Work/Life Balance
During a visit in 1885 English journalist George Augustus Henry Sala coined the phrase "Marvellous Melbourne", which is still used today by Melburnians. From hidden laneway bars, unparalleled sporting events, or delectable dining experiences—when you need to take a well earned break from hypergrowth, there are a lot of options to balance out the grind. Of course the one thing that most startups cannot do without (aside from funding) is quality coffee. Thanks in part to the Italian migrants who settled in the 50’s, the breath and quality of coffee is in abundance (make sure you order the very Melbourne - ‘Magic’).

Innovation in the Melbourne DNA
Melbourne has a rich history of innovation from the electric drill in 1889, to the black box flight recorder in 1958, and the bionic ear not long after. Innovation born in Melbourne has had a lasting effect on the world across multiple sectors.Today is no different.

Fintech Sub-sector Strength
AirWallex, an innovative cross-border payment technology, recently announced $100m Series C round, that took their value above $1 billion. Up and Judo Bank are two of a number of raising neo banks that are taking on the traditional lenders with a mobile first, digital banking experience. Judo bank in particular recently took the largest single round of funding in Australian history, with $400 m in July of 2019

Software with a Global Reach
From trading advice to investment management, IRESS have built a range of software solutions and operates across 17 offices in 7 countries. Yellowfin is an analytics software company that provides a suite of products that combine automated analytics, data storytelling and collaboration. Their global presence also includes offices in North America, Japan, UK, South Africa, and Brazil.

Travel and Leisure
Rome2Rio is an online multi-model transport search engine with worldwide coverage from long-distance to intra-city journey planning and a personal favorite your author. Aside from the ability to book tickets, Rome2Rio provides a beautiful interface for planning all possible options to from A to Z. Also on the beautiful design front, Nura Headphones brings personalization to your ears. What started with a $100,000 targeted Kickstarter fund which raised $1.8M, has since grown to a multi-product line of headphones that adapt sound to match your hearing.

Talent on a Global Scale
The state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, accounts for 31 percent of Australia's ICT workforce. Also, Victoria produces more information technology graduates and has more ICT students than any other Australian state. Attracted to this concentration of talent, many innovation behemoths are making Melbourne their home for Asia Pacific operations including Zendesk, Slack and Square.

Support for the Ecosystem
Melbourne has incredible ecosystem support headed up by LaunchVic. Established by the Victorian Government in March 2016 as an independent agency responsible for developing Victoria's startup ecosystem, LaunchVic helps startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and universities alike, grow Victoria’s startup ecosystem.

Melbourne is a welcoming, livable metropolis with talent on your doorstep, unparalleled lifestyle, and a thriving technology ecosystem that is well supported. If you’re looking to get involved, be sure to check out LaunchVic for the latest startup events.