Scalare Partners Acquires Brisbane vCFO Studio Planet Startup

By Marc Orchard

Business News Australia reported on 29 September 2025 that Scalare Partners (ASX: SCP) had acquired 100 per cent of Planet Startup, the Brisbane-based virtual CFO services company led by CEO and…

Business News Australia reported on 29 September 2025 that Scalare Partners (ASX: SCP) had acquired 100 per cent of Planet Startup, the Brisbane-based virtual CFO services company led by CEO and co-founder Marc Orchard. The deal, completed on 1 October 2025, brings Planet Startup into the listed tech investment firm as the operating brand for Scalare's vCFO service line.

Marc co-founded Planet Startup with Rhys Cupples, building a practice that advises technology founders from seed through to Series B. The company's client list includes Greaseboss, Orefox, Rainstick, Swyftx, xrecruiter and Nourish'd. Under the terms of the acquisition, Marc continues as CEO, keeping the Planet Startup name as the face of Scalare's financial advisory offering for startups.

Reflecting on the move, Marc said joining Scalare Partners is a significant step in the company's effort to build a meaningful presence in the Australian tech ecosystem. He sees the acquisition as a way to broaden what Planet Startup can offer, noting that a key benefit for the company's customers is access to a wider range of services and expertise.

Marc's background runs deep in the Brisbane startup community. Business News Australia noted his earlier roles, which include founding the BDO for Startups division at BDO Australia, serving as Brisbane City Manager at Fishburners, and working as Talent Program Director at fintech company Swyftx. He is also a former UQ Ventures entrepreneur in residence and a Lead Finance Facilitator for LaunchVic's 30x30 program.

The acquisition positions Planet Startup to extend its work with technology founders under a listed parent, with Marc continuing to lead the brand he helped create. For a company built to give startups the financial and commercial guidance they often lack in their early years, the move opens a broader platform to do exactly that.