Image: Mark Molesworth & Mark Sowerby
Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Mark Sowerby has provided insights into his experiences in investing in start-ups at the “Invest in the future – Sunshine Coast Start-ups” event hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast and BDO this week.
The event was held both in Noosa and Brightwater and attracted over 200 invited guests to hear from Mark Molesworth from BDO about tax benefits for investing in early stage innovation companies, and Mark Sowerby’s insights into experiences with investing in start-ups from a venture capitalist point of view.
RDA Sunshine Coast CEO Darrell Edwards said he was confident in the global talent in the Sunshine Coast start-up ecosystem.
“The next generation of global start-up companies can be born here on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, many companies with origins on the Sunshine Coast are already competing in the global marketplace,” he commented.
“It is a National, State and Regional imperative that we innovate and build businesses that generate global revenues but create local jobs.”
Bernard Salt recently announced the “Sunshine Coast is the Entrepreneurship Capital of Australia” and that “big things are happening”. Mark Sowerby – Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, recently commented on ABC radio that “QLD is the home of start-ups” and “great people are making things happen”.
The theme of the day was connecting Sunshine Coast investors with start-ups investment opportunities from the Sunshine Coast. Feedback from venture capitalists said it was one of the best investment events they have attended on the Sunshine Coast.
Over the course of the day attendees heard from a number of start-ups that demonstrated innovation and creativity on the Sunshine Coast. Noosa Pitch Competition winner Aussie Curls pitched for breakfast attendees, and the lunch was followed by the Innovation Centre’s Pitch for Investment Competition. Entrepreneurs pitched to investors and invited guests at one of the largest pitch competitions in Queensland.
All ten businesses were investment ready, with Tiltsta taking first place, Super Transparent second, and Wazlo third.
Mr Edwards encouraged Sunshine Coast business owners and investors to be aware of the start-up momentum and groundswell occurring in their own backyard – so they don’t miss the opportunities presented by the region’s talented entrepreneurs.
