GigStart Fund receives record number of applications

Dunedin startup businesses are embracing gig technology if the record number of applications for the final round of the GigStart Fund is an indicator.

Following Dunedin’s Gigatown win in November 2014, the GigStart Fund was created to provide a launch pad for new-to-market Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB)-led service concepts in Dunedin. Funded by Chorus and Nokia it was established with $200,000.

The fund, administered by Startup Dunedin, has already allocated $147,000 to eight Dunedin start-ups across a range of projects – from a Gig-powered co-shared office space, to a crowd-sourcing platform, cloud-based software programmes, animated learning and new apps.

A record of 21 businesses applied for a grant from the GigStart Fund in this fourth and final round. Up to $53,000 is available for the round that closed on Monday 31 October.

StartUp Dunedin Chair Nigel Bamford says the growth in the number of entries is a reflection of the momentum created by all the GigCity partners over the past two years.

“We’re delighted that having gig technology in the city has contributed to a more dynamic StartUp business scene in Dunedin. Our Leithbank co-working office space – for start-up and small business combined with the Co.Starters business development courses we run have also been really filling up in recent months so there does seem to be some momentum building in the local new-business ecosystem.”

Finalists will be chosen by the board of Startup Dunedin over the next week. Up to five finalists will showcase their concepts to the StartUp Dunedin judging panel during a Pitch Day on Thursday 17 November, with winners announced soon after.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media