A CALL OUT TO AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST START-UPS

Media release

October 22, 2012

A CALL OUT TO AUSTRALIA’S HOTTEST START-UPS

The Advance Innovation Program

Applications open from November 5 to December 7, 2012

An opportunity to be mentored, make invaluable connections and experience Silicon Valley from the inside is now available to 25 of Australia’s hottest start ups selected for the Advance Innovation Program running for the second year in 2013 with entries open from November 5, 2012.

The Advance Innovation Program has been established to assist innovative, globally ambitious start-ups tap into the experience and knowledge of Australians abroad.  It is the only program open to Australian start-ups that includes a trip to Silicon Valley and Los Angeles to attend a forum with top tier venture capitalists including leading incubators, accelerators and investors. 

Candidates operating in a range of industry sectors are encouraged to apply.  Entrants must demonstrate a working prototype, and have clarity around their business model in terms of revenue, customers and distribution.  As well as being focused and passionate they must demonstrate a clear competitive advantage.

Wynbox, a ratio buying shopping site, was one of the Australian companies selected for the 2012 program. Damien Cantelo, Co-Founder said ‘the experience and knowledge gained has enabled us to present the company in a more comprehensive manner, resulting in us successfully closing a sizeable round of funding from Australian investors on our return.‘

Program entries will close on December 7 and 25 start-ups will be selected to join an impressive lineup of entrepreneurs, innovators and creative thinkers for five heady days at the Innovation Summit in the USA – two in LA followed by three in Silicon Valley. Each start-up will also benefit from one on one mentoring with a successful Australian based in Silicon Valley.

According to the Advance CEO, Serafina Maiorano, “Advance brings with it the brain power of a huge network of global Australians who are able to share their expertise and connections to benefit Australian entrepreneurs. Companies will leave the Innovation Program inspired to build successful global start-ups and with the know how and connections to do so.”

Prior to the summit, three workshops will be held in Australia to streamline pitches, feedback from experienced Australian entrepreneurs and investors and head into the zone of international entrepreneurialism.  Post summit, select investor-ready entrepreneurs will return to showcase their companies to potential investors.

For information about the Advance Innovation Program visit the website http://advance.org/innovation-program-2013-homepage

Key dates:

ENDS

For further information or interview opportunities, please contact Phoebe Jackson at Stellar* Concepts on 02 9281 8000, 0410 323 396 or phoebe@stellar.net.au

ABOUT ADVANCE

Advance is the leading global community of Australians and alumni abroad, with a growing membership of over 20,000 in 90 countries.

Advance forges connections with the one million Australians in our diaspora, drawing on their experience and networks to open doors and opportunities for Australia, Australian companies and Australians around the globe.

We are devoted to the exchange of knowledge, connections and ideas to: inspire and empower other global Australians to succeed in the world; build entrepreneurial Australian companies globally; grow global career opportunities for global Australians; and create opportunities to be a ‘brain resource’ for Australia.

Advance is a not-for-profit organisation, and headquartered in New York City, with further offices in Hong Kong, London and San Francisco.

Advance is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, with further support from corporate partners and donors.

Advance receives funding support from the Australian Government.