Venture Downunder is an event for venture capital investors – typically supporters of startups and innovative new business ideas – run by the member-based Innovation Bay.
The event has never been held in Western Australia before, with the 2025 iteration being its eighth edition.
The Western Australian Government is supporting the event, which mixes keynote speakers with breakout sessions, group activities and social events.
The state government asserts that the event should yield investment in WA startups.
The WA Government is pouring serious dollars into supporting venture capital in the west, committing $45 million to seven venture capital firms last year, who in turn, will fund local startups. The government is predicting $150 million worth of VC funding will result from its $45 million investment.
“The Cook Government is committed to strengthening our local venture capital sector, and initiatives like bringing Venture Downunder to the state allow us to showcase what we have to offer on a national stage,” said WA’s science and innovation minister, Stephen Dawson.
“Events such as Venture Downunder help enhance the availability of private investment opportunities which are crucial to the growth of startups and local venture funds.
“This opportunity builds on last year’s $45 million WA Venture Capital (WAVC) initiative and is another step forward in cementing our state as a major innovation hub.”
