In August 2016, millions of Australians participated in the national census, providing decision-makers with vital information about who we are, where we live, how we are employed and even what our religious beliefs are.
Around the same time, a smaller but nevertheless very important survey was also being conducted.
Startup Muster is the largest survey of the Australian start-up ecosystem, aiming to measure and publish the sector’s progress, challenges and opportunities, to demonstrate and accelerate impact.
It is the brainchild of tech entrepreneurs Murray Hurps and Monica Wulff, who carried out the first survey in 2014, initially as a volunteer effort.
Now with the backing of Google and the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the latest survey was more comprehensive than ever, providing a clear picture of who is behind Australia’s start-ups, what inspired them to start a business and what businesses are supporting their growth.
The most recent survey, carried out over during July to August 2016, was completed by 2711 ecosystem participants, which led to a statistical sample of 685 start-up founders, 239 future start-up founders and 474 people and organisations who support Australian start-ups.
“2016 was another record year for the Australian startup community, and for Startup Muster,” explained Monica Wulff CEO and co-founder of Startup Muster.
“Startup Muster has embraced greater opportunities to showcase the progress, challenges and opportunities in the start-up community, with the expansion of our 2016 survey so that all members of this ecosystem could take part.
“This included start-up founders, people considering launching a start-up, and businesses that support start startups including, but not limited to, accelerators, incubators, investors, mentors, educators, service providers and government.”
Ms Wulff said the aim with the report – released in early 2017 – was that it will improve the understanding “of the current ecosystem and will facilitate the growth and sustainability of the community in the future”.
As Arthur Sinodinos, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science explains in the foreword to the report:
Monica Wulff
“Australian start-ups are an important contributor to a strong economy and create opportunities for exports, investment and jobs right across the country.
“I am pleased to see the 2016 Startup Muster highlight the important role start-ups play in our economy while also showing the significance and value of innovation activity across all businesses and sectors.
“Innovation is central to boosting growth, creating new jobs and industries and improving our quality of life.”
In the lead-up to the muster, Ms Wulff undertook a six-week roadshow across Australia to meet with local start-up communities, private industry and government. The exercise paid off, with a very strong response to the 2016 survey.
The team is already planning the 2017 Startup Muster, which will be released in July of this year.