UNSW Takes #1 Spot in ANZ Region for Alumni-Founded Start-ups with US$10 Million+ Funding
UNSW alumni startups who have raised more than $10M: (Left to right) Airtasker co-founders Tim Fung and Jonathan Lui, Atlassian co-founders and co-CEOs Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, Forage co-founders Pasha Rayan and Tom Brunskill, and Weel co-founders Daniel Kniaz and CTO Russell Martin
UNSW has placed first for universities in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) with the highest number of alumni who have founded start-ups which have raised more than US$10 million in funding. New figures released by Dealroom.co, a global provider of startup and tech ecosystem intelligence, have unveiled the universities with the most successful alumni in terms of founding start-ups with funding exceeding $10 million, since 1990.
Earning the top spot in the ANZ region and securing 74th place globally, UNSW has again proven its excellence at fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a notable number of startups founded by its graduates raising substantial funding, including Altlassian, Airtasker and Shippit, UNSW's commitment to supporting and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures is evident.
The university's impact on the Australian and global economy through its entrepreneurial endeavours showcases its vital role in driving economic growth and change. The UNSW Founders program has been instrumental in driving such strong entrepreneurial alumni with 10x Accelerator graduates Forage and Weel among the startups who have raised more than $10 million.
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According to Dealroom.co, looking at data is a key component to assessing which universities are most successful at producing entrepreneurial talent. Dealroom.co’s data shows over 22,000 alumni from various universities worldwide have ventured into founding startups with substantial funding. A staggering 85 percent of these graduates embarked on their entrepreneurial journey within the past decade, with one in seven doing so since 2020.
UNSW’s remarkable achievement highlights the significance of higher education institutions in contributing to the global start-up ecosystem. By providing students, researchers and alumni with an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation with entrepreneurial ideas, universities play a crucial role in nurturing and fostering talent that drives innovation economies.
UNSW Alumni who have raised more than 10 million
Forage
Total Funding: $36.8M
UNSW alumni: Co-Founder & CTO Pasha Rayan (Bachelor of Commerce)
Founded in 2017 by Tom Brunskill (right) and Pasha Rayan (left), Forage is a groundbreaking platform that serves as a vital bridge between education and career success, revolutionising the way students gain practical experience for their future professions. By offering free virtual work experience programs, Forage empowers students to develop real-life skills required for various roles, granting them a unique insight into potential companies and their daily operations. With a wide range of 100% free, self-paced job simulations, Forage has garnered significant recognition, earning partnerships with esteemed companies such as JP Morgan, Redbull, Accenture, Lululemon, SAP, and Walmart, among others. The platform's impact has been truly remarkable, with over 2 million students already registered in its programs and collaboration with more than 200 universities worldwide. With over 70 diverse programs across various industries, Forage's commitment to bridging the gap between education and the workforce has been solidified, further validated by its selection in the prestigious Y-Combinator S20 batch.
Atlassian
Total Funding: $60M
UNSW alumni: Co-Founder & Co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes (Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems) and Co-Founder & Co-CEO Scott Farquhar (Bachelor of Science (Business Information Technology))
Atlassian is globally renowned for its suite of collaborative tools designed to enhance teamwork and productivity within organisations. Founded in 2002 in Sydney, Australia, by Mike Cannon-Brookes (left) and Scott Farquhar (right), Atlassian has grown to become a global leader in the software development and project management space. Its flagship products, such as Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket, have gained widespread popularity among software developers, project managers, and teams across various industries. With millions of active users relying on their solutions daily, Atlassian's achievements stand as a testament to their enduring commitment to empowering teams and organizations globally. Additionally, Atlassian has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach and workplace culture, earning spots on prestigious lists such as Forbes' "World's Best Employers" and "Most Innovative Companies."
Weel
Total Funding: $22.6M
UNSW alumni: Co-Founder & CTO Russell Martin (Bachelor of Information Systems)
Weel, formerly known as DiviPay, is a Sydney-based startup founded by CEO Daniel Kniaz (left) and CTO Russell Martin (right). Recognising the challenges faced by many underserviced businesses in accessing basic banking products, they set out to create a better solution, thus giving birth to Weel. As a thriving Aussie startup, Weel has quickly established itself as a reliable service provider for thousands of businesses across Australia. The company's mission is crystal clear - to ensure that every business expense is effortlessly captured. Whether it's a simple $4 coffee or a substantial $40,000 invoice, Weel aims to simplify the management of company finances, allowing businesses and their finance teams to focus on more critical tasks at hand. With its user-friendly approach, Weel is changing the way businesses handle their financial transactions, streamlining processes, and enabling smoother operations throughout the country.
Airtasker
Total Funding: $84.5M
UNSW alumni: Co-Founder & CEO Tim Fung (Bachelor of Commerce) and Co-Founder Jonathan Lui (Bachelor of Telecommunications)
Airtasker has transformed the way people outsource tasks and find skilled individuals for various jobs. Founded in 2012 by Tim Fung (left) and Jonathan Lui, (right) the concept behind Airtasker stemmed from their shared belief that there was untapped potential in connecting people who needed tasks done with those who possessed the skills to do them. By creating an online marketplace for task outsourcing, they aimed to empower individuals to earn money by offering their services and allow users to find reliable help for their everyday needs. Through their innovative platform, Airtasker has not only facilitated job opportunities for countless freelancers but also simplified life for millions by efficiently delegating tasks ranging from household chores to professional services. The remarkable success of Airtasker underscores the founders' ability to identify a gap in the market and translate their vision into a game-changing business
Shippit
Total Funding: $78.1M
UNSW alumni: Co-Founder & Co-CEO Rob Hango-Zada (Bachelor of Science (Business Information Technology)) and Co-Founder & Co-CEO William On (Bachelor of Science (Business Information Technology))
Shippit is a dynamic and innovative logistics platform that revolutionized the way businesses manage their shipping processes. Co-founded in 2014 by Rob Hango-Zada (left) and William On (right), the company emerged as a game-changer in the e-commerce industry. Rob's entrepreneurial vision and expertise in marketing, combined with William's tech-savvy background and passion for customer experience, proved to be a winning combination. Together, they created Shippit to simplify shipping for retailers and customers alike. Their platform streamlines the entire shipping process, providing real-time tracking, delivery options, and efficient parcel management. Shippit has become a leading force in the logistics space, empowering countless businesses to optimize their shipping operations and enhance customer satisfaction.