Welcome to all of the new subscribers that have joined us!
It’s been a quiet week in the Australian Startup ecosystem as we see people slowly return to work from their extended summer breaks. I personally have been bed bound for the week with the flu catching up on a year’s worth of TV and reading before things get busy!
For a window into my mind, here’s what was on this week’s viewing list (no judgement 😂)
TV: American Primeval, Squid Game 2, Silo, Beast Games
Films: Dune 2, Midnight’s Children
Books: Midnight’s Children, Atomic Habits
Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of REAL stuff to read about this week as well!
Australian open fever is currently encapsulating the country, as the eyes of the sporting world are focussed on Melbourne. We’re featuring the 7 global Startups that have recently been added to the AO accelerator in our Startup segment.
I’m also launching a new partner program, helping you to unlock exclusive promotions from some of the leading Startup service providers. Helping you to save money while you build your business! Scroll down to see the announcement of our first partner. Plus, there’s our first detailed event and opportunity wrap of the year as we start to see the Innovation ecosystem awake from its hibernation.
Yours always,
Dickie
Top headlines from the week
The Federal Government officially released its National Autism Strategy
The 7-year strategy aims to enhance the lives of the 290,000 Australians with an autism diagnosis, acknowledging that the actual number of autistic Australians is likely much higher. The strategy comprises of 22 commitments, and the government has pledged $42.3 million to kick start the first phase.
Thanks to Holly Fowler - Founder of Wable - A social networking app that fosters meaningful connections between neurodivergent people - for bringing this to our attention. You can read more about what that means for the Innovation sector on Holly’s LinkedIn post.
Oho wins 5 year deal to provide safeguarding services for the Australian Open
Oho, Australia’s award-winning screening technology, has won a five-year deal to provide safeguarding services to future Australian Opens in addition to Tennis Australia’s year-round programs across the country. Oho has also been selected to be part of the AO Startups Program which accelerated the uptake of the Oho platform as Tennis Australia’s selected safeguarding tool. Coaches, officials, athlete services and event management teams will all be covered by Oho’s accreditation screening and ongoing verification capability under the contract.
Read more about this through on this recent press release from Oho.
E-commerce marketing company Rokt hits a valuation of $5.6 billion
This follows a recent $510 million secondary share sale, allowing employees and early investors to cash out. The secondary sale included participation from existing investors such as Square Peg and Wellington Management, reflecting strong confidence in Rokt's growth trajectory. Rokt is trusted by 30,000+ of the world’s leading ecommerce brands and advertisers, including Uber, GoDaddy and Ticketmaster.
7 Startups that caught our eye this week
In typical “the tennis is on” fever, this week we’re featuring the 7 Startups that were added to the AO Startups program last week.
Companies participating in AO StartUps are provided the opportunity to prove their business models in real time and directly access proprietary intel and exposure at one of the world’s largest sport and entertainment events. The creation of AO StartUps follows the launch of Tennis Australia’s Venture Capital fund, Wildcard Ventures, and its multi-year partnership with global accelerator powerhouse, Techstars which has recently secured nearly $49 million in its first funding round. The fund aims to invest in approximately 20 startups focusing on sport, entertainment, media, and health.
1. Volta (UK)
Volta's technology transforms any stage, stream, or screen into a globally interactive experience, effortlessly integrating audience engagement into your app or website.
Read more about Volta here
2. Oho (Australia)
Australia's award-winning automation technology for initial and ongoing screening in care and community. It’s the smartest, fastest, and most secure way to screen, prevent compliance breaches, and strengthen safeguarding.
Read more about Oho here
3. exar.live (UK):
Redefining the entertainment viewing experience with its state of the art real-time data transport and display engine.
Check out what Exar.live are doing on this LinkedIn post
4. INTIX (Australia):
Australia's largest independent provider of sports ticketing solutions with a product tailor-made for sport, whilst also supporting a diverse range of other events.
Read more about Intix here
5. Foodini (Australia):
A mobile app helping anyone with dietary needs, food allergies or personal food preferences to find the right food for them in a quick and easy way.
Read more about Foodini here
6. Scala Sports (Netherlands):
Scala Sports builds innovative apps for racquet sports associations, focusing on increasing recreational player engagement and participation.
Read more about Scala Sports here
7. Lumi (Australia):
Lumi.Media was founded by TV producers who knew there was a better way for teams to work together. Designed especially for the TV, entertainment and sports content industry, Lumi’s powerful visual software makes end-to-end production faster, easier and better.
Follow their journey here
Events to watch out for
The casual event circuit is slowly waking up from its January slumber, but there’s still plenty of big things on the horizon to get excited about. Here’s what’s on our agenda:
- 22 January - Melbourne - The Great Debate - Doctors Vs Lawyers: Who Will A.I. Replace First?
An electrifying debate where elite minds clash over AI's most burning question: Will your next diagnosis come from an AI, or will algorithms be the ones objecting in court?
- 29 January - Online - Founder and Mentor Mixer
Join the team at ACS Labs for a virtual Founder & Mentor Mixer where you can troubleshoot your business challenges with experienced mentors and entrepreneurs!
- 6 February - Sydney - Founders' Roadmap: Unlocking Your Pre-Accelerator Pathway
You will hear from a panel of early-stage founders who have completed a pre-accelerator program, and get insights and tips on navigating the early-stage founder journey!
You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from Scalare Partners, Remarkable Tech, Blackbird VC, and Startmate.
- 12 February - Sydney - Build Club Product Hunt Launch Party
Join us for an evening of celebrating AI and the official launch of the Build Club AI platform
- 20 February - Sydney - Investors Pitch and Panel night
The legends at Startup & Angels are hosting their pitch night 2025. Jump on the link to apply to pitch or grab your ticket to attend.
- 4-6 March - Adelaide - SouthStart
A community offsite for founders, investors, and those who champion and create change. Designed to help you pause, connect, and embrace serendipity in a world that never stops.
- 10-16 March - Sydney - Climate Action Week
A series of community-led events across Sydney from all aspects of the climate action ecosystem
- 22-24 April - Bangkok - Money 20/20 Asia
Money20/20 is the world's leading, premium content, sales and networking platform for the global money ecosystem. Join its second Asian event in April.
Grab your ticket here, using the code DIC200 at checkout for USD$200 off
- 13-14 May - Melbourne - Digital Health Festival
DHF brings together 8,000+ senior execs for two frenetic days of learning, networking, and fun.
Opportunities
San Francisco Landing Pad's February Intake
This program helps Australian startups expanding into the US market. It is co-designed by a team that has raised $500M+ in capital and scaled businesses from $0 to $50M+ in revenue.
Lodge your EOI before 2 Feb here
NSW Going Global Program - Health to the USA
Eligible businesses can apply to this program for free support to export health products and services to the USA. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025.
Read more about the program here
CSIRO’s Gap Blitz Program
Is your startup experiencing barriers to success? Would your startup benefit from customised coaching? Break free from what's holding you back and blitz those gaps! Express interest in CSIRO's 12 week Gap Blitz Program and get notified when detailed applications open January 2025. Gap Blitz commences 24 Feb 2025.
Apply here before 2 Feb
Critical Technologies Challenge Program Round 2
Secure up to $5.5 million in funding to develop solutions to critical challenges in biosecurity, transport, energy and First Nations health, using quantum technologies. Applications close 26 February 2025.
Read more here
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Until next time!
