OPTUS BUSINESS KICK-STARTS FINTECH INNOVATION WITH START-UP HUB STONE & CHALK

Optus Business to deliver Internet, Managed Security and Wi-Fi services to dynamic new venture.

Optus Business has announced it is the founding communications partner for exciting new fintech start-up hub Stone & Chalk, a Sydney-based, not-for-profit Innovation Centre that houses 41 fintech start-ups.

Optus Business will supply ICT services to a 2300 square metre collaborative facility in Bridge Street, Sydney delivering Internet, managed security and managed Wi-Fi technology and services.

John Paitaridis, Managing Director, Optus Business said: “Innovation and responding to change is a critical challenge for all Australian businesses to ensure they adapt to changing customer needs and market forces. This is particularly true for emerging fintech companies. We are delighted to partner with Stone & Chalk to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the Australian fintech sector and support local start-ups.”

Alex Scandurra, CEO of Stone & Chalk said: “We are excited to welcome Optus Business as our founding communications partner. Working with some of Australia’s largest financial services and technology companies means Optus understands our market, the broader financial ecosystem and its demand for constant innovation. We are looking forward to working with the team on our technology and services requirements and supporting our promising start-ups, by either supplying best in breed ICT services, or through access to key Optus specialists, technology leaders, partners and mentors.”

The engagement underlines Optus’ continued commitment and investment in start-ups and innovation in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Optus Business supports The Ventura co-working space for women-led start-ups.

In addition, through Optus and Singtel’s venture capital business innov8, Optus supports co-working spaces like Fishburners, and start-up accelerators including BlueChilli and Pollenizer.

Stone & Chalk houses start-ups from superannuation to predictive data analytics, distributed ledger, wearables, peer-to-peer lending and equity crowd funding.

These companies are also at various stages of growth, from established businesses to more early stage start-ups. A full list of start-ups and corporate partners can be found here.

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Media contacts

Steve Batten

Optus Corporate Affairs
T: (02) 8082 7850