Whilst WA was cut off from the rest of the world, venture capitalist and private investment in local early-stage tech-focused companies doubled compared to the last financial year and this growth is set to increase with new investment opportunities forming the core focus of this year’s West Tech Fest.
West Tech Fest is a week-long annual festival for the Western Australian startup and tech community providing opportunities to connect with and hear from global leaders as they share insights into how to scale up successful businesses.
And this year, there’s real money on the table as well.
The investment opportunities on offer include a $50,000 SAFE note from Woodside Energy for the winners of Round One of the Australian Regional Finals of Extreme Tech Challenge; up to $100,000 in seed funding for successful participants in our Plus Eight Accelerator Program; and up to $100,000 equity investment for tech businesses who attend any West Tech Fest event throughout the week via the West Tech Fest Investor Network.
Also launching this year, Spacecubed is running an Investor Office Hours series, where participants can meet with potential investors directly to discuss what you are currently working on, get their feedback on your specific business challenges and discover new opportunities available.
“COVID-19 drastically reduced the barriers to connect with investors and funders from across the world, and local founders and startups are no longer bound geographically” Brodie McCulloch, Founder and Managing Director of Spacecubed shared. “Through WTF Office Hours Program, we’re able to bridge the gap between investors and local founders giving them the chance to have direct and open conversations about their ideas, businesses and find new opportunities.”
West Tech Fest, with events held across Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island, hosts inspiring panel discussions, investor sessions, hackathons, pitching competitions, live music and networking opportunities with tech leaders and investors from the US, UK, and Australia. Key speakers for 2021 include Sam Kroonenburg (CEO & founder of A Cloud Guru), Ruth Hatherly (CEO & Founder of MoneyCatcha), Stephen Cornish (Managing Director & Co-Founder of Pentanet), Tracey Plowman (COO of Bamboo) and many more.
Bill Tai, venture capitalist and co-founder of West Tech Fest, says the growth of the festival is contributing to new successes for the local tech and startup communities.
“I’m delighted to see West Tech grow to become the premier gathering in Western Australia for the 'new economy' emerging around technology and sustainability. Digital reach is amplifying the connectivity and support of the in-person community of entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, sustainability and regulatory people that gather each year in the sunshine of Perth. I’m looking forward to seeing what great companies emerge from this event.”
Celebrating its 10th year in 2021, the festival has grown a strong global network and profile thanks to its partnerships with the City of Perth, Woodside Energy, ACTAI Global, Freo Start Up Fest, Spacecubed, Radium Capital, and the Extreme Tech Challenge.
“Our partners share our vision of connecting local startups with networks that can help them scale globally from Perth. We all want to see a vibrant and diversified economic future for the state” said Curtin University’s Director of Commercialisation and co-founder of West Tech Fest Rohan McDougall.
West Tech Fest will take place this year from 6 – 10 December. Tickets to West Tech Fest’s program of events are now on sale at www.westtechfest.com.au.
