Following a rigorous two-phase selection process, six local startups will receive seed-funding and backing through our accelerator program, Plus Eight, running for the next three months before graduating during West Tech Fest with our infamous Demo Night. Since its inception, the Plus Eight program has invested $1.48M to date, and graduating startups have received $10M in follow-on investments, creating a $81M portfolio valuation.
The six selected startups are working on world-changing ideas, and supporting the local economy to be well-positioned in a post-pandemic world. With the support of local mentors, including alumni from The Uno Group, uDrew, SpacetoCo and Hey Lady alongside industry professionals at Woodside and BetterLabs, these business leaders have been hustling, pivoting and working on their ideas tirelessly, and will continue to do so as we reach the final weeks before Demo Night.
Companies receiving funding in the program include Snackr, The Tooth Market, Tender Relief, Ready Team One, IDEA Academy, and Wolfit Box.
“It’s been exciting getting to know all of the cohort startups from such diverse industries and backgrounds.” Rob Affleck, Innovation Engagement Manager at Woodside Energy shared. “I was joined by mentors from Woodside’s Digital, New Energy, and Robotics teams and we all learned a lot about the emerging consumer trends that these businesses are looking to address.”
James Edwards, RAC General Manager Strategic Innovation, shared that by partnering with Plus Eight each year, they are exposed to incredible WA startups. “Each year we partner with the Plus Eight program, we are exposed to an amazing cohort of founder-led WA start-ups and this year is no different. The six startups who have made it into the final phase of the program reflect the health of a growing and thriving WA innovation ecosystem that BetterLabs is very happy to play an important part in.”
Contributing to solutions for the future of work, Snackr are reinventing the experience for attendees at live events, and have recently secured partnerships with Blundstone Arena, Banana Social and The Block Party in Fremantle. Ready Team One is developing the latest interactive Virtual Reality technologies to make entertainment and training engaging, and IDEA Academy is working with young innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives to assist in the full flywheel effect.
Tender Relief are helping small businesses create and submit better tenders as they work with Government to provide long-term solutions instead of one off investments, The Tooth Market have revolutionised dentistry with their interactive dental diagnosis platform, and Wolfit Box has created a delivery service for healthy, human-grade meal plans made especially for your dog.
“The Plus Eight final cohort this year are all building inspiring companies and addressing real societal issues around education, health, human connection, purpose and more.” Kylie Gerrard, Plus Eight Program Lead shared. “These founders are finding new ways to look at old problems, many of which have been magnified through the pandemic, and it is exciting to be a part of their journey to see their ideas come to fruition in a way that will positively impact the broader community both now and into the future.”
These are the six startups who might just change the world, and impact our community for the better.
