CEOs, founders, and early-stage investors will flock to this year’s West Tech Fest (WTF) to celebrate the major achievements WA startups and entrepreneurs have made over the past 12 months in the face of severe market instability, closed borders, and funding challenges.
With WA cut off from the rest of the world, VC and private investment in local early-stage tech-focused companies doubled compared to the last financial year and this growth is set to increase with new investment opportunities forming the core focus of this year’s West Tech Fest.
Money on the table
Investment opportunities on offer for WTF attendees and startups include:
- $50,000 SAFE note from Woodside Energy for the winners of Round One of the Australian Regional Finals of Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC);
- up to $100,000 in seed funding for successful participants in Spacecubed’s Plus Eight Accelerator Program;
- up to $100,000 cash equity investment for tech businesses who attend any West Tech Fest event throughout the week via the West Tech Fest Investor Network (a new investor group, specifically set up for WTF!) – APPLY HERE by 26 Nov to lodge an application.
- Prizes worth $5K for winners of the Golden Ticket startup pitch comp, as part of Freo Startup Fest, including flights and accommodation to London for their Tech Week in 2022.
- Participants can also meet with potential investors directly through the Investor Office Hours program (another new innovation WTF organisers have launched this year).
“We look for amazing founders and will invest in them and support them as they grow fantastic businesses. We’re excited about seeing the next batch of talent through XTC,” said the company’s Innovation Investment Manager Rob Affleck.
Bill Tai, venture capitalist and co-founder of West Tech Fest, will also be keynoting at the main conference during the week.
I’m delighted to see West Tech Fest grow to become the premier gathering in Western Australia for the ‘new economy’ emerging around technology and sustainability. Digital reach is amplifying the connectivity and support of the in-person community of entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, sustainability and regulatory people that gather each year in the sunshine of Perth. I’m looking forward to seeing what great companies emerge from this event.
Bill Tai
This year’s line-up of speakers includes Sam Kroonenburg, CEO & Founder of A Cloud Guru and recently named on Australian Financial Review’s 2021 Young Rich List; CEO of Binance Australia Leigh Travers; and Vice President Technology at Woodside Energy Jason Crusan.
Celebrating its 10th year in 2021, the festival has grown a strong global network and profile thanks to its partnerships with the City of Perth, Woodside Energy, ACTAI Global, Freo Start Up Fest, Spacecubed, Radium Capital, and the Extreme Tech Challenge.
“Our partners share our vision of connecting local startups with networks that can help them scale globally from Perth. We all want to see a vibrant and diversified economic future for the state” said Curtin University’s Director of Commercialisation and co-founder of West Tech Fest Rohan McDougall.
West Tech Fest will take place this year from 6 – 10 December. Tickets to West Tech Fest’s program of events are now on sale at www.westtechfest.com.au.
