ACT Government Launches Innovative Venture Capital Fund to Boost Business Growth and Innovation

 
 

A Game-Changing Opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups in the Australian Capital Territory

In a groundbreaking move to foster economic growth and stimulate innovation in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the ACT Government has unveiled its highly anticipated venture capital fund. Designed to support local entrepreneurs and startups, the ACT Venture Capital Fund is poised to become a catalyst for transformative projects and cutting-edge technologies in the region. With an allocation of substantial financial resources and an unwavering commitment to nurturing promising businesses, the government aims to bolster the ACT's entrepreneurial ecosystem and reinforce its position as a hub of innovation in Australia.

Fueling Innovation and Growth

The ACT Venture Capital Fund is a pioneering initiative that reflects the government's vision of transforming the region into a magnet for startups and tech companies. With a budget earmarked specifically for this venture, the fund has the potential to inject much-needed capital into the local economy. Doing so will drive job creation, enhance productivity, and encourage private sector investment, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The primary objective of the ACT Venture Capital Fund is to create an enabling environment for innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship. The fund is geared towards supporting startups and businesses that demonstrate high potential for growth and market scalability, particularly in sectors such as technology, clean energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. With a strategic focus on startups that align with the ACT Government's broader economic development goals, the fund aims to attract businesses that can drive the region towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

The ACT Government's venture capital fund is set to empower local entrepreneurs by providing financial resources and valuable mentorship and guidance. Startups and early-stage businesses face numerous challenges, including access to capital, market validation, and networking opportunities. The fund seeks to address these hurdles by offering tailored support to selected ventures, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

Synergies with the Private Sector

The ACT Government recognizes the pivotal role of private-sector investors in driving economic growth and development. The government will actively seek collaborations with private venture capital firms and angel investors to maximise the fund's impact. By forging strategic partnerships, the fund can leverage additional resources and expertise while fostering a vibrant and diverse investment landscape within the region.

Measuring Success and Impact

To ensure transparency and accountability, the ACT Government is committed to evaluating the fund's performance and impact regularly. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to track the success of the supported ventures, job creation, and overall contribution to the ACT economy. Periodic reviews and audits will ensure that the fund operates efficiently and remains aligned with its stated objectives.

The launch of the ACT Venture Capital Fund marks a turning point in the ACT’s economic landscape. By investing in innovative startups and businesses, the government is sowing the seeds for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that can propel the region to new heights of growth and prosperity.

This visionary venture capital fund represents a golden opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. It is a testament to the ACT Government's commitment to nurturing local talent, driving innovation, and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

As the fund begins to disburse resources and support selected ventures, the entire region eagerly awaits the positive changes that will undoubtedly unfold. The journey towards a more vibrant, resilient, and innovative ACT is now set in motion, and the world will be watching as this groundbreaking initiative unfolds.

The fund is likely to be open to make its first investments in Q2 2024.

Nick McNaughton

Nick McNaughton is a proud Canberran. He believes the city can, and will, do more.

Nick is a highly experienced CEO who has been a successful entrepreneur, mentor, investor and fund manager. In August 2020 he founded Campus Plus to help Universities with their industry engagement, strategic partnership development, IP identification, protection and commercialisation and researcher development. He is also the CEO.

Nick started his career in the software industry where he specialised in bringing US vendors into the Asia / Pacific region. During this time, he spent extensive time living and working in Asia. Since 1998 he has been an angel investor involved with 17 start-ups. Successes include Soulmates Technology, Zookoda, Vocus (ASX: VOC) & Windlab (ASX listing in 2017 Acquired by Squadron Energy in 2020) and Binary Tech.

Nick is also a specialist in the creation of territory wide early-stage innovation ecosystems. He is the co-architect of the Canberra Innovation Network which incorporates the essential building blocks of a successful ecosystem: co-working, acceleration, incubation, growth programs & capital.

Nick has extensive ASX Board experience. He was a non-exec Director of Vocus (ASX: VOC) from 2010-2015. The company grew from a $20M market cap at IPO to $1.2BN during this time.

Over the last decade Nick has become a highly successful Venture Capitalist. His first fund, Blue Cove Ventures, spawned Windlab - a global leader in wind prospecting and development. His second fund ANU Connect Ventures has spawned a number of successful companies including Lithicon (Trade sale FEI - US$68M), InterfereX (Trade sale - NYSE Dolby), Instaclustr (Trade sale NetApp - A$720M), Liquid Instruments and EpiAxis Therapeutics.

Nick was a founding director of Entry 29 (the first co-working space in Canberra) and a founding Director of the GRIFFIN Accelerator. He was the CEO at ANU Connect Ventures (2014-2022) a $47M Venture Fund backed by Spirit Super and the ANU. Nick is a former Chairman of Capital Angels and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Nick has an MBA from the University of South Australia.

Nick (through Campus Plus) is the proprietor of The Moore Street Journal.

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