​Salesforce partners with StartupAUS to foster local growth

Local not-for-profit technology startup advocacy group StartupAUS has partnered with global customer relationship management software provider Salesforce in a bid to help drive growth within Australia's startup ecosystem.

The company made use of its Salesforce World Tour Melbourne event, held on March 10, to announce the partnership, along with the launch of its Salesforce for Startups program in Australia, which is aimed at giving local tech entrepreneurs the tools and connections needed to help them grow their businesses.

Salesforce for Startups, which was initially launched in the US late last year, is aimed at connecting early-stage tech entrepreneurs with Salesforce customers, partners, executives, subject-matter experts, and other entrepreneurs.

Through the new partnership, local startups will gain access to Salesforce technology and be given the opportunity to connect with experts and executives, both locally and globally, at Salesforce events.

Salesforce APAC regional vice president Robert Wickham said that the new partnership with StartupAUS and the move to introduce its Salesforce for Startups program locally has come as the Australian startup sector gains momentum.

"The Australian startup economy is entering an exciting new era of innovation and tremendous growth," said Wickham. "Salesforce is committed to helping accelerate the impact Australian startups are having on both the local economy and the global market."

For StartupAUS board member and Fusion Labs entrepreneur in residence Peter Bradd, a home-grown tech sector is vital to Australia's economic future, as long as it can be built within a supportive ecosystem.

"Getting there will require a national imperative to create the right environment, with a supportive culture that empowers new entrepreneurs and provides future generations with the tech skills needed to succeed," said Bradd.