Techstars

DMS Creative Curtains & Blinds Pty Ltd stands at the forefront of the soft furnishing business, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies. Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in our premium-quality products and services. Harnessing the power of modern technologies, we elevate the standard of craftsmanship in the window furnishings industry. Our specialized expertise lies in creating high-quality, custom-made, and luxurious window dressings that redefine the concept of home decor. By incorporating AI and ML, we bring a level of precision and sophistication to our offerings that is unparalleled in the market. What sets us apart is our dedication to providing a seamless and personalized experience for our clients. The use of AI allows us to analyze and understand individual preferences, ensuring that each product is tailored to meet specific requirements and tastes. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also maximizes functionality and efficiency. All our products proudly bear the label "Made in Australia," symbolizing our commitment to supporting local craftsmanship and contributing to the growth of the Australian economy. Operating with pride in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, DMS Creative Curtains & Blinds is synonymous with quality, innovation, and a touch of technological prowess. Our extensive range of Australian-made window dressing options is complemented by a diverse selection of fabrics, catering to a wide spectrum of preferences. Whether it's classic elegance, modern minimalism, or bold avant-garde designs, our AI-driven approach ensures that every product meets the highest standards of excellence. At DMS, we invite you to explore the seamless fusion of traditional artistry and technological innovation. Experience the future of window furnishings with our AI/ML-infused creations, where each product tells a story of craftsmanship, precision, and a commitment to transforming your living spaces into expressions of luxury and style.

ALPHS is a fast-growing privately held organization with a business valuation of $7 million as of 2023, Forbes estimated. The inspirational success story of the empire redirects to Ashini Gogoi, an ex-Meta employee, who haphazardly started it as a lifestyle community on Instagram in January 2021 as per an investigation by CNN—Forbes declared that he is a young yet enigmatic self-made CEO. Following his vision in August 2020, Ashini managed to take a loan capital of US$40,000 from his friends and family, his company started making headlines in major publications for the first time in November 2022, when the company signed a contract with the American rapper, Wiz Khalifa. The company is listed as a high-profile organization on Crunchbase and is actively offering its services in Tier 1 countries as of 2023—a statistical analysis showed that 87% of its customer base is women from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy. The company's website gets active during major festivals only and consumers can purchase for a limited duration of seven days, hence selling out very quickly—their most affordable models that hold their value start between $850 and $1,200. "ALPHS Inc. is one of the most secretive young companies in corporate history next to the giant Rolex," says the American business newspaper, The Wall Street Journal. Reports suggest that Ashini took down several notable articles including Forbes, CNN, WSJ—while his organization was under suspicion by April 2023—the company claimed that their products were meticulously made and they had consistently maintained their values. The company has drawn criticism from multiple sources, with questions raised about its secretive nature, and faced numerous allegations on whether their business was legal—including a handful of law firms in the financial investigation—a rigorous background check was done which publicized that they operate as an online retailer—with the approval of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee—the materials used by the company were declared legitimate in October 2022. The company also produces high-quality films titled, "Inspired by best-selling novels" for customer retention and is investing enormous funds in the development of artificial intelligence. ALPHS headquarters were officially shifted from Hyderabad, India to Milan, Italy in March 2023 under the guidance of Y Combinator, the lead investor of the company. As of 2023, the company has reportedly signed agreements with eleven prominent stars and models for endorsing its products.

Approveit is a software platform that specializes in automating approval workflows across various departments within organizations, such as Finance, HR, and IT. By integrating with Slack and Microsoft Teams, it enables users to manage their business processes directly from their messaging applications, significantly reducing the time required for approvals by up to 80%. The platform allows for the customization of dashboards and the tracking of approvals on various tasks, enhancing overall productivity by minimizing repetitive tasks. Approveit currently serves over 50 clients, including companies like Blade and Midokura, and manages more than 100,000 customer requests across regions including the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Equatorial Space is a startup focused on developing advanced rocket propulsion and launch systems aimed at making space access as safe and affordable as commercial air travel. The company seeks to simplify the complex and costly propulsion systems that often lead to failures, utilizing a proprietary solid fuel formulation that enhances safety and environmental sustainability. Their innovative hybrid rocket propulsion systems reduce component requirements by half and are designed to be potentially reusable. Equatorial Space has garnered recognition, winning the MBRSC Innovation Cup in 2018 and graduating from The Hangar by NUS Enterprise in 2019. In 2021, the company joined the inaugural cohort of the Q Station Accelerator, which is supported by the US Space Force and Techstars Los Angeles. With operations in Singapore, Australia, and the United States, Equatorial Space aims to serve both civilian and military applications, enabling organizations to conduct planetary and space missions more effectively.

Blink is an enterprise communication platform that enhances the digital experience for frontline workers, such as nurses, bus drivers, construction personnel, and supply chain operators, who play a crucial role in the economy. Designed for users who are often away from traditional computer settings, the app has been adopted by over 60,000 individuals in more than 100 companies across the UK, US, and Australia. Users engage with the Blink app frequently throughout the day, addressing a significant gap in support and resources for the 70% of the workforce that comprises frontline employees. Blink aims to improve employee morale and retention, having achieved a 26% reduction in staff turnover and doubled employee satisfaction within its client organizations. The platform provides an all-in-one solution that digitizes frontline operations, ensuring that essential information and tools are readily accessible. With a strong recommendation rate among users, Blink is committed to empowering and equipping frontline workers to enhance their productivity and engagement.

