The Andrews Labor Government has appointed highly respected international business woman, adviser and philanthropist Laura Anderson as the chairperson of LaunchVic - Victoria’s $60 million startup accelerator.
Acting Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Luke Donnellan today announced the appointment of Ms Anderson after an extensive recruitment process.
LaunchVic was established in 2016 by the Labor Government to support the Victorian startup sector. To date it has invested $11.4 million in 28 projects including a recent commitment of $1.4 million to encourage migrants and refugees in Victoria to develop their ideas and strengthen their startup skills.
Ms Anderson has worked extensively with governments, industry leaders, businesses and communities to develop and deliver programs and initiatives that foster an entrepreneurial culture, build entrepreneurial talent and support firms to grow globally.
Ms Anderson recognises that a thriving startup ecosystem that supports and assists entrepreneurs is critical to the creation of future jobs and industries in the Victorian economy.
LaunchVic’s programs promote diversity and inclusion and the excellence of Victoria’s thriving startup scene which has produced three global companies each valued at more than $2 billion.
More information on LaunchVic, including its two-year strategy, can be found at .
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Luke Donnellan
“Laura is extremely well known in Australian and international business circles and her expertise and networks will be invaluable assets to LaunchVic.”
“LaunchVic has already overseen several excellent initiatives in the startup sector, and we look forward to many more exciting announcements under Ms Anderson’s leadership.”
Quotes attributable to Incoming LaunchVic Chairperson Laura Anderson
“I’m pleased to join LaunchVic. The startup community has never been more important or prominent and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
“I look forward to driving excellence in our entrepreneurial community, and to facilitating connections between industry and entrepreneurs to create economic growth.”
“Now is the time for our community to lead by example and maximise its potential to create, innovate and collaborate beyond Victoria’s borders, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020