Hi everyone,
Our Machine Learning and AI Pitch Night is just around the corner and the four finalists have emerged - they are: Amelie AI, Businest, AiHello, and C-Sight. Looking forward to seeing everyone next week at Inspire9 Footscray at the Dream Factory!
With all the excitement surrounding the upcoming pitch night, it is worth mentioning that we are currently accepting applications for the MedTech / HealthTech Pitch Night on August 29th. Be sure to apply if you are a startup in this space!
Now - let's take a deep breath and join us for a series of Meditation Mondays across various co-working spaces near you - WorkClub, Inspire9, YBF, Hub Southern Cross and One Roof. Email us at contact@startupvictoria.com.au if you want to host one at your space too!
AI Startup Spotlight: Snobal
The Snobal team is pictured above. Co-Founders Ann Nolan (first from left) and Murray James (Snobal t-shirt) started the company in September 2014.
How successful we are at building our built environments - whether for the cities or industry of the future - is vital for strong and engaged economies. Yet currently the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector is one of the least digitised industries. In fact, according to a report by McKinsey & Company, 2016, construction projects tend to be 80% over budget and take 20% longer to finish than scheduled, costing time and money. The primary cause of loss in productivity and capital is the use of paper-based processes that don’t support real time decision making or collaboration.
Enter Snobal, a Melbourne based virtual reality company building VR Tools specifically for the AEC industry and with a focus on helping build things better.
Snobal VR Tools, with the help of IBM Watson's Deep Learning AI, enable engineers and designers not only to design, but also test and measure their design using VR before the physical build commences, providing a radical new work methodology for fast iterative and tested design processes.
“Why try to put people on the same page when building complex built environments when you can put them in the same space?” says co-founder & CEO, Murray James.
“Our VR Tools enable designers to collaborate with stakeholders and end users in a way that makes their input instrumental in the design process, thereby enabling faster results and more effective design outcomes. And through our integration of the Deep Learning AI, IBM Watson we are creating cognitive systems that will help engineers and designers create new products and services that respond better to the demands of end users - or even anticipate their needs. It’s exciting stuff!”
Founded in 2014 by Murray James and Ann Nolan, Snobal is an alumni of the HTC ViveX Global Accelerator program and a member of the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program.
To learn more, visit http://snobal.io/
Community Spotlight: Mohsen Kalantari
Mohsen Kalantari is a senior lecturer at the Department of Infrastructure Engineering, the University of Melbourne. He teaches Building Information Modelling and undertakes research in the digital engineering of built environment.
What we think is even more exciting: Mohsen has also recently broken into the entrepreneurial scene! He is currently sitting as interim CEO of an early stage machine-learning startup called Faramoon.
Founded in 2016 and based in Melbourne, Faramoon is for people dealing with 3D laser scanners and point clouds to put their feet up and let Faramoon’s proprietary technology to automatically interpret point clouds and extract useful information from them. Faramoon currently addresses the surveying and mapping industry by automating the industry’s processes using its technology that is 50 to 100 times quicker than the current manual process.
Faramoon’s founding members include Mohsen, Steven Chau and Don Withanage which have complementary technical skills. Through completing the University of Melbourne’s Translating Research at Melbourne (TRaM) program, the founding members are equipped with the mentorship, methodologies and knowledge necessary for this commercial venture.
When he's not lecturing or working on Faramoon, you may catch Mohsen playing soccer, singing and watching movies that picture historic events. Be sure to introduce yourself to Mohsen at StartupVic's Machine Learning / AI Pitch Night, where he will be showcasing Faramoon in the Startup Marketplace during the networking hour.
To get in touch with Mohsen, email him at mohsen.kalantari@unimelb.edu.au or at mohsen@faramoon.io
StartupVic Featured Events
StartupVic Machine Learning / AI Pitch Night
Artificial intelligence is one of the most untapped areas of expertise among Australian entrepreneurs; while 30% of Australia’s startup supporters focus on the Artificial Intelligence industry, less than 7% of today’s founders are developing ideas in the AI space. At Machine Learning / AI Pitch Night, we will hear from 4 amazing startups within this industry, pitching for $150,000 worth of prizes.
