Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today officially welcomed Slack Technologies to Melbourne at the opening of their new Asia Pacific HQ in Carlton, which is set to create 70 new jobs for Victoria’s booming tech sector.
Slack’s group messaging app is one of the fastest-growing business apps ever and has propelled the Silicon Valley startup to a US $2.8 billion market valuation.
In just two years Slack has grown to have more than 2.3 million daily active users, 675,000 paid Slack accounts and more than 369 employees.
In a coup that was announced last November, the Andrews Labor Government secured Slack’s expansion in Melbourne.
Through the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) in San Francisco and Invest Victoria, the Government delivered assistance through key information on the local tech ecosystem, visas, workplace arrangements and introductions to professional services.
The opening of Slack’s Melbourne office follows recent moves by fellow tech heavyweights Zendesk, Eventbrite, GoPro and Square to set up corporate HQs in Victoria.
According to the highly respected fDi Markets’ report, Melbourne ranks second in the Asia Pacific region for the number of greenfield Software Headquarters set up in the last six years, behind only Singapore and ahead of Hong Kong and Sydney.
Victoria’s tech industry now generates more than $34 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 91,300 people across the state, with numbers primed to grow with demand for tech skills higher than ever before.
Melbourne alone produces more ICT graduates than any other Australian city.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“Choosing Melbourne as their Asia Pacific HQ, Slack joins a growing list of tech leaders that are investing in Victoria and strengthening our reputation as the country’s number one destination to do business.”
“The Andrews Labor Government makes no apologies for pursuing investment from the world's leading companies that will foster innovation and drive high-skill jobs across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield
“Opening an office in Australia marks an important milestone in Slack's growth and will allow us to better serve our customers all around the world. The city of Melbourne has been incredibly welcoming and offers a wealth of talent - we look forward to growing our Slack family here."
Reviewed 19 August 2020