OPTUS-INNOV8 SEED NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS ALL YEAR ROUND

From today, tech innovators around Australia can now apply for funds, resources and support all year round from Optus-Innov8 Seed, an early-stage investment collaboration between Optus and SingTel Innov8.

This change from a bi-yearly application model, along with showcase events for startups launching in December 2013, will provide more chances for entrepreneurs to get a leg up that could shoot them into startup stardom.

Open for business all year round
With an application process now open throughout the year, innovators around the country can apply for funding when they’re ready.

Peter Huynh, Director, Optus-Innov8 Seed said, “Through feedback from the startup community, we’re evolving the Optus-Innov8 Seed model to offer support to startups when they need it.”

“Early-stage entrepreneurs have immediate needs for funding and support. Now we’re open all year long, startups now have the freedom to approach us when the timing is right for them.”

Bringing the startup ecosystem closer
Forming networks and relationships is crucial to hitting the big time, so Optus-Innov8 Seed is launching a series of showcase events to help startups meet key industry players. Bringing early-stage startups together with corporates, investors and fellow innovators in a casual setting will look to spark some useful connections that could lead to partnerships, investments and future opportunities.

Peter said, “In working with early-stage startups over the last 18 months, we’ve really come to understand their priorities. The Optus-Innov8 Seed showcase events aim to get key industry players together to connect and hopefully form fruitful business relationships. The reality is that for startups, customers and partners are just as important as funding.”

“There are already some fantastic incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces in Australia. We think the best way Optus can contribute is to provide opportunities for the community to come together.”

The showcase events will commence in December this year, with each focusing on specific investment themes. The first will look at how the new digital age of innovation impacts the way we learn.

121cast and VenueMob move forward with Optus-Innov8 Seed
Two startups going places are 121cast and VenueMob, both supported by Optus Innov8 Seed.

• 121cast recently launched Omny, reinventing radio by delivering a personalised audio feed for listening on the go.
• VenueMob, a startup that gives party people the power to find, compare and book functions, has expanded to include hundreds of venue partners in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Peter continued, “121cast and VenueMob are both examples of great local startups that have gone to the next level and we’re proud to be with them on the journey. When they’re ready to expand overseas, we’ll be able to help them through our relationship with the SingTel Group and our startup support initiatives throughout Asia.”

More information and application details can be found at the new website – www.optusinnov8seed.com

Media contacts:

Danny Wong

Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850