Stake has launched the Ambition Project, a nationwide initiative designed to directly fund the next chapter in Australians’ personal goals, marking a significant evolution of the investment platform’s brand mission and a continuation of its Onwards positioning introduced in 2024.
The program aims to shift the cultural conversation around ambition by offering financial backing for everyday Australians pursuing their next big step
A movement designed to counter tall poppy culture
Matt Leibowitz, CEO and founder at Stake, said the initiative speaks to the company’s broader mission of fuelling progress.
“Stake has always been about empowering people to go further,” Leibowitz said.
“We want to cultivate ambition in Australia. One way is by offering the best investment opportunities in market. But another is by genuinely investing in bold Australians. Through the Ambition Project, we’re recognising local stories and in turn, inspiring Australians to take their next step.”
The Ambition Project positions ambition itself as something worth investing in, with Stake framing the platform not only as a financial tool but as a cultural catalyst.
“Our investing platform gives our community leverage to chase their goals and achieve big things,” said Bryan Wilmot, chief customer officer at Stake.
“Far from being the laid back larrikin, Australians are stepping into a new identity, one that is ambitious and driven, across fields. We want to champion that shift not just in finance but in life and help make ambition the norm, not the exception.”
Documentary storytelling brings the project to life
For the first iteration of the Ambition Project, Stake selected three Australians whose stories reflect drive, resilience and the pursuit of possibility.
To document their journeys, Stake partnered with publisher Man of Many on a three part documentary series supported by a dedicated content hub.
The first three protagonists are:
Laura Enever, world champion surfer and big wave record holder, supported by Stake in developing her next documentary project.
Laura Enever
Big Sam Young, chef and restaurateur known for his rapid rise, backed by Stake to expand the outdoor experience at Young’s Palace.
Big Sam Young
FANGZ, Sydney punk band continuing to carve out its own lane, funded to support a United States tour.
FANGZ
Alex Martinez, media sales and brand partnerships at Man of Many, said the partnership unlocked a platform for storytelling with purpose.
“We set out to tell stories of perseverance and purpose. The series captures what it truly means to push onwards, fuelled by passion, defined by determination, and united by ambition. It is powerful storytelling that perfectly aligns with Stake’s mission.”
Robbie Benadie, demand creation specialist at Fourteen10, said Man of Many’s role as a cultural publisher made it a natural fit.
“Man of Many is a rising force in the Australian media landscape. Their position as a leading cultural voice makes them a natural partner for this launch. By tapping into their storytelling expertise, we are able to amplify Stake’s mindset nationwide and bring our message to life beyond traditional channels.”
Stake opens applications for ten thousand dollar ambition grants
Beyond the documentary series, Stake is now backing additional Australians with ten thousand dollar grants designed to remove financial friction and inspire action.
Participants enter by sharing their ambition publicly on social media and tagging @hellostake. The entry mechanic is intentionally simple, with Stake positioning the declaration itself as the first step in building momentum.
Ambition Project applications are open until 11.59pm AEDT Friday 13 March 2026.