When senior Macquarie analyst Tim Fung asked a mate with a truck to help him move house, he stumbled upon a business idea that has inspired a multi-million dollar tech startup success story.
Five years on, the 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.
But it wasn’t a dream start for the city-based business, and many important lessons were learnt on the road to success. Mr Fung, who is the company’s co-founder and CEO, will share his tips for launching a tech startup at the free City of Sydney Business 101 seminar, Plug in your tech startup, on Monday 9 May.
The popular free workshop and information series is part of the City’s commitment to supporting 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 startups 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 Airtasker’s CEO.
“We certainly faced some tough hurdles when we started,” Mr 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 startup.”
Also sharing insights into getting ahead with a start-up will be 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,” Mr 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 6.30pm–8.30pm. All sessions are free, but bookings are essential. For more information or to register, visit: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/business/business-support/programs-and-seminars/business-101-workshops
Other upcoming events in the City’s free Business 101 seminar series are:
- Not your average small business – 15 June
- Cult following – your brand, your business – 12 July
- Bringing in the music – 10 August
- Growing pains – avoiding the pitfalls of your own success – 7 September
- The rocky road less travelled – new takes on traditional businesses – 5 October
- Going against the grain – new business concepts – 2 November
- Late starters – keeping the doors open for night-time trade – 30 November
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Belinda Wallis on (02) 8974 4153, 0467 810 160 or bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Paul Mackay on (02) 9265 9612, 0432 182 647 or pmackay @cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au