When: 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Inspire 9 Footscray at the Dream Factory
It Starts with Me: Diversity & Inclusion
Startup Victoria takes very seriously the opportunity for all founders including female founders to have the opportunity to have access to capital and opportunities based on the merit of their business. In light of recent developments, Startup Victoria has put together an expert panel to address strategies for inclusion, diversity and leadership for the future of investment in startups.
When: 2 August, 9am
Where: One Roof Melbourne
What's Up San Fran?
The San Francisco Bay area is widely recognised as the epicentre of global technology innovation. Presented by Austrade Landing Pad San Francisco and Startup Victoria, this evening is about deep diving into the San Fran Startup Ecosystem and the benefits of scaling your businesses into that region.
When: 4 August, 5.30pm
Where: The Cluster
Fireside Chat with Deliveroo x MYOB
Startup Victoria and MYOB are delighted to present a Fireside Chat with Levi Aron, Australia's Country Manager for food delivery giant Deliveroo and Jane Betschel, Head of Product Marketing & Customer Acquisition for MYOB. Join us as Levi and Jane discuss some of the most important lessons they've gained from being a crucial part of a rocketship startup.
When: 9 August, 6pm
Where: MYOB Richmond
Community Events
FuckUp Nights July - Melbourne
Welcome to FuckUp Nights Melbourne! This month we're returning to Inspire9 Richmond to where it all began for our 1-year anniversary. Each month speakers will be invited to talk about their FuckUp stories; we’ll learn about their biggest mistakes, what they learned & how they moved on.
When: 20 July, 6pm
Where: Inspire9 Richmond
How do you study entrepreneurship? Facebook Live Q&A
Wade Institute is having a Facebook LIVE Q&A this Thurs Jul 20th 6pm with expert faculty from the Master of Entrepreneurship Kwang Hui Lim and Jodie Imam who’ll be talking about their learning-by-doing model. Tune in live on Facebook @thewadeinstitute http://bit.ly/2t9Z3c0
When: 20 July, 6pm
Where: Facebook
How to Run a Guerrilla Usability Test
Do you want feedback on your prototype/website fast? Learn about research to reduce bias in your approach? Understand how to gather and apply valuable insights? If so, this FREE practical workshop by UX and Psychology Melbourne is for you!
When: 20 July, 6pm
Where: MYOB Innovation HUB
Popup Cafe Coworking
Cowork with other like-minded business people and entrepreneurs in a cafe. Coworking is a growing trend and here's one way to gain the benefits of networking and working. We meet in a cafe, determine our priorities for the session and smash out work and support each other.
When: 20 July, 12pm
Where: Main Street, Mornington
Should I get my Genome Sequenced?
Topics for discussion: How much information can personal healthcare and lifestyle advisors glean from your DNA? Who can access your genome information & use for research? Risks around privacy, Effect on health insurance premiums & accessibility, and Societal value versus personal value.
When: 20 July, 5.30pm
Where: Royal Melbourne Hospital
VR / AR Playdate
Ever wanted to soar like an eagle, dodge bullets in slow motion, explore the deep blue yonder, or be Batman? Come down to our campus with your friends as we host an exciting VR and AR demo night and learn how you can also create these experiences with the help of our awesome staff!
When: 20 July, 6pm
Where: TwoSpace Fitzroy
Free webinar Be-come an Agile Innovator
In just 45 minutes explore and define what innovation agility means, why it is one of the most important attributes to cultivate & how to cultivate it to be-come a successful innovator.
When: 21 July, 7am
Where: Online
Recruiting for Startups 101
Making the right or wrong hires in your startup can make or break your company. For this reason, recruiting is the most common recurring challenge faced by startups. This Friday, Ellis Taylor is coming in to YBF to tackle this problem and teach you how to hire well for the long term.
When: 21 July, 12.30pm
Where: York Butter Factory
Launch into Service Design
We’ve condensed key learning outcomes into an intensive 1-day bootcamp – equipping you with some of the tools, knowledge and understanding of Service Design. With your well-rounded, industry-relevant skill-set; you’ll be ready to take on the dynamic world of Service Design!
When: 22 July, 9am
Where: 23/303 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Discount Code: ownit17
Data Visualisation for Beginners
This class is an introduction to data visualisation techniques and tools for describing, analyzing, and communicating data in a business setting.
