The Allan Labor Government is creating highly skilled jobs and boosting the state's technology sector by backing US tech and AI company Podium Australia to expand its operations in Melbourne.
Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas has this week announced the expansion of Podium Australia's APAC headquarters, the company's largest operation outside of the US - which will create 55 highly skilled new jobs in Victoria's booming digital technology sector.
Starting as a small-scale project in a spare bedroom in 2014, the company is now considered a US Tech unicorn with a market capitalisation of US$3 billion and employing more than 1,000 people around the world.
The Labor Government first supported Podium to establish an Australian subsidiary in 2018, which has since experienced strong growth and now services more than 4,000 customers from across Asia.
Podium provides tech and AI services for everyday businesses across a range of industries to improve customer service, develop communication processes and build online presence.
The expansion of its Melbourne HQ is driven by Podium's new products in the US including their VoIP Phones, AI Tools and First Party Payment Systems, which have experienced rapid uptake in the US market.
Podium's growing presence will be a welcome addition to Victoria's digital technology sector, which contributed $35.6 billion to the state's economy in 2023 and supports more than 279,000 tech workers in 22,500 ICT businesses.
The Labor Government is driving job creation, increasing innovation and attracting investment into the state through a range of initiatives.
Victoria successfully attracted $4.3 billion in overseas investment in 2022/23, creating more than 2,500 local jobs.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
"Podium's expansion here will further boost our thriving tech sector and is a signal to international and interstate tech investors that Victoria is the place to grow and innovate."
"We're investing in trailblazing companies like Podium because we see the direct benefits for the state in bolstering industry, creating high-value jobs and boosting economic growth."
As stated by Country Manager Podium Australia Brad Granger
"This partnership with the Victorian Government highlights our commitment to further investing in revolutionising how Victorian businesses interact and engage with their customers."
