Last night marked the culmination of the 2024 Plus Eight Accelerator program, as we celebrated at our exclusive Demo Night at the iconic Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth. With a sold-out audience of over 400 investors, industry leaders, and startup supporters, the evening was a testament to the creativity and determination of this year’s cohort of innovators and changemakers.
The event featured seven groundbreaking startups from this year’s program, which has successfully allocated $1.2 million in seed funding to help these innovative businesses scale and thrive. To kick off the evening, Plus Eight Program Lead, Kirsty Packer highlighted the remarkable progress these startups have made since they began their journey through the program earlier this year. The energy in the room was palpable as she talked about their incredible growth, and the impact of the mentorship and resources provided.
Following this, we heard from guest speakers, Aaliyah Nestoridis, Member for the North Metropolitan Region, Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, A/CEO of Spacecubed, Ophelie Cutier, and Entrepreneur in Residence, Dr Marcus Tan, who introduced each startup onto the stage to present their transformative solutions, captivating the audience with their visionary pitches.
As each of the founders took the spotlight, the audience was treated to a diverse range of ideas and solutions. From iyarn’s comprehensive health software that integrates data from wearable technology to Edible Cutlery’s eco-friendly mission to combat single-use plastic, the presentations reflected the creativity and passion that drives these local entrepreneurs.
Shout out to our amazing 2024 Accelerator cohort, including:
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Simplafy: A wellbeing platform empowering teams to be proactive about their health through evidence-based content.
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Shiine Media: A dynamic solution allowing clients to integrate their ads seamlessly onto LED displays.
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Day Work Book: An app that replaces paper-based day workbooks for construction subcontractors, streamlining operations.
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iyarn: A health software platform that aggregates health metrics for comprehensive patient insights.
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Coursebox: An AI-driven course creator that simplifies online course development.
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Edible Cutlery: Eco-friendly cutlery aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable eating habits.
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Multi-Coached: A therapeutic platform providing targeted occupational therapy solutions for young people.
Throughout the course of the six-month seed-funded program, the cohort benefited from a range of resources, including weekly masterclasses, mentorship from industry experts, and an international immersion trip to London, where they connected with global investors and explored new market opportunities.
The Plus Eight Accelerator has been instrumental in nurturing local startups since its inception in 2017. With a total investment of $3.7 million to date and an impressive portfolio valuation exceeding $150 million, the program continues to stand as a cornerstone of the innovation ecosystem in Australia.
A huge thank you to our program partners, including the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, BetterLabs, Woodside Energy, VICI Ventures, Sherkane Pty Ltd, Hawaiian, CFC Group, adapt, K&L Gates, and DFK Gooding Partners. Your unwavering support and commitment to nurturing our local startups are invaluable in creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
As we look to the future, the Plus Eight team is eager to continue nurturing the growth of startups and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. If you’re a high-growth startup interested in applying for our 2025 program, expressions of interest are now open. Learn more and express your interest here!