When: 25 July, 6pm
Where: General Assembly
Leadership in The Digital Age Masterclass
In this interactive workshop, you’ll develop the building blocks to take your career to the next level in the digital age.
When: 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: General Assembly
Podcasting for Business: An Introduction
Ever thought about a podcast for your business but don't know where to start? Christina Canters of Podcast Services Australia is here to share all her secrets to launching and running a successful show that builds your brand, engages your audience and creates raving fans.
When: 25 July, 12.30pm
Where: Hub Southern Cross
Design Thinking Workshop
This hands-on workshop will lead you through the design thinking process, taught by design thinking professionals that live and breathe in this space.
When: 26 July, 6pm
Where: General Assembly
JinnoAM: Business Essentials for Accumulators
Some people are keen for their businesses to scale and sale. Others want to build a long lasting, sustainable business that will support them ongoing. Join us at this innoAM and learn from David Storey, business owner of the successful, international family business The Cartridge Family, TonerMar.
When: 26 July, 8.45am
Where: Eastern Innovation Business Centre
Public Sector Innovation Manager's Crash Course
This crash course is for innovation managers in the public sector who are either looking for an introduction to or a refresh in the fundamentals of public sector innovation.
When: 26 July, 9am
Where: Collective Campus
Tech and Health
At this exclusive panel event, we host thought-leaders from the health and medical industry to explore new intersections between their field and technology. Together, our speakers will discuss how they’ve been impacted by the rise of tech, ways they’ve adapted and innovated along the way, plus more.
When: 26 July, 6pm
Where: General Assembly Melbourne
The Foodies of Melbourne
By definition, a "foodie" is a person who doesn’t just take pleasure on eating food, but also value every aspects of it: taste, smell, and visual presentation. So, what makes a food worth the attention of a foodie? Join us as we learn the answers from some of the most well-known foodie catchers.
When: 26 July, 6pm
Where: WeTeachMe
Special International Blockchain Event - NEM Foundation
Next Money Melbourne with the Blockchain Melbourne Community will host the global leadership of NEM Foundation for this special event. NEM is currently ranked the top ten cryptocurrencies by market cap valued at around $1bn! Join us to learn about this blockchain technology at OneRoof, Southbank
When: 27 July, 6pm
Where: One Roof
Architecting Sales Funnels - Presented By Click Funnels #1 Global Affiliate
Stephen will be running an exclusive workshop on getting early traction: how to reverse engineer high performing sales funnels step by step to acquire customers for cents on the dollar.
When: 27 July, 6pm
Where: Social Garden - Abbotsford
CyRise National Roadshow and Cyber Security Fireside Chat
CyRise is a venture accelerator focused on early stage cyber security startups. Come and hear about the program offering from CEO Scott Handsaker, as well as a fascinating fireside chat with two cyber security experts. Food and drink provided.
When: 27 July, 6pm
Where: Inspire9, Richmond
EduGrowth Demo Day
EduGrowth invites you to join us as we celebrate the completion of our inaugural full time Accelerator program. After six months of hard work, growth and success, we are proud to showcase the achievements of Australia's first edtech accelerator teams.
When: 27 July, 6.30pm
Where: Hub Southern Cross
Festival of Failure
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford. Entertaining, inspirational and educational, the Festival of Failure de-stigmatises the notion of failure and shares a powerful message - that failure is not something to be feared!
When: 27 July, 3pm
Where: Engineers Australia
From Bricks & Mortar to Bricks & Clicks: A NORA | VESTA Webinar
Retailers and Suppliers must step up to the challenge of directly competing with Amazon and Alibaba. However, the costs associated with transitioning businesses from physical to digital are enormous. So, how do you get it done and survive to tell the story?
When: 27 July, 11.30am
Where: Online
Getting started with AI and Machine Learning, & Playing with Drones
Join us on 27th July for an evening of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Drones flying around the bar! ... and the first Early Bird Tickets for the BuzzConf Technology Festival will be on sale! Whooo!
When: 27 July, 6pm
Where: The Loop Bar
Introduction to Growth Hacking
Discover the ins and outs of growth hacking and how you can use it to optimise, distribute and promote your startup or small business.
When: 27 July, 6.30pm
Where: General Assembly
The Future of Talent & The New Workforce
Join General Assembly for The Future of Talent & The New Workforce — an event that explores how Melbourne’s top tech companies attract, train, and retain A-list digital talent.
