Australian start-ups seeking funding would be forgiven for casting envious glances over to the US where, despite ongoing economic woes, investors haven’t stopped doling out the cash.
The figures are stark. In the last financial year, Australian venture capitalists invested $120.6 million in 76 companies. By contrast, American VCs forked out $8.4 billion in the third quarter of this year alone.
Of course, the US is the world’s leading start-up market, with a population, funds and legacy that dwarfs Australia.
But is there also a key cultural difference at play too? Do US investors take risks that Aussies shy away from, to the detriment of local start-ups?
Today, we speak to some key industry players to take the temperature of Australia’s VC market, as well as provide some handy tips on how to prise money out of sceptical investors.
Elsewhere, we have news of yet another new co-working space, we profile promising funding platform Project PowerUp and mentor Adam Ferrier explains how to decide upon your new business’ name.
