What’s the best that could happen? A founder’s success story from Pitch Night 2025

Andrew Marmont pitching Tee30Golf at Eastern Innovation’s 2025 Pitch Night.

Last year, Andrew Marmont decided to throw his hat in the ring and express interest in Eastern Innovation’s Pitch Night.

Before he knew it, he was up on stage, pitching Tee30Golf – short golfing sessions built around community connections and strong relationships.

Since then, Tee30Golf has continued to grow, and recently received grant funding from Bendigo Bank Blackburn South, alongside Dads Group, a not-for-profit organisation for young fathers.

Tee30Golf’s success, however, hasn’t always been a smooth journey.

Andrew’s story began after mental health struggles associated with being a young dad.

“When I became a dad, I basically put everything into everyone else and put myself last. I stopped being social. I stopped looking after myself,” he said.

After sharing his challenges with his wife, Andrew took to the golf course with his grandfather, and was inspired by the conversations he had and the short time frame in which he did it all.

“The idea was really formed around using these short, sharp, social golf sessions to fit in around work and family life. There’s a real community focus.”

While juggling the responsibilities of fatherhood, Andrew worked on Tee30Golf, registering the company in July 2024.

Andrew registered Tee30Golf in July 2024. (Supplied)

Last year, he saw an online post about Eastern Innovation’s Pitch Night and was drawn to the training program, a comprehensive course to accelerate businesses and prepare them for pitching.

After expressing his interest and a few phone calls later, Andrew secured his spot as a pitcher for Eastern Innovation’s 2025 Pitch Night.

Andrew credits the pitch training program as “instrumental” in helping put together his business.

“If I think about that experience, that was the first time I’d overtly spoken about Tee30Golf publicly, and there were about 80-100 people there.

“I think the benefit of just getting there, having actual judges who gave me real feedback was great.”

2025 Pitch Night judges providing feedback to pitchers.

After delivering his six-minute pitch, Andrew was approached by two representatives from Bendigo Bank, Blackburn South – the then-branch manager and community engagement manager – who were interested in Andrew’s work.

Fast forward to now, and Andrew’s grant from Bendigo Bank Blackburn South, in partnership with Dads Group, is going towards a number of golf sessions in early 2026.

The golf sessions, ranging from social golf nights to sunrise speed golf, are all about supporting business people and father figures in the community.

Andrew Marmont at Bendigo Bank. (Supplied)

Reflecting on his experience, Andrew credits Eastern Innovation’s community as an accelerator and driver of his business’ growth.

“I think to me, being here, having someone support you early in the journey, investing in your success and actually interested is huge.

“I think it’s a real shot in the arm, even if you’re a confident person.”

Andrew Marmont continues to be a familiar face in Eastern Innovation’s community, and can often be found in the coworking space.