When: 27 July, 6pm
Where: General Assembly
Usability in Product Design & Development
Learn effective methods to optimise the usability of products at any stage of the design and development process.
When: 27 July, 6.30pm
Where: General Assembly
Innovation Manager's Crash Course - Sydney
Over one day we will equip you with the mindsets, methodologies and tools you need to help you successfully navigate the minefield that is corporate innovation.
When: 28 July, 9am
Where: Haymarket HQ
So French End Of Month Party
This month we'll be celebrating at our end of month Wine Down party with a French twist. Bring your berets and baguettes for a fun filled night of celebrations for Bastille Day. We will be celebrating the best of French culture and the French national day with French food and drinks.
When: 28 July, 5pm
Where: Hub Southern Cross
Carbon Footprint Workshop
The workshop breaks down the big issues around Carbon emissions and climate change into bite-size chunks and guides you to cut your carbon footprint in practical ways that work for you. No preaching, just supporting you to take some action.
When: 29 July, 9.30am
Where: VU Metro West
Code in One Day: HTML & CSS Crash Course
Get into front-end web development quickly and easily. Dive head first into HTML & CSS, skill up with live coding exercises, and build a basic web page from scratch.
When: 29 July, 10am
Where: General Assembly
Launch into User Experience Design (Bootcamp)
Kicking off with problem identification, we will guide you through a hybrid approach to collaborative, Accelerated Design Thinking, Product Vision Exploration, Research Techniques, Feature Identification and prioritisation and how to translate your ideas into a lo-fi clickable mobile prototype.
When: 29 July, 9am
Where: Academy Xi
Discount Code: ownit2017
Run the World Conference
Run the World is a one-day conference for Australia's leading and up and coming female entrepreneurs, makers, creators, and innovators. Throughout the day you’ll hear the stories of 10 of Australia’s leading female entrepreneurs, who will leave you inspired and ready to run the world.
When: 29 July, 8am
Where: Melbourne (Venue TBC)
Unlock Your Creative Confidence
This workshop is designed to give you the skills and tools needed to get out of a creative funk and cultivate the confidence you need to start sharing your ideas.
When: 29 July, 10am
Where: General Assembly
An evening with IBM Global Director of Blockchain Labs - Nitin Gaur
Blockchain Centre is proud to host a world leading pioneer in the Blockchain for Enterprise sector, Mr. Nitin Gaur, IBM Global Director Blockchain Labs. Join us to hear about the Hyperledger project, Blockchain technology for developers, trends Nitin is observing locally and globally and the work IBM are engaged in with clients around the world.
When: 31 July, 6pm
Where: One Roof
Monday Meditation with Lululemon - Work Club
In the spirit of encouraging a more hollistic approach to our fast-paced startup lifestyle, join us for a 30-min meditation session - guided by Lululemon Emporium ambassador and meditation expert Victoria Brockfield on this Monday noon break at WorkClub Melbourne. Learn how to find your inner peace amongst the busy day-to-day lifestyle.
When: 31 July, 12pm
Where: Work Club Melbourne
Upcoming Events:
Aug 2: How To Create a Powerful Personal Brand
Aug 2: “Innovation is the only way to win.” Morning Seminar
Aug 2: Love and How It Defines Us
Aug 2: Popup Cafe Coworking (SE Melbourne / Mornington Peninsula)
Aug 3: Sentient Inception - Early Stage Pitch Night
Aug 5: Carbon Footprint Hackathon
Aug 5: DjangoGirls Melbourne
Aug 5: Sketch Technique Advance
Aug 7: Meditation Monday with Lululemon - Inspire9
Aug 9: Pivot: Change Your Business and Thrive
Aug 9: Successful Crowdfunding and Everything In-Between
Aug 10: Startupbootcamp hosts: Evening drinks and Networking
Aug 10: WADEx New Ideas Forum: Regional Startups
Aug 11: Innovation Manager's Crash Course - Melbourne
Aug 11: Peninsula Hack
Aug 11: Plan, Prepare, Protect & Prosper - help for small business
Aug 12: Launch into Service Design (Bootcamp)
Aug 14: Meditation Monday with Lululemon - York Butter Factory
Aug 16: Goal Setting and How to Do It Right
Aug 18: Design Thinking Crash Course
Aug 19: 14 Hour Startup
Aug 20: Open Day at the Wade Institute
Aug 23: Map & GA Present: Building a Culture of Excellence
Aug 23: Sex in Space, The Future Of Sex, Sexuality
Aug 23: So, You Want an App for your Business...
