Skip to content
Apply now

Legal

Code of Conduct

Last updated 20 August 2026. Galileo Ventures Pty Ltd ACN 617 596 899, Corporate Authorised Representative of Artesian Venture Partners Pty Ltd ACN 112 089 488 AFSL 284492.

Our code of conduct sets out what we expect of everyone in our community, so that Galileo is inclusive of all people — including people from marginalised racial or ethnic groups, women, and LGBTQI+ people, and their voices and perspectives.

Galileo is committed to making our events, programs and other activities inclusive, safe and free from harassment, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion.

An inclusive culture supports people to feel respected and valued for who they are, as an individual and as a group. Inclusion means a sense of belonging, in a collaborative, supportive and respectful environment that increases participation and contribution.

We require that all communication and interaction is appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form.

Who and where this applies to

We expect everyone associated with Galileo to abide by this code of conduct: team members, founders, program coaches, investors, mentors, advisors, students, volunteers, speakers, and people who attend our events.

It applies in any setting associated with Galileo — our offices, work events, social outings, conferences, homes, lodging, phone calls, video conferences, email, chat and messaging platforms, social media, blogs, and any other online communication.

What is unacceptable

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to, the following.

  • gender
  • sexual orientation
  • disability
  • physical appearance
  • body size
  • race
  • religion
  • sexual images in public spaces
  • bullying, intimidation, stalking or following
  • harassing photography or recording
  • sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • inappropriate or unwanted physical contact
  • unwelcome sexual attention
  • advocating for or encouraging any of the above

Discrimination

Comments or behaviour that discriminate against, stereotype, or harm members of marginalised groups. This includes but is not limited to:

  • disparaging remarks about marginalised racial or ethnic groups
  • racial or ethnic slurs
  • misogynist comments
  • homophobic or transphobic comments or slurs
  • discriminatory comments against members of marginalised religions as a group

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited behaviour of a sexual nature that a reasonable person in the circumstances would find humiliating, intimidating or offensive. It is also against the law. It can be written, verbal or physical, and it can happen in person or online. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • sexual advances that are clearly unwelcome, or made in a context where it is difficult for the recipient to say no
  • creating a sexualised environment. Community members should never use sexualised images, activities or other material, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.
  • harassment and stalking
  • unwanted physical touch, restraint, assault, or threats

Always consider the words you use. Sexist, racist and other exclusionary jokes or comments can be offensive to those around you. We encourage everyone to use inclusive language and to avoid language that may be ableist or sexist, regardless of intent.

Please do not take photos, including screenshots, at any of our events or activities without the permission of everyone present. And please respect confidentiality requests from speakers and community members.

What action we may take

Everyone has the right to take part in an environment free from harassment, bullying, discrimination and violence. If someone asks you to stop behaviour they find offensive, stop immediately. Anyone we ask to stop a behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

We may act on information about behaviour outside our community if, in our judgement, that person presents an unacceptable risk to our members.

If behaviour continues, or is egregious, we may take any action we consider appropriate, including expulsion from our events, program or community.

How to raise a concern

We strongly encourage you to report any concern or violation of this code of conduct. You can speak to anyone on our team in person, or contact any of us directly:

  • Hugh Stephens, General Partner
  • James Alexander, Managing Partner
  • Julia French, Partner

To put something in writing, email team@galileo.ventures. If you would rather raise it with one partner only, say so in your email or speak to them in person, and we will keep it with that person.

You can report to whichever of us you are most comfortable with, and you do not have to report to someone the concern is about. If your concern involves all of us, or you would rather raise it outside Galileo entirely, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or at humanrights.gov.au, which handles complaints of discrimination and harassment independently of us. If you believe a crime has been committed, contact the police. In an emergency call 000.

What happens after you report

We treat all reports as confidential. We will ask you for some information about what happened, and then take action as appropriate.

We aim to acknowledge a report within two business days and to tell you the outcome within 30 days. If an investigation needs longer than that, we will tell you and keep you updated.

Actions we may take in response to a report include:

  • nothing
  • a verbal warning
  • a temporary ban from certain spaces or forums
  • a permanent ban from certain spaces or forums
  • removal of responsibilities, such as replacing a program coach
  • termination of employment
  • a report to legal authorities

We will follow up to let you know what we did. Where it is possible and appropriate, we will make a statement about the report and the action we took available to everyone who was aware of the original incident.

No retaliation

We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a report in good faith, or who takes part in looking into one. Retaliation is itself a breach of this code of conduct and we will act on it the same way we act on any other breach. If you think you are being retaliated against, tell any of the people listed above.

Acknowledgement

This code of conduct was adapted from other organisations and from the Model Code of Conduct for the Australian Startup Community, created by Blackbird Ventures, Startmate, AirTree, Square Peg, Rampersand, Blue Sky Venture Capital and Frame Shift Consulting LLC.