SydStart acquired by Freelancer

One of Australia’s longest running startup conferences, SydStart, has been acquired by Australian startup Freelancer.

Under the watchful eye of founder Pete Cooper, SydStart has grown into Australia’s largest technology startup conference since it was established in 2009.

Cooper has been appointed as regional director, Australasia, at Freelancer, a role which will see him lead media, communications and business development in Australia and New Zealand.

“SydStart has been a labour of love since 2009 and it has simply been time to find a way to keep it going and keep education, connections and inspiration flowing in our national ecosystem (without staying as the hobby that ate my life),” Cooper says.

He says SydStart will be in good hands with Freelancer.

“I have known the team here for quite a while and my respect for their work and its impact on the world and Australia in particular has only grown,” Cooper says.

“Matt Barrie and his team are also tireless long-term supporters of the startup ecosystem, so I am delighted to see our non-commercial SydStart services find a great home, especially a place like Freelancer.com where local insight and building the leading global marketplace come naturally.

“The best is yet to come.”

Freelancer will be taking SydStart forward with plans to keep it running for many years.

Freelancer chairman and chief executive officer Matt Barrie says he’s pleased Cooper will be joining the company.

“As many will be aware, Pete is very active in the startup community in the region,” Barrie says.

“For the last five years, Pete also has run what I think is the best technology conference in the country and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.

“I’m excited to now be working together, and to also be taking SydStart to the next level.”

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