Antler scores key hires and partnerships ahead of Melbourne expansion
- Antler will launch in Melbourne in June 2021 with its fifth Australian cohort
- It is setting up its local HQ in CreativeCubes.Co in Carlton
- The expansion will be supported by a number of new hires to the operations team
Since launching in Australia in March 2019, Antler has made its mark on the Australian tech startup scene. In less than two years, the local arm of the global firm has closed its first AU$46 million Fund, invested in ~50 companies, and increased its headcount to 26 to support the dynamic growth of the business.
Now, the firm is launching in Melbourne to support its mission to help entrepreneurs build global technology companies from Australia and will set up its local HQ within the new CreativeCubes.Co space in Carlton.
“With a strong and diverse entrepreneurial community, Melbourne presents a huge opportunity for Antler,” says Managing Partner of Antler Australia, Bede Moore.
“We’re excited to also be expanding our local partnerships to extend to the CreativeCubes.Co group as we prepare to invest in and support local entrepreneurs to build a global presence from Australia.”
“We are excited to support Antler and their first-ever Melbourne cohort at our brand new state-of-the-art facility right in the heart of Lygon Street, Carlton,” says Gawin Fernando, co-founder and Head of Commercial at CreativeCubes.Co. “One of our company values is ‘Enable Success’ — it is our pleasure to work alongside Antler who live and breathe this ethos by supporting the companies of tomorrow.”
Antler has also made a number of significant hires to support its regional expansion. Sam Hilditch, former GM at Airbnb and Strategy Lead for Airwallex, will join the team as Head of Melbourne, responsible for building the firm’s local presence and leading future cohorts to successful investment outcomes.
Sam will be joined by further hires in the investment and recruiting teams.
In the period since June 2019, Antler Australia has attracted over 5,000 applications and worked directly with more than 250 entrepreneurs. Its local portfolio of investments is now 50-strong, having run four Sydney-based programs. In June, the local firm will launch its fifth Australian cohort, which will be the first time it operates out of the Victorian capital.
This article was written by Sarah Kimmorley, VP of Marketing and PR at Antler.
Antler enables exceptional people to create exceptional companies. Antler is currently taking applications for its fifth Australian cohort, working with individuals and existing businesses. If you want to build your company with Antler apply now!
