Dear ,

We like to pride ourselves on a vibrant, growing startup community in Australia. And last year it was all looking so rosy with 1,675 active startups and 1,291 new startups launched. But that bright outlook took a slight tumble this week with news that the numbers have dropped, with active startups down to 1,465 and new startups crashing to 712.

So what’s behind the fall? Jonathan Cotton takes a look at the figures and what it means for the Australian market – and whether uncertainty around the R&D grants might just be having an impact.

In other news this week:

Why 'zombie' projects may be killing your innovation
ACCC tackles digital economy regulation
Aussie and Kiwi governments reinventing the wheel with e-invoicing standard
Xero says NBN delivering financial gains – and can prove it

We also explore how student travel company World Challenge is going further with its systems thanks to a user friendly payroll management and a cost-effective business system via MYOB Advanced.

Happy reading,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.com.au

Is the honeymoon over? Australian startups in decline

For the first time in five years Australia’s start-up ecosystem shows significant drops in startup activity...

The number of early-stage startups in Australia has fallen for the first time in five years according to new research from StartUp Muster.

“It’s a startling result, especially considering the recent increase of Australia’s R&D incentive scheme to AU$3 billion.”

[Read more]

Killing ‘innovation zombies’ necessary skill for tech teams

As is following through when projects show hope…

Following through on innovative ideas is tough, particularly for big companies, and killing off ‘innovation zombies’ can be even tougher.

“The combination of low success rates for innovative ideas and the high chance of zombie innovation projects is resulting in innovation fatigue.”

[Read more]

ACCC eyes data economy

Algorithms and data gathering under scrutiny by regulator...

The ACCC has reiterated its focus on the data economy and outlined how consumer data rights could be extended to social media and other digital platforms.

“Imagine if someone had asked you to predict in 2008 how Facebook would operate in the market in the future.”

[Read more]

Back to the future? E-invoicing sounds a lot like EDI

Trans-Tasman initiative re-invents the wheel...

Governments on both sides of the Tasman have begun consultation on an e-invoicing standard they say could deliver billions in business benefits over the next decade.

“Research estimates e-invoicing could result in benefits to the A/NZ economies potentially in excess of $30 billion over 10 years.”

[Read more]

Xero maps NBN to profit

Faster internet is delivering gains for SMBs…

NBN is providing Aussie SMBs with a solid business boost, with Xero customers harnessing cloud-based apps reaping even bigger returns.

“Those that are leveraging digital the most are seeing significant benefits.”

[Read more]

A World Challenge?

MYOB Advanced is up for it!...

World Challenge organises international tours for students, who get to experience exciting parts of the world in a safe, well-supported environment.

“Not having to worry about servers and backups gives us peace of mind, and saves us money.”

[Read more]

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