99designs still calls Australia home

One of Melbourne’s most successful start-ups is returning home after a stint overseas, and in the process will create around 30 new full-time jobs over the next three years.

99designs is bringing its global headquarters back to Melbourne after seven years in San Francisco.

The company runs the world’s largest online graphic design marketplace and connects more than one million freelance designers with creative people, entrepreneurs and businesses.

“It’s a great feeling to return home to Melbourne where it all started,” said 99designs CEO Patrick Llewellyn.

“We just celebrated US$200m in global payouts to our amazing design community and continue to evolve our offer to better serve the needs of our designers and customers.

“We’re excited to be in the position to continue to invest in 99designs’ growth and to expand the team locally and abroad.”

The Victorian Government is investing heavily in the state’s tech sector to position it as the number one destination for business and tech investment in the Asia Pacific.

It claims that since November 2014, more than 3200 new tech jobs have been created across the state from investment alone.

Other globally successful digital platforms that originated in Victoria include SEEK, Redbubble, Envato and REA Group.

Foreign tech companies that have recently invested in Victoria include Dialog, Alibaba, Hired, Cybergym, Square and Slack.

“Victoria’s reputation as a leading tech destination is growing and we’re excited to be welcoming the 99designs team back to Melbourne,” said Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis.

“The fact that such a successful company has chosen to return to Melbourne from one of the world’s most recognised start-up sectors shows we’re getting it right.”

Pictured: 99designs CEO, Patrick Llewellyn. Courtesy 99designs.com

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