Congratulations to Innovation Bay, winners of the Design an Angel Investment Networking Challenge in the Northern Territory!
The Angel Investment Challenge is part of the Territory Innovation Challenges Program, which aims to position the Northern Territory for future investment leading to economic growth. By bridging the gap between early seed funding and late-stage venture capital, the challenge is critical in fostering an environment where local talent can thrive and innovative ideas can flourish.
Since winning the challenge, Innovation Bay, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, launched Horizon – a vibrant new community for local angel investors. The event marked a significant milestone for Territory’s investment landscape, drawing together local investors, founders, and members of the Innovation Bay team for an engaging afternoon of learning, networking, and celebration.
Over 40 Territorians were introduced to the Horizon community, a carefully curated network designed to empower Northern Territory investors and drive innovation in the region. The event kicked off with insightful presentations on the importance of angel investment in Australia's startup ecosystem, followed by an in-depth look at Horizon’s founder-first approach to supporting early-stage companies. The positive energy and shared excitement for the future of the Territory’s startup ecosystem were palpable, setting the scene for a new era of growth and innovation in the Northern Territory. The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where attendees connected with fellow investors, local founders, Innovation Bay’s team and exchanged ideas while celebrating the launch of Horizon.
Discussions covered various topics, including:
💪🏼 How to foster growth of startups in the Northern Territory
🕹 The thriving local eSports and game development industry
✈️ The NT’s strategic advantages such as low latency and proximity to Asia
📚 How attracting talent and enhancing local education on startups and innovation is crucial for regional development
Innovation Bay stands as Australia and New Zealand's premier community for technology startups, scale-ups, and investors. The launch of Horizon, alongside initiatives such as Explore24 and Venture Down Under, signifies a bold step forward in developing the innovation ecosystem, advancing local startups and contributing to economic development in the Northern Territory. With a strong foundation now in place, Horizon is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of investment and innovation in the region, paving the way to develop, enhance and grow the Territory’s innovation ecosystem.
To be part of Horizon and shape the future of innovation and investment in the Northern Territory, email innovation@nt.gov.au
Director of Business Innovation, Martin Redhead
“Innovation Bay has an impressive track record in helping founders and investors build the skills and relationships necessary to be successful and impactful, and we’re excited to give Territorians the same opportunity.”
“Establishing the Horizon Angel Investment Network in the Territory will help foster entrepreneurship, drive innovation, create jobs and support the development of our innovation ecosystem.”
Innovation Bay Horizon member, Michael Canaris
“Innovation Bay’s move to the NT shows their belief in our region’s potential, binging valuable expertise and a solid business model to help local investors access opportunities they wouldn’t normally have.”
Eleanor Salt, Community Manager – Horizon, Innovation Bay
“We’re delighted to be launching our Angel Investor community, Horizon in the Northern Territory, and in particular to harness the unique knowledge and expertise of local Territorian investors.”
“Horizon is a diverse community of investors who are passionate about positively impacting the Australian startup ecosystem. We’re excited to give back to local entrepreneurs and boost innovation in the NT.”