Aug 28: Meditation Monday with Lululemon - One Roof
Aug 29: Social Media Innovations – The Next Frontier
Aug 30: Creativity and Where It Comes From
Aug 30: Developing Effective Habits in Innovation
Aug 30: What Makes an Effective Corporate/Startup Partnership
Sep 1: Innovation as Competition: Australia’s Asian Future Summit 2017
Sep 6: Artificial Intelligence: Where Are We Headed?
Sep 13: How to Have A Successful Family Business
Sep 20: Life Is Too Short to Have A Bad Wine
Sep 27: Benefits of Newsletters And How To Make Them Efficient
Community News
Novita Healthcare Ltd has Acquired Newley
Listed healthtech company Novita Healthcare Ltd has raised $2.5m to support the acquisition of Newly, an online marketplace for aged care and disability support workers. The investment will be used to accelerate the development of Newly’s technology and services. The first new innovation will enable aged care and disability facility managers to go directly online to search Newly’s large and growing database of carers to find a real-time, quality assured match.
Founders Bill Mountford and Helen Kemp say that Newly is not a typical online disruptor. “In fact, we are shaking up the recent spate of start-ups in the aged care and disability support markets by revolutionising the way carers are screened and recruited.” Helen and Bill both have deep experience in public and private health sectors, especially in aged care.
They understand that providing care to an elderly person suffering from dementia or a young person with autism is very different to getting a ride across town in a stranger’s car. Helen, who will take on the CEO role said: “We are pleased to now focus on delivering market-leading service to our clients and our carers, while building the business to capture future opportunities.”
Rocket Seeder Food & Ag Start-up Program applications now open
Come along to one of our upcoming information nights and hear about the Rocket Seeder Food and Ag Start-up Program and our growing list of partners including the new Monash Food Incubator.
We help entrepreneurs right across the value chain from farm to fork, who are focusing on innovation in food and beverages, software and hardware, chemistry, equipment, packaging, new processes and new business models.
If you've got a food and ag business idea, or you're currently working on a food and ag start-up, and want to accelerate the development of your idea, come along to an information night and hear what our start-up program has to offer.
Apply Here!
The Economist Events' Innovation as Competition: Australia’s Asian Future Summit
The summit will bring together policymakers, leaders in regional and Australian business, academics and pioneering entrepreneurs for a frank debate about the role Australia can play in boosting Asia’s capacity for innovation. What can Australia learn from pioneering Asia-based entrepreneurs about how to capture value from some of the largest markets in the world?
Secure your place today to attend the live event. Save 25% on standard rate until July 31st with code STARTUPVIC3337.
Scholarship for Virtual Reality Design course
We have one full scholarship ($4000) and three part scholarships ($1000 each) for the upcoming VR design course. We're looking for a driven, smart and creative person who's keen to learn from the best in the industry!
Jobs and Co-Founder Search
Innovation Manager & Lean Startup Coach, Bright Arena
We drive growth inside enterprise
- Looking for a bright, positive and naturally talented individual
- Bringing Lean Startup to some of the biggest businesses in Australia
- No prior experience needed, just the attitude and aptitude to learn fast
- Can be full/part-time, freelance or permanent
To apply, email info@brightarena.com
At Startup Victoria
BECOME AN INDUSTRY SUPPORTER OF STARTUP VICTORIA
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Supporting our entrepreneurial community will give your organisation a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Listed on our website/startup platform as a thought-leader in your industry
- Deeper insights into your industry through our ecosystem mapping results
- Direct access to market/socialise with our 20,000 community members
Click here for more information
HOW CAN STARTUP VICTORIA'S MEMBERSHIP ADD VALUE TO YOU?
Startup Victoria offers a $99 a year membership for which you get access to a number of valuable perks if you are starting/running a startup. We would love to know how we can make the membership more valuable and useful for you. Help us make the membership more valuable by filling out this form.
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