Tech consultancy plants roots in Melbourne

Slalom is the latest technology firm to plant its roots in Victoria, building on the state government’s recent efforts to grow local industry and position the state as a world technology leader.

The consultancy has announced that it will establish its Australian headquarters in Melbourne, where it will oversee its APAC operations — helping companies design digital solutions that enhance online customer experience. In doing so, it will create 200 new local jobs over the next two years.

The announcement coincides with a pledge made by the Victorian Government this week to contribute $1.5 million to Australia’s first multimillion-dollar accelerator investment fund for artificial intelligence (AI) scale-ups.

Backed by start-up agency LaunchVic — in partnership with Boab AI, Artesian, Victorian universities and Artesian’s international partner — the program will unlock millions of dollars of private-sector capital to help high-growth AI scale-ups.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to grow the state’s $8.4 billion per year tech industry and fuel the recovery of its economy post COVID-19.

Against this backdrop, Treasurer Tim Pallas described the Slalom announcement as a “big win” for Victoria.

“Our strategy to attract international investment will help the Victorian economy bounce back from the economic impacts of the coronavirus,” said Pallas.

“Slalom is a great addition to our thriving tech sector and this investment will only keep pushing us forward as Australia’s leading tech city.”

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and Digital Economy Jaala Pulford was also pleased and said the move signified a promising future for the state.

“Melbourne is home to more than half of Australia’s top 20 tech companies and there is no slowing us down. Boosting our tech capabilities is critical to ensuring Victoria’s economic growth,” she said.

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