West Tech Fest 2024 is thrilled to announce Monique Woodard, visionary investor and Founding Partner of US-based Cake Ventures, will headline Australia's longest running technology and innovation festival, returning to Perth this December.
Known for championing inclusive innovation, Ms Woodard joins Linzi Boyd, a globally renowned entrepreneur and Founder of 'One Earth', and Steve Killelea, IT entrepreneur and Founder of the Global Institute for Economics and Peace, as the first keynote speakers unveiled for the annual event.
Thousands of delegates from across Australia and around the world will descend on Perth as local startups, tech enthusiasts and global leaders come together for an extraordinary week of innovation and investment opportunities.
Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, the Hon Stephen Dawson, said the Festival will showcase Western Australia as an international hub for cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship.
"Set against the stunning backdrop of WA, the West Tech Fest has become a cornerstone of Australia's innovation landscape. It's a fantastic opportunity for local innovators to gain exposure, connect with investors and hear about the latest trends," Minister Dawson said.
"The Festival has built a strong global network and driven successful investment outcomes, including announcing over $41 million of funding into the ecosystem and startups at West Tech Fest 2023. It continues to put our state's thriving startup ecosystem on the map."
Festival Director Danelle Cross said it was exciting to secure top talent like Monique Woodard who sees the future of technology being driven by major demographic trends including aging and longevity and the increased economic power of women.
"Just 11 per cent of all venture funding goes to female founders, but investors like Monique are flipping the script on the world of women-led businesses, providing greater opportunities to build a more inclusive and forward-thinking tech ecosystem," Ms Cross said.
"Research shows women-led startups perform better with investors seeing a 35 per cent higher rate of return. While there is still a lot of work to be done, the future is undoubtedly female."
Hosted by Curtin University, West Tech Fest is supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation's New Industries Fund, the City of Perth and Business Events Perth.
West Tech Festival will take place 2 to 6 December at iconic locations across Perth:
- West Tech Women - Monday 2 December, The Maali, Perth Zoo
- West Tech Coast - Tuesday 3 December, Coast, Port Beach
- Freo Startup Fest - Wednesday 4 December, Freo Social, Fremantle
- West Tech Main - Thursday 5 December, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Innovation Showcase - Thursday 5 December, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Festival passes are available now, offering access to all events throughout the week. Individual event tickets will be on sale from 8 October.
