BACK IN BRISBANE: AN AUSTRALIAN ASEAN START UP STORY

Where to start on an exceptional first week back in Brisneyland. It’s difficult as everything has exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds.

Back in Brisbane

It continues to be great to be back in Brisbane and on campus at QUT, a really beautiful campus with the botanical gardens on one side and the Brisbane river on the other. It is currently a pleasant afternoon with mild weather, at my apartment in West End watching the blue sky after enjoying a walk home amongst the efficient and orderly flow of traffic and commuters returning home after productive days in the city.

Highlights this week have included weekend shopping at the West End markets, great local produce, food and coffee, attending the VideoPro Christmas party where my good friend Pat played in the band (playing bass in the photo) and eating all the delicious food my roommate Susan has been cooking using the ingredients we bought at the market. Keep this up and I just might move back and call Brisbane home again.

Government Access

The awesome team at Trade Investment Queensland were extremely accommodating and helpful in letting me know about latest industry trends and government support available for our business the International Alumni Job Network. They also supported us by introducing us to other people and government departments. Big thanks to Rebecca and Vanessa from TiQ!

Setting up a company in Queensland

Much easier than what I am used to from my experience in other countries where IAJN operates, a smooth online application platform and minimal expense. Way to go Queensland!

QUT Bluebox Accelerator

I spent a beautiful two days at Binna Burra in the Gold Coast hinterlands meeting the directors of the program and the other startups involved in the program. Great work Tim, Yotam and Brent from QUT and the inspiring and talented bunch of fellow QUT alumni in the program.

Raising Capital

Despite Australia's reputation as a difficult place to raise money for innovative start ups, initial meetings have gone above and beyond as far as being quick, timely and having decision on offers. If things go ahead with offers we will be funded much quicker and at a higher valuation than we expected, fingers, toes and knees crossed this all works out. More on this in the coming weeks.