HEX
HEX is an Australian education technology company that delivers cohort-based online and in-person innovation and entrepreneurship programs for university students, high schoolers, and aspiring founders, generating revenue through program fees and university partnerships with a University of Sydney-backed academic credit layer.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMelbourne, Australia
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What HEX does
HEX (legal entity: The Hacker Exchange Pty Ltd) is an Australian education technology company founded in 2017 and headquartered in Melbourne, with a distributed team operating across Australia and India. The company delivers cohort-based innovation and entrepreneurship programs for university students, recent graduates, high school students (Year 10-12), early-career professionals, and aspiring founders. Its core portfolio comprises online programs — HEX Degree Accelerator (6 weeks), HEX Career Accelerator, HEX High Accelerator, and HEX UpSkill Programs — alongside in-person Global Entrepreneur Programs in Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangkok, and Melbourne. Programs are delivered through a proprietary e-learning platform featuring checkpoint-based assessments, video content, progress tracking, and integrations with Slack, Notion, Canva, Jira, Google Drive, Dropbox, Stripe, and Zapier, and are supplemented by an exclusive alumni community platform.
HEX generates revenue primarily through one-time program fees (e.g., AUD $1,190 per Degree Accelerator seat), with package pricing for in-person international programs that include accommodation, coworking, workshops, and tech tours. An additional revenue stream derives from university credit partnerships, with over AUD $1 million in available university funding to subsidize student participation. Distribution runs through direct-to-consumer online sales (go.startwithhex.com), a network of 40+ university referral partners worldwide, and community-led referral channels anchored by a 5,000+ alumni base and 100+ industry mentors from Atlassian, Google, Zendesk, AWS, Seek, and other firms.
The company's primary differentiator is its School of Record partnership with the University of Sydney (a global Top 20 institution), making HEX the first in Asia Pacific to issue official academic records facilitating credit transfer worldwide. HEX reports strong outcome metrics — 97% of alumni gain new workplace skills, 77% improve their financial situation within six months, 92% report increased confidence, and 98% receive academic credit — supported by 2,000+ reviews averaging 4.9/5 for the Degree Accelerator. Notable corporate milestones include a February 2022 funding round of AUD $896,750 led by Giant Leap Fund, an AFR Top 100 Innovators recognition for CEO Jeanette Cheah (two consecutive years), and the January 2025 acquisition of EntryLevel.
HEX firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HEX
- Legal name
- The Hacker Exchange Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://startwithhex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- HEX is an Australian education technology company that delivers cohort-based online and in-person innovation and entrepreneurship programs for university students, high schoolers, and aspiring founders, generating revenue through program fees and university partnerships with a University of Sydney-backed academic credit layer.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HEX industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Innovation Education / Entrepreneurship Training
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs (EDAMAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Provider-Run International Internship Programs (Multi-Country/Multi-Industry) (EDAIAFAA), Career Readiness & Employability Skills (Resume, Interview, Networking) (EDAMAKAG), Hybrid, Multi-Location & Multi-Country Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAE)
Keywords
Where HEX is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Melbourne
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
HEX business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Program Fees: HEX generates revenue primarily through one-time program fees for its accelerator and internship programs. Programs are priced as packages (e.g., AUD $1,190 for Degree Accelerator) and include access to platform, mentoring, workshops, and certification. Payment plans available on request.
- University Credit Partnerships: Revenue derived from partnerships with universities that sponsor or subsidize student participation. Over $1 million AUD in funding available from various university partners to support student program costs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | HEX Degree Accelerator - 6-week online program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | HEX High Accelerator - 6-week online for Year 10-12 students |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | HEX International (In-Person Global Internships) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
HEX product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HEX delivers cohort-based innovation and entrepreneurship education programs through online six-week accelerators (Degree Accelerator, Career Accelerator, High Accelerator, UpSkill) and in-person global internship programs across Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangkok and Melbourne. Programs include project-based curriculum, 1:1 industry mentoring, and university-accredited credentials issued through a School of Record partnership with the University of Sydney.
