Enterprize Tasmania, the Apple Isle’s startup space, has named FinTech Australia deputy chair and Triple Bubble cofounder Brian Collins as CEO.
Collins has spent more than a decade working with founders around the world, leading Startupbootcamp’s fintech programs in Australia, and advising on fintech and venture capital with organisations including AWS and major banks. He launched the fintech fund Triple Bubble with Upbank’s Dom Pym and Euphemia CEO Judy Anderson-Firth in 2024.
Enterprize Tasmania (ET) is turning 10 and recruiting a high-profile startup operator to the role is part of the organisation’s ambition to give the state’s startup ecosystem a national and global presence.
The organisation, like the NSW and Victorian startup sectors has been dealing with the fallout and self-sufficiency required as governments abandon the playing field.
Collins, who spent more than a decade in Silicon Valley, working at companies like AngelHack, as well as being the entrepreneur-in-residence at Enterprize Tasmania in 2020 said he’d “fallen in love” with the island state’s innovation ecosystem.
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“Enterprize began as a founder-led effort, backed by philanthropy, built on hustle, ingenuity, and a willingness to back ideas before they were proven,” he said.
“Now, it’s gone on to host thousands of events, amassing over 220 members from over 100 companies. Its hubs in Hobart and Launceston are nearly at capacity. The next step is to grow further by showcasing what’s been created, why it’s special and how other startups and organisations can get involved.”
Tassie’s also home to one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs – Canva cofounder Cameron Adams.
More than a retreat
Collins said Tasmania is “no longer just a destination for an innovation retreat” with local startups outpacing revenue and growth by other small businesses.
“Startups and growth companies based at Enterprize have reported an average annual revenue growth of around 126% and employment growth of 44%, compared with 3.39% and 5.3% respectively for Tasmanian small businesses,” he said.
“It’s the launchpad for Australia’s next unicorn. The global success of design application Procreate and geospatial technology company Geoneon speaks to this. They are the first of many companies that we expect will flourish as the state’s startup reputation accelerates.”
ET director Phaedon Stough, cofounder and CEO of Innovation Bay, they’ve spent a decade putting Tasmania “on the map” (a decade ago, Australia Day merch was pulled from Woolies after Tassie was omitted), and now it’s a watershed moment.
“Now, it’s about scaling and multiplying those efforts, and Brian is perfect for the job,” he said.
“He’s come full circle with his career, initially starting out helping us grow our programs as an entrepreneur in residence five years ago. As our CEO, he’ll not only champion the state as a place to grow a company, but help it realise its full potential.”
