Episode #4 – Michael Batko: From Austrian Kickboxing to Startups, Fatherhood & Focus
Michael Batko has never taken the traditional path. From working as a hotel entertainer in Greece to becoming a kickboxing runner-up in Austria, his early life was fuelled by curiosity, energy, and a desire to connect with people. That mindset carried through to a global career in consulting and finance—before he made the leap into Australia’s startup scene.
After helping scale MadPaws and Expert360, Michael now leads Startmate, one of Australasia’s most influential startup accelerators. He’s helped shape a founder-first ecosystem, backing over 270 startups and building a vibrant community across Australia and New Zealand.
But beyond business, Michael is also a runner, a new dad, and the founder of Startup Striders—a running group that brings startup operators together for parkruns and post-run chats. In this episode, we explore how he uses running as a tool for focus, clarity, and connection—and how becoming a father has transformed his leadership and priorities.
In this episode, we cover:
🏃♂️ What he learned from kickboxing, hospitality, and working across cultures
🏃♂️ How he broke into startups by playing five-a-side football
🏃♂️ Building Startmate from a Google Sheet into a high-impact accelerator
🏃♂️ The power of doing fewer things, better — and killing off distractions
🏃♂️ Why Startup Striders has been key to consistency and community
🏃♂️ How fatherhood has changed the way he thinks, works, and leads
This is a conversation about choosing what matters, showing up with intention, and carving space for clarity—on the run and in leadership.
