Start-ups continue to make their mark
WE’VE run stories on a number of start-ups over the past 12 months, so we thought it appropriate today to start to review the progress of our best and brightest as they launch their ideas to the world.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Bench On revolves around a technology platform that matches idle or “benched” staff to short-term contracts with other reputable companies.
HOW IS IT DOING?
The business, headed by ex-Australian Army major Tim Walmsley, continues to go from strength to strength.
Earlier this year it raised $650,000 from angel investors.
In the past 20 months it has processed more than $50 million worth of contracts across a variety of industries including defence, IT, construction, mining, engineering, cyber security and logistics.
Mr Walmsley is enjoying a growing profile. He will speak at the Start-up Grind event this Thursday on the future of work – specifically why the full-time job is not dead and how to survive as an entrepreneur. WHAT DOES IT DO?
Pummel is a marketplace that connects personal trainers with clients.
The app enables users to view all the personal trainers who match their requirements/goals in their local area, so users can find a trainer who specialises in strength and conditioning, post-natal fitness, or whatever they are looking for.
HOW IS IT DOING?
Founder Damien King says Pummel is in the process of acquiring a start-up in the fitness-related field.
At the same time, the company is preparing for a move into the blockchain space, with an initial coin offering on the cards. Mr King said Pummel would extend its digital services to encompass a range of areas other than fitness. The company will also launch a $150,000 seed funding round.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
An e-commerce platform bringing a new meaning to social shopping online.
The platform, developed by Davide De Vincentiis and Nicholas Reid, works in real time to index conversations, posts, hashtags, and images from numerous sources.
The idea is that users craft their feeds based on the conversations (konvos) they have with their friends and the global community.
The platform has an eCommerce tool, enabling retailers to build a microsite within Konvo letting customers see which friends have bought what from them. Konvo takes a commission from each sale.
HOW IS IT DOING?
The start-up is taking a major step – Using equity crowd-funding platform, and fellow Gold Coast start-up, Crowdfunding.com.au, to attempt to raise $5 million in the next few months. Konvo has a team of close to 20.