A second official angel group is now up and running, based in South West WA, and is charged with developing a strong innovation ecosystem in the region…
To the Perth Angels, we now add South West Angels, as the state’s second official angel investor network group.
Inaugural chair Asher Vukelic told Startup News that the new group aims to tap into the flourishing innovation system ‘down south’ and bring investors and innovators together.
“It’s early days here, so it’s all about about education for the moment, and spreading awareness,” Asher said.
“We’ve had our official launch event in Bunbury in February, and 80 people came along, including some who were down from Perth, some government representation, young people with ideas, and potential investors.”
The Vukelic group of companies has been one of the backers of Perth-based Plus Eight tech accelerator program for the past two years, and Asher has been an active member of Perth Angels and the local startup scene for a while.
What’s the motivation around South West Angels?
“Together with some contacts we got together and discussed the idea of an investor club concept, and then connected with Perth Angels, and they have been really supportive of us developing a strong innovation ecosystem in the South West, leveraging our networks and helping the development of the region,” Asher said.
“We’ll be holding events around the South West region, not just Bunbury. We want to represent and include the whole region. It’s not just about today, it’s about the next 50 – 100 years.”
Asher Vukelic
South West Angels are holding their first pitch event on 16th May at Maker + Co in Bunbury. A board of eight has been established, and there’s a website coming soon.
Applications to pitch on the 16th May are now closed, but there will be two or three local businesses presenting their ideas and looking for support and investor money that night.
More details to follow.
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MAIN IMAGE: The South West Angel network, which contains a few familiar faces including Scott Robinson (far left), Greg Riebe (next to Scott), Danielle Riebe (4th from left), Asher Vukelic (7th from left) and Tash Ayers (next to Asher). (Photos: Sara Storm Photography.)
