There’s never been a better time to launch a global startup business, says a leading visiting tech entrepreneur, who believes he can help kick start the careers of hundreds of Sydney companies.
Marcus Segal is in Sydney as part of the City of Sydney’s visiting entrepreneur program. He has 17 years’ experience working as strategist and operations executive in Silicon Valley and is now general partner at investment fund, Upshift Capital.
The visiting entrepreneur program launched on 20 November and continues for 10 days with 35 free public and industry events, including mentoring sessions, seminars and workshops.
The City has created the two-week program in partnership with the NSW Government and Sydney’s tech startup ecosystem to strengthen the startup ecosystem and support entrepreneurs to start and grow successful global businesses.
“I believe we’re living in the greatest era of entrepreneurship in history. Many of the barriers that used to block great ideas from being built and tested have fallen away thanks to open source code bases, a global skilled workforce and cloud services,” Mr Segal said.
“The women and men who go through this program will go on to start and lead exciting companies both here in Australia and abroad. Their minds will be expanded and they’ll form a community that will work together to help each other.
“Each success story will inspire another 100 or more would-be entrepreneurs to chase their dreams.
Having a supportive government and community has proven essential to grow startups around the world. Office space, mentorship, capital and favourable tax schemes are all essential for making new businesses grow.
“I hope to share some of what I have learned on my startup journey and to work hands-on with some of your country's top startups to help prepare them for their next phase of growth,” Mr Segal said.
“The program will help foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, and raise awareness of Sydney’s tech startup ecosystem locally, nationally and globally,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to tap into a flourishing industry and learn from those with a deep knowledge of the global tech landscape.”
Mr Segal will be joined by Jager McConnell who is in Sydney for a series of seminars and mentoring session. Mr McConnell is CEO of Crunchbase, a leading data search platform used by millions of entrepreneurs and investors. Mr Segal is general partner at Upshift Capital and former senior vice president of operations of global gaming platform, Zynga.
Spaces at the following events are limited and bookings are essential:
How to Grow Your Startup workshop Monday 27 Nov, 9am to 11am, at Fishburners, York Street, Sydney
Marcus Segal shares his experience from over 17 years in Silicon Valley in a two-hour workshop with Sydney startups focusing on growth and scaling. This is a free event marcussegalworkshop.eventbrite.com.au
An Evening with Marcus Segal and Jager McConnell, Tuesday 28 Nov, 6pm to 8.30pm, hosted by TechSydney at Canva, Lacey Street, Surry Hills. The international entrepreneurs share lessons on scaling and attracting investors. Tickets $5. marcusandjager.eventbrite.com.au
The Power of Data in a Thriving Ecosystem Wednesday 29 November, 10am to 12pm, at Blue Chilli, York Street, Sydney. Jager McConnell hosts a panel discussion with leaders in Australia's tech startup community on the importance of having data on startup ecosystems and how that drives growth. This is a free event eventbrite.com.au/e/the-power-of-data-in-a-thriving-ecosystem-with-jager-mcconnell-tickets
For media inquiries or images, contact Senior Media Advisor Belinda Wallis on mobile 0467 810 160 or email bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, please contact Matt Levinson on mobile 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au