StartCon attendees urged to think big

Local start-ups should “think big” in order to successfully launch their business, according to an Australian start-up entrepreneur.

Finder.com.au co-founder Fred Schebesta believes that many start-ups have a “myopic view” when it comes to business.

“I would encourage start-ups to be at the centre of the business action. Sydney’s CBD is a great location to set up a tech start-up, attract international talent and investors to become a global player,” Schebesta said.

“As the city is transformed with the light rail, local students and innovators will be drawn together in a thriving centre.

“The biggest opportunity Australia has right now is to stop thinking like an island and act like a global player. By having an international focus, businesses can open up enormous revenue and growth potential.”

Schebesta is a key speaker at Sydney’s December StartCon conference, the largest start-up event in Australia, where he will share insights on breaking into global markets.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said StartCon, which is sponsored by the City of Sydney, would further boost the city’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

“Our support for StartCon is part of investing in Sydney’s knowledge economy and taking practical steps to help innovative businesses flourish,” Moore said.

“This will help Sydney’s start-up community grow by giving local entrepreneurs good opportunities to network, business insights and practical pointers for launching and expanding a dynamic business.”

StartCon will bring together more than 4000 start-ups, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate leaders to hear 60 international and local expert speakers. There will also be 35 workshops, 50 exhibitors and the country’s largest start-up pitch competition.

CEO Cheryl Mack believes the conference is an opportunity for big and small companies to share ideas and learn from the best.

“The focus of the conference is on providing education and information for tech start-ups that have the potential to reach a global market. And the key to their success will be networking,” Mack said.

“By bringing international speakers from top companies around the world, we’ll be giving the audience access to global minds, which will go a long way to helping Australian start-ups become global, sustainable businesses.”

Now in its eighth year, StartCon offers information, education and networking opportunities for start-ups, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate innovators.

Image caption: Fred Schebesta.

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