Startup Muster is making a comeback – and wants to know what questions you want answered

One of the most important roadmaps to Australia’s startup sector is set to return after a five-year hiatus, with Startup Muster once again looking to take the pulse of the local ecosystem.

UTS Startups director of entrepreneurship Murray Hurps, a driving force behind Startup Muster between 2014 and 208, has enlisted Adam Spencer, producer of the History of the Aussie Startup Ecosystem podcast series, as Survey Coordinator for the 2023 edition.

“Adam’s passion for and connection with the Australian startup ecosystem is unparalleled, and I know many will enjoy the chance to engage with him again,” Hurps said.

The Atlassian Foundation and the NSW government through Investment NSW are providing the rocket fuel for the national survey to take flight once again.

The free, independent report will shine a light on the progress of Australian startups, as well as the challenges and opportunities they’re facing, particularly in the wake of Covid-19. 

Hurps said this valuable data will help to boost startup support, investment and entrepreneurial pursuits. 

“Our startup ecosystem has been flying blind for too long – better data enables better decisions, and Startup Muster is focused on delivering that data,” he said.

“There are certain kinds of entrepreneurial crop that are suited to the economic climate of Australia – it’s critical to understand what that crop is, so it can be planted and nurtured.

“From 2014 to 2018, Startup Muster was the largest survey of the Australian startup ecosystem. After four years of attempts to bring this free resource back, I’m pleased to say I am launching Startup Muster again across Australia thanks to support from the Atlassian Foundation and the NSW government.”

The new report will be released on October 30, five years to the day after the last report, which was essential guide to the sector for government, investors and many others.

But to begin, Spencer will be looking at what questions need answering.

People have until June 12 to submit questions to add questions. That can be done here.

Spencer said some of the issues they plan to look at include:

• How does the experience of a startup founder today compare to 2018? 
• Which areas are they targeting today vs 2018? 
• What’s different about their challenges? 
• What’s different about their plans and concerns? 
• What’s different about the support organisations and funding sources they use?
• Which skills are most important for them today, and which are the hardest to hire?
• How has the demographic makeup changed? 
• How has technology utilisation changed? 

Murray Hurps said they’re also seeking additional support to complete the survey, and are keen to hear from any organisations interested in sponsoring a question.

“Keep October 30 in your diary – five years since the last report was published, there’ll be some champagne popping and some insights dropping,” he said.

The Atlassian Foundation’s Steve King said Startup Muster will an important snapshot of how the startup ecosystem is tracking after the disrupters where disrupted by Covid.

“I believe whether you’re a for profit, for purpose, or both, business can be a force for good and social change,” he said.

“This fiercely independent report will represent the intent and desire of the whole ecosystem and will help us all understand how to support each other as we set out to leave the world better than we found it.”