Speeches
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Launch of MyVenue Global Headquarters
Rod and I are pleased to join you for the launch of the MyVenue Global Headquarters here at Lot Fourteen.
As Governor it’s been my pleasure – and Rod’s too - to engage with Lot Fourteen and its tenants, as well as the incubator Stone and Chalk.
We’ve learned a few things about how South Australian start-ups, particularly those in the tech sector, are making names for themselves nationally and internationally.
MyVenue’s success here in South Australia and in North America is testament to the vision, skill and dedication of its founder, board and staff.
It’s also a reflection of the favourable conditions here in South Australia for start-ups to flourish.
Last year, for the first time, Adelaide was named as one of the top 100 emerging ecosystems in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
In innovation districts such as Lot Fourteen, companies can benefit from the expertise and patronage of neighbouring research institutions and global tech companies and partner with them.
Adelaide’s size, relative affordability compared to other cities, and enviable lifestyle factors also make us an appealing place to launch and grow new businesses.
I thank MyVenue for starting up here in Adelaide, and now, as a rapidly growing business with exciting international opportunities, for choosing to locate your global headquarters and software development centre at Lot Fourteen.
While MyVenue’s success promotes South Australia as a tech leader on the global stage, it also enhances one of Australia’s enduring sources of soft power: sports diplomacy.
As Governor and as a former diplomat, I have seen first-hand how sport can advance our state on the world stage.
It’s an expression of who we are and what we stand for, and provides us with unique opportunities to engage our neighbours.
In terms of sports diplomacy, we tend to think of those professional athletes playing in overseas leagues, or bringing home Olympic gold, as our ‘best exports’.
However, sports-related business is also a powerful means to grow Australia’s presence and reputation internationally, and I thank MyVenue for being part of this.
Figures released by the South Australian government this week show that exports to the United States increased 13 per cent to $1.97 billion in 2024.
I thank MyVenue for its role in building our trade relationship with the United States, particularly in the current trade climate.
Friends,
The presence of South Australian tech in some of the world’s biggest and most famous stadiums is something of which we can all be proud.
I congratulate MyVenue board, staff and supporters on their success and I am pleased to formally launch your new headquarters here today.
I wish MyVenue well as it takes the very best of South Australian tech and entrepreneurship to the world.