Product overview
HEX (The Hacker Exchange Pty Ltd) is an Australian education technology company offering a multi-format accelerator and upskilling platform. The portfolio consists of online programs (HEX Degree Accelerator, HEX Career Accelerator, HEX High Accelerator, HEX UpSkill Programs) and in-person international programs (HEX Global Entrepreneur Programs in Japan, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok, and Melbourne; HEX Innovation Sprint). All programs provide pathways to university academic credit through partnerships including School of Record with University of Sydney. Core offerings are delivered via HEX's proprietary learning platform and community platform, with 5,000+ alumni worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HEX Degree Accelerator: 6-week online innovation program for university students and recent graduates to build career portfolios through entrepreneurship.
- HEX Career Accelerator
- HEX High Accelerator
- HEX International
Products and services
- HEX Degree Accelerator A six-week online program for university students and recent graduates to build a career portfolio through entrepreneurship. Includes project-based curriculum, 1:1 mentorship, career coaching, and university academic credit from the University of Sydney. Priced at AUD $1,190 per student.
- HEX Career Accelerator Online career-focused program helping participants launch careers through experiential learning and industry connections. Part of HEX's online program portfolio targeting emerging leaders and career-focused participants.
- HEX High Accelerator A six-week online program for Year 10-12 high school students to learn high-demand skills, build a career portfolio, and gain university credits from the University of Sydney. Applications close April 21, 2026; program runs May 4 - June 11, 2026.
- HEX UpSkill Programs Six-week online bootcamps teaching in-demand tech skills from top mentors, aimed at graduates, early-career professionals, emerging leaders, and upskillers interested in tech careers. Rolling enrollment.
- HEX Global Entrepreneur Program: Japan In-person two-city global internship across Osaka and Tokyo for idea-stage founders exploring Japan's innovation, culture, and business. Includes accommodation, coworking space, masterclasses, workshops, and tech tours. Applications close May 4, 2026; program runs June 27 - July 11, 2026.
- HEX Global Entrepreneur Program: Ho Chi Minh City Two-week immersive global internship in Ho Chi Minh City for idea-stage founders to build startups in Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem. Program runs July 4 - 18, 2026.
- HEX Global Entrepreneur Program: Singapore In-person global internship in Singapore for aspiring entrepreneurs. Part of HEX's international in-person program portfolio alongside programs in Japan, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Melbourne.
- HEX Global Entrepreneur Program: Bangkok In-person global internship in Bangkok, Thailand for aspiring entrepreneurs. Part of HEX's international in-person program portfolio alongside programs in Japan, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Melbourne.
- HEX Global Entrepreneur Program: Melbourne In-person global internship in Melbourne, Australia for aspiring entrepreneurs. Part of HEX's international in-person program portfolio alongside programs in Japan, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Bangkok.
- HEX Innovation Sprint: Melbourne Innovation sprint program held in Melbourne, Australia. Part of HEX's in-person HEXperiences alongside international programs.
- VictorAI Pre-Accelerator AI-focused pre-accelerator program launched by HEX in June 2026 as part of LaunchVic's $3.5 million Victorian government initiative supporting AI and deeptech startups. HEX was selected as one of nine pre-accelerator operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% of HEX alumni gained new workplace skills not learned through formal education
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use HEX
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
HEX technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
HEX partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- University of SydneycoreSchool of Record partnership - Asia Pacific's first. University of Sydney issues official academic records (Certificate of Completion, transcript) for students completing approved HEX courses. Academic records facilitate credit transfers at participating institutions worldwide. University of Sydney is a global Top 20 institution.
- AtlassiancoreAtlassian mentors and industry experts contribute to HEX curriculum design and delivery. Provides 1:1 mentorship sessions for program participants. HEX alumni have gone on to roles at Atlassian.
- GooglesecondaryGoogle mentors and industry experts contribute to HEX curriculum and workshops. Part of HEX's 50+ industry partner network for real-world learning experiences.
- ZendesksecondaryTech tours and industry exposure at Zendesk headquarters as part of HEX International programs. Part of HEX's industry network for startup ecosystem immersion.
- UpBanksecondaryUpBank co-founder Dom Pym serves as HEX industry mentor. Contributes to HEX curriculum design and mentoring sessions for fintech and startup-focused participants.
- Giant LeapsecondaryAustralia's first 100% impact venture capital firm. Managing Partner Will Richardson contributes as HEX mentor, providing investment and startup ecosystem insights.
- Monash UniversitysecondaryUniversity partner providing student referrals, potential funding/scholarships, and academic credit recognition for HEX programs.
