One of Melbourne’s most successful startups is returning home after a stint overseas – creating around 30 new full time jobs over the next three years in the process.
The Andrews Labor Government has lured 99designs back to Melbourne, bringing its global headquarters back home after seven years in San Francisco’s world famous tech sector.
The announcement is further proof Victoria has become a major destination for tech and startup businesses from all over the world.
99designs is the world’s largest online graphic design marketplace and connects more than one million freelance designers with creative people, entrepreneurs and businesses.
As the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne offers companies a great lifestyle for their staff as well as boasting a deep digital tech and professional services talent pool.
Victoria’s close proximity to Asia is another obvious benefit and offers companies a foundation from which to expand into some of the world’s biggest and fastest growing markets.
The Labor Government is investing heavily in the state’s tech sector to position Victoria as the number one destination for business and tech investment in the Asia Pacific.
Since November 2014, more than 3,200 new tech jobs have been created across the state from investment alone.
99designs is just one of the globally successful digital platforms that originated in Victoria – others include SEEK, Redbubble, Envato and REA Group.
On top of the local success stories Victoria is also attracting foreign tech companies to invest in Victoria including Dialog, Alibaba, Hired, Cybergym, Square and Slack.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis
“Victoria’s reputation as a leading tech destination is growing and we’re excited to be welcoming the 99designs team back to Melbourne.”
“The fact that such a successful company has chosen to return to Melbourne from one of the world’s most recognised startup sectors shows we’re getting it right.”
“Our tech sector has created more than 3,200 jobs since we were elected and we’ll keep investing to attract more businesses, investment and more opportunities to Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to 99designs CEO Patrick Llewellyn
“It’s a great feeling to return home to Melbourne where it all started.”
“We just celebrated $200M USD in global payouts to our amazing design community and continue to evolve our offer to better serve the needs of our designers and customers.”
“We’re excited to be in the position to continue to invest in 99designs’ growth and to expand the team locally and abroad.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020