Melbourne accelerator programme seeks APAC cybersecurity startups
A new cybersecurity accelerator program is set to launch in Melbourne this month, thanks to an incubator partnership between Deakin University and Dimension Data.
The program, CyRise, is now looking for early-stage cybersecurity entrepreneurs and professionals from across Australia, New Zealand and APAC to apply for the six-month program.
Participants will be based in Melbourne CBD coworking space Teamsquare and receive AU$50,000 in capital, as part of a capped SAFE note, the company states.
"A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is an agreement between an investor and a company that provides a right for the investor to receive equity in the future, without determining a specific price per share. It is simple to understand, meaning limited legal costs, and it enables founders to launch and prove the valuation of their startups at the next funding round."
Participants will progress through CyRise's Corporate Partner Program that connects startups with early customers; travel to USA and Israel to build connection, learn and network; and pitch to investors for further funding at the end of the program.
Participants will also be mentored by security experts such Australian Cyber Security Growth Network CEO Craig Davies and COO Michelle Price, Dimension Data Group Australia CTO Debra Bordignon, Bugcrowd CEO Casey Ellis, and Culture Amp CEO Didier Elzinga.
CyRise CEO Scott Handsaker, says Victoria is an APAC hotspot for the cybersecurity industry.
"Where Australia is lacking in this space is in the commercialisation of ideas. There is so much talk around R-D, which is great to see, but how do we package up these findings and ideas in order to yield better commercial outcomes for the Australian economy?
He says the aim of the project is to connect Australian corporates with innovative startups that are building 'world-class' cybersecurity solutions.
"Our ability to open corporate doors for our startups will help them grow globally, while allowing corporate Australia a rare inside look at the best cyber security solutions this country has to offer," he explains.
"Our startups will get access to Deakin University's field-leading researchers, as well as Dimension Data's commercial experience, and take advantage of this one-of-a-kind partnership to successfully take their ideas to a global market.
Those interested in participating can visit Cyrise.co or attend the upcoming roadshow event. Dates are below.
- Melbourne 27th July 2017 - Inspire9 (Richmond) - 6.00pm
- Hobart 31st July 2017 - Enterprize - 6.00pm
- Sydney 1st August 2017 - Fishburners - 6.00pm
- Brisbane 3rd August 2017 - River City Labs - 6.00pm
- Canberra 7th August 2017 - Entry29 - 6.00pm
- Perth 8th August 20th - Flux - 6.00pm
- Adelaide 11th August 2017 - Hub Adelaide - 5.00pm