- RMIT UniversitysecondaryUniversity partner for student referrals, funding coordination, and credit transfer arrangements.
- University of California, San DiegosecondaryInternational university partner providing student referrals and academic credit recognition across US-Australia programs.
- Cardiff UniversitysecondaryUK university partner for international student exchange and credit transfer arrangements.
- City of MelbournesecondaryGovernment partnership for startup ecosystem initiatives and potential funding for Melbourne-based innovation programs.
- Global VictoriasecondaryVictorian government trade and investment agency partnership for international startup and innovation programs.
- Startup VictoriasecondaryAustralia's largest startup community organization. CEO Judy Anderson-Firth (former CEO) contributes as HEX mentor and advisory board member.
- SeeksecondaryMajor Australian job platform contributes industry mentors and curriculum input for career-focused HEX programs.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)secondaryAWS provides tech infrastructure and industry mentorship for cloud and technology-focused HEX curriculum.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
HEX competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- General Assembly: Global career-focused education provider offering bootcamps and short courses in tech, data, and business. Comparable to HEX UpSkill and Career Accelerator products as a broader incumbent in the career-acceleration/short-course category.
- TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs): Global non-profit fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, education, and networking programs with strong university and corporate ties. Comparable to HEX's mentor network model, industry partner integrations, and entrepreneurship-education positioning.
- Mass Challenge: Global startup accelerator and early-stage founder support network with industry mentor networks. Comparable to HEX's accelerator-style curriculum, mentorship model, and focus on idea-stage founders.
Direct peers
- Praxis: US-based program combining创业 education with real-world apprenticeships for young adults. Shares HEX's positioning at the intersection of entrepreneurship education, career acceleration, and portfolio building for students and recent graduates.
- Hyper Island: Sweden-based experiential learning company delivering cohort programs in leadership, innovation, and digital business for learners and corporates. Comparable to HEX's project-based, mentor-led, and industry-partner-immersive approach.
- Antler: Global early-stage VC and accelerator running cohort programs for aspiring founders worldwide, with strong APAC presence. Comparable to HEX Global Entrepreneur Programs in targeting idea-stage founders and providing international immersion.
- Springboard: Online career-focused learning platform offering mentor-led, project-based courses in tech and data with career coaching. Comparable to HEX Degree Accelerator and UpSkill Programs in online cohort delivery, mentor integration, and career outcomes focus.
- Draper University: Silicon Valley-based entrepreneurship school founded by Tim Draper that delivers cohort-based programs for young aspiring founders. Closely comparable to HEX in its focus on entrepreneurship, mentorship from leading operators, and project-based curriculum for Gen Z learners.
- On Deck: Community-driven platform running cohort programs for aspiring and early-stage founders and operators. Comparable to HEX's cohort-based delivery, mentor-led model, and focus on founder/career acceleration through curated peer networks.
Regional players
- Year13: Australian platform providing career, study, and gap-year content and pathways for Gen Z learners. Comparable to HEX High Accelerator and HEX Degree Accelerator as a regionally-focused player addressing the same Australian gap-year and early-career audience.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
HEX social profiles
Digital presenceHEX financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HEX leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
HEX funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HEX M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about HEX
What does HEX do?
HEX delivers cohort-based innovation and entrepreneurship education programs through online six-week accelerators (Degree Accelerator, Career Accelerator, High Accelerator, UpSkill) and in-person global internship programs across Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangkok and Melbourne. Programs include project-based curriculum, 1:1 industry mentoring, and university-accredited credentials issued through a School of Record partnership with the University of Sydney.
Is HEX a public or private company?
HEX is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was HEX founded?
HEX was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is HEX based?
HEX is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does HEX make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are university Credit Partnerships.
Who are HEX's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are General Assembly, TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) and Mass Challenge. Direct peers are Praxis, Hyper Island, Antler, Springboard, Draper University and On Deck. Year13 is listed as a regional player.
Does HEX have an API?
No public API is recorded for HEX.
What industry is HEX in?
HEX's product category is Innovation Education / Entrepreneurship Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAKAK, Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs, with a secondary code of EDAIAFAA, Provider-Run International Internship Programs (Multi-Country/Multi-Industry). Its NAICS code is 611430 and its SIC code is 8200.