Start-up inspired by mate with a truck

When senior Macquarie analyst Tim Fung asked a mate with a truck to help him move house, he stumbled on a business idea that has inspired his multimillion-dollar tech start-up success story.

After five years his online and mobile service Airtasker — that helps businesses and households outsource everyday jobs — has more than 300,000 active users, with 36 staff processing $20 million worth of jobs each year.

Fung, who is the company’s co-founder and CEO, will share his tips for launching a tech start-up at the free City of Sydney Business 101 seminar — Plug in your tech startup — on Monday 9 May.

“We certainly faced some tough hurdles when we started,” Fung said.

“Basically we put the business out there and nothing happened. We had to get investors, build relationships and get traction for a new business model.

“Through the Business 101 seminar, I’m looking forward to inspiring people to take that all-important first step to becoming a successful start-up.”

Fung’s workshop is part of a series being offered under the City of Sydney’s endeavour to support an entrepreneurial culture in Sydney.

“Sydney is the innovation capital of Australia, but we need to keep on attracting, nurturing and supporting high-tech entrepreneurs so they can contribute to this thriving and vibrant local economy,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Entrepreneurs and tech start-ups need a local environment that provides support networks, business and entrepreneurship education, which is why events like the Business 101 seminar series provide invaluable support.”

Industry heavyweights will offer their insights for turning an idea into a viable online business, raising capital and attracting and keeping staff as a business grows, including Ryan Meyer, senior regional manager of tech, web and data training company General Assembly.

“The first question aspiring entrepreneurs should ask is: “Am I solving a real problem?” Once you’ve identified your business idea, don’t be afraid to reach out for advice,” Meyer said.

“Be bold, and turn a risk into an opportunity.”

‘Plug in your tech startup’ will be held on Monday 9 May at Customs House from 6.30–8.30 pm. All sessions are free, but bookings are essential. For more information or to register, click here.

If you miss out, videos of the Business 101 seminars and workshops are available as podcasts. You can download them here.

Image caption: Tim Fung, courtesy of the City of Sydney.