Building the Australia-Asia Tech Corridor explores the vital connections between Australia’s and Asia’s tech ecosystems and is based on a unique data analysis of outbound Australian investment in Asian tech startups.

The TCA notes that the value of Australia-linked investments in Asian startups grew 27-fold between 2016 and 2018, the paper found - hwever, it reached its lowest point since 2016 in 2023, dropping more than 86% from 2022 to reach just $779 million, mirroringa decline in venture funding from all investors.

“While the amount invested year-to-year has fluctuated in line with global conditions, we expect this relationship is here to stay and shows great potential for mutually beneficial growth,” the paper explains.

Other key findings of the paper include:

• Australian investors have led 40% of the transactions they have engaged in over the last decade.
• Significantly, 77% of investments of Australian investments target seed and early-stage companies in Asia, particularly in the Consumer and B2C sectors.
• Over half the value of all Australia-linked investments is directed towards Singapore, making it the premier destination for Australian tech investments in Asia.
• The value of Indian capital raisings involving an Australian investor grew by 95% over the course of the decade (2013-2023) and the number of transactions doubled between 2015 and 2023.

The TCA also notes that the paper proposes establishing a regional dialogue, collaboratively led by both industry and policymakers, to deepen the Australia-Asia tech corridor - and the exchange of capital, people and technology would create the conditions for two-way investment to grow, and benefit both the Australian and Asian tech ecosystems.

Building the Australia-Asia Tech Corridor is the inaugural discussion paper in the Tech Connections Series, which aims to develop a holistic picture of the linkages between Australia and Asia’s tech ecosystems - and the Tech Connections Series is available on the Tech Council of Australia and Asialink Business websites.

Commenting on the paper, Robert Law, Director Advisory & Insights, Asialink Business said: “The development of a robust Australia-Asia tech corridor is critical for fostering innovation, growth, and collaboration; how connections can drive mutual success across both regions." -

"Success in Asia requires more than just capital. It demands a deep understanding of local dynamics and the ability to build strong, in-market relationships. Developing Asia-specific capabilities is essential for Australian investors looking to unlock new opportunities in Asia’s tech markets,” -said Leigh Howard, CEO, Asialink Business.

“The mutually beneficial exchange of expertise, via talent, investment or technology, is the foundation of strong economic relationships between Australia and Asia. These connections can support both regions to grow companies globally,” Damian Kassabgi, CEO, Tech Council of Australia.

Other comments included:

“Establishing a regional dialogue that strengthens the Australia-Asia investment landscape and explores opportunities for collaboration across policy and research will contribute to a thriving tech ecosystem in both regions and drive innovation.” - Susan Travis, Head of Research, Tech Council of Australia.

“Asia’s rapid urbanisation creates incredible opportunities for leading emerging technology companies to scale. For Taronga Ventures, we see many investment opportunities across the built environment and real asset sectors and this is a strategic driver for long-term growth.” - Jonathan Hannam, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Taronga Ventures.

About Asialink Business 

Since 2013, Asialink Business has helped thousands of Australian organisations and professionals seize opportunities in Asia. As Australia’s National Centre for Asia Capability, we equip leaders, entrepreneurs and employees with the insights, capabilities and connections to succeed across Asia. Asialink Business is supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. It is part of the Asialink Group hosted by the University of Melbourne. To find out more, visit www.asialinkbusiness.com.au or follow us on Twitter @asiacapable and LinkedIn 

About Tech Council of Australia 

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is Australia’s peak industry body for the tech sector. The Australian tech sector is a pillar of the Australian economy, contributing $167 billion per annum, and employing 861,000 people. This makes the tech sector equivalent to Australia’s third largest industry, behind mining and banking, and Australia’s seventh largest employing sector. The TCA represents a diverse cross-section of Australia’s technology sector, including data-driven local and global companies and venture capital funds with investments in data-driven enterprises.