The organisers behind SydStart have decided to turn their focus in 2016, excited about tapping into Victoria’s strong startup ecosystem with the newly-unveiled StartCon.
The announcement was made by Philip Dalidakis, Minister for Small Business Innovation and Trade, and Freelancer.com CEO Matt Barrie at the SydStart conference at Sydney’s Town Hall last month.
“Freelancer.com’s decision to move Australia’s biggest startup tech conference to Melbourne highlights Victoria’s reputation as the number one tech destination in Australia,” said Mr Dalidakis.
Since debuting in 2009, the conference has developed a reputation for attracting top investors and mentors, with a program that boasts line-ups of Australian and international speakers, expos, pitch competitions, hackathons, conferences and workshops.
Confident in his decision to move the conference further south, Mr Barrie didn’t shy away from expressing his excitement about the move to Melbourne.
“We have seen a lot of success with companies coming out of Victoria and Melbourne is definitely primed to be the new hotbed for the startup and tech scene,” he said.
To boost the startup scene and ensure businesses stay and grow in Victoria, the Labor state government has committed a $60 million startup initiative.
“We are very appreciative of the support shown by the Victorian government,” said Mr Barrie.
“Not only will it be the biggest startup conference in the country but across the whole Asia-Pacific region.”