The Victoria state government has launched Startup Victoria, a not-for-profit, member-based organisation which promotes business support for high-growth technology start-ups..
Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said Startup Victoria aims to accelerate the State’s technology startup ‘ecosystem’ that includes investors, technology hubs, government and legal and business services.
Rich-Phillips said the government had provided $100,000 in seed funding for Startup Victoria as part of its commitment to a strong and innovative ICT technology sector.
High technology start-ups have particular needs that distinguish them from many other businesses while also having capacity to make a major contribution to the economic and cultural life of our society,” Rich-Phillips said.
“New technology companies have to deal with a wide range of issues, including sourcing venture capital, managing fast growth, risk/return ratios, decision-making, corporate and industry culture, product development, distribution and marketing.
“Startup Victoria will work with startup clusters across the state to bring together the people, networks and resources needed to help technology entrepreneurs handle these issues and position their ventures for sustainable growth.”
Startup Victoria has more than 120 volunteers, a board of four, as well as three initial investors and a member database of around 3500.
Prior to the formation of Startup Victoria, these volunteers presented the Lean Startup Melbourne events. These popular monthly events will continue to be delivered by Startup Victoria, focusing on specific topics and featuring high profile international and local speakers.
Startup Victoria events in 2014 will include major conferences and workshops in areas such as fundraising, marketing and customer acquisition, and Hackathon events.
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“Startup Victoria will play a very significant role in bringing together the critical mass of knowledge, investment, skills and networks that help translate innovative ideas into thriving new businesses,” Rich-Phillips said.
