remarkable Strangers was built for this.”
Startup founders, operators, and investors interested in attending or hosting a Remarkable Strangers dinner in their city are encouraged to connect with Amrit Rupa at Roar Apex.
For more information, contact Roar Apex via https://www.roarapex.com/ .
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