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Startup Ecosystem in Perth

Startup Ecosystem in Perth
Startup Ecosystem in Perth
Perth has forged a distinctive innovation path, leveraging its resource expertise, geographical isolation, and growing diversification momentum to build technology ventures with both local relevance and global potential. The city's entrepreneurial landscape reflects Western Australia's unique character - resource-rich, self-reliant, and increasingly forward-looking. Success stories include healthcare platform HealthEngine, energy innovator Power Ledger, and design powerhouse Canva, whose co-founder Melanie Perkins began her journey here before expanding globally. The ecosystem demonstrates particular depth in resources technology, ocean innovation, agricultural solutions, and renewable energy - sectors where Perth's natural advantages create genuine differentiation. Funding flows through active local investors like Lateral Capital Ventures and strategic investments from resources giants like BHP, Fortescue, and Woodside, complemented by family offices drawn from Western Australia's substantial resource wealth. Throughout the metropolitan area, innovation clusters have formed organically: resources technology thrives in West Perth, research commercialization advances at Technology Park in Bentley, and coastal areas nurture marine innovation leveraging the state's extensive shoreline. What gives Perth startups their edge is exceptional mining and energy expertise, substantial corporate presence offering partnership opportunities, strong connections to Asian markets, and quality of life that attracts and retains talent. Yet founders must navigate meaningful challenges - geographic isolation from major innovation centers, economic cycles tied to resource markets, competition for talent with higher-paying sectors, and the ongoing work of building credibility beyond resources technology as the ecosystem evolves toward a balanced portfolio of innovation spanning from traditional strengths to emerging opportunities in sustainability.
Perth has forged a distinctive innovation path, leveraging its resource expertise, geographical isolation, and growing diversification momentum to build technology ventures with both local relevance and global potential. The city's entrepreneurial landscape reflects Western Australia's unique character - resource-rich, self-reliant, and increasingly forward-looking. Success stories include healthcare platform HealthEngine, energy innovator Power Ledger, and design powerhouse Canva, whose co-founder Melanie Perkins began her journey here before expanding globally. The ecosystem demonstrates particular depth in resources technology, ocean innovation, agricultural solutions, and renewable energy - sectors where Perth's natural advantages create genuine differentiation. Funding flows through active local investors like Lateral Capital Ventures and strategic investments from resources giants like BHP, Fortescue, and Woodside, complemented by family offices drawn from Western Australia's substantial resource wealth. Throughout the metropolitan area, innovation clusters have formed organically: resources technology thrives in West Perth, research commercialization advances at Technology Park in Bentley, and coastal areas nurture marine innovation leveraging the state's extensive shoreline. What gives Perth startups their edge is exceptional mining and energy expertise, substantial corporate presence offering partnership opportunities, strong connections to Asian markets, and quality of life that attracts and retains talent. Yet founders must navigate meaningful challenges - geographic isolation from major innovation centers, economic cycles tied to resource markets, competition for talent with higher-paying sectors, and the ongoing work of building credibility beyond resources technology as the ecosystem evolves toward a balanced portfolio of innovation spanning from traditional strengths to emerging opportunities in sustainability.
Perth startups in numbers
Startups in Perth on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 45% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 55% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.3% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Perth are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Perth are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Aerospace, Space Technology, and Mobility. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Education & Literacy, Poverty Alleviation, Food Security, and Circular Economy, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Perth offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (45%) of startups in Perth are actively recruiting talent, while (55%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Perth startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.3%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (65%) of early-stage startups in Perth are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (35%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Perth are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Perth on Foundersbase most often focus on Education & Literacy, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Perth

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