Section is a cloud-native hosting provider that specializes in edge computing, allowing engineers to deploy and manage workloads with flexibility and control. Founded in 2012 in Australia and later relocating its headquarters to the United States in 2016, Section offers a sophisticated platform that optimizes application delivery across a global infrastructure. Its container-based approach supports Docker and Kubernetes, enabling the deployment of custom edge compute modules anywhere along the edge continuum. The platform is designed to address a range of challenges beyond traditional content delivery networks, focusing on performance, cost, and reliability in workload management. With offices in Sydney and Boulder, Section is supported by prominent venture capital firms and features a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds in engineering and development.

Yellowbox is a provider of smart locker systems designed for seamless access and management. The company's technology-first approach allows users to access and manage lockers through a mobile app or existing swipe cards, enhancing usability. Yellowbox's wireless smart locks can be easily installed on any locker without the need for servers or network infrastructure. The system includes an on-the-go management app and a custom analytics dashboard, along with multiple integrations to fit various environments. Operating across Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and North America, Yellowbox has installations in corporate offices, public libraries, gyms, and facilities focused on efficiency and convenience.

Equity should be a piece of cake. We’re on a mission to simplify companies issuing and transferring shares, options and notes, and keeping your owners sweet. Started in Australia, we now help startups in Singapore, US, UK, India, UAE, New Zealand and growing fast!

Daitum is an Australian-based company that specializes in cloud-based software for decision analytics, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning. The company focuses on making decision analytics accessible and user-friendly, catering to various applications including supply chain planning, asset management, production planning, and workforce management. With over 25 years of combined experience in creating enterprise AI solutions, Daitum aims to help businesses unlock the true value of their data through grounded solutions and genuine insights. The platform is designed for self-service use, utilizing proprietary technology and algorithms to deliver comprehensive decision analytical reports to clients.

Omnio Group, founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, is a provider of banking-as-a-Service solutions designed for banks, building societies, credit unions, and various corporate clients. The company specializes in digital banking, managed services, and digital payment solutions, enabling its clients to offer innovative and reliable financial services. Omnio's platform incorporates features such as loyalty programs and back-office services, allowing clients to enhance their product offerings and generate new revenue streams through embedded financial services. With a presence in Europe, Australia, North America, and Africa, Omnio supports over 130 small financial institutions and collaborates with leading businesses and government organizations to deliver effective financial products tailored to meet evolving customer needs.

Section is a cloud-native hosting provider that specializes in edge computing, allowing engineers to deploy and manage workloads with flexibility and control. Founded in 2012 in Australia and later relocating its headquarters to the United States in 2016, Section offers a sophisticated platform that optimizes application delivery across a global infrastructure. Its container-based approach supports Docker and Kubernetes, enabling the deployment of custom edge compute modules anywhere along the edge continuum. The platform is designed to address a range of challenges beyond traditional content delivery networks, focusing on performance, cost, and reliability in workload management. With offices in Sydney and Boulder, Section is supported by prominent venture capital firms and features a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds in engineering and development.

Flux is a political movement which aims to replace the world's elected legislatures with a new system known as issue-based direct democracy (IBDD). Flux originated in and is most active in Australia, but it is also active internationally, with groups existing in the United States and Brazil. IBDD is similar to liquid democracy, though there are differences. In IBDD, voters would still have the right to vote directly on every issue or delegate their vote to someone else, but unlike in liquid democracy, voters can choose to forego votes on one issue to use on another issue. This creates opportunity cost between issues and allows voters to specialise their votes on the issues that are more important to them. This specialisation of votes allows citizens to participate effectively in issue-based direct democracy without having to focus on every issue as they would in regular direct democracy. Software to implement IBDD is being developed by SecureVote, a startup company set up by Nathan Spataro and Max Kaye to bring Blockchain-based voting to Governments, Businesses and Token Ecosystems.

Section is a cloud-native hosting provider that specializes in edge computing, allowing engineers to deploy and manage workloads with flexibility and control. Founded in 2012 in Australia and later relocating its headquarters to the United States in 2016, Section offers a sophisticated platform that optimizes application delivery across a global infrastructure. Its container-based approach supports Docker and Kubernetes, enabling the deployment of custom edge compute modules anywhere along the edge continuum. The platform is designed to address a range of challenges beyond traditional content delivery networks, focusing on performance, cost, and reliability in workload management. With offices in Sydney and Boulder, Section is supported by prominent venture capital firms and features a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds in engineering and development.

Section is a cloud-native hosting provider that specializes in edge computing, allowing engineers to deploy and manage workloads with flexibility and control. Founded in 2012 in Australia and later relocating its headquarters to the United States in 2016, Section offers a sophisticated platform that optimizes application delivery across a global infrastructure. Its container-based approach supports Docker and Kubernetes, enabling the deployment of custom edge compute modules anywhere along the edge continuum. The platform is designed to address a range of challenges beyond traditional content delivery networks, focusing on performance, cost, and reliability in workload management. With offices in Sydney and Boulder, Section is supported by prominent venture capital firms and features a team of professionals from diverse backgrounds in engineering and development.

Virtkick, Inc. is a company that specializes in providing a virtual private server (VPS) cloud management panel, aimed at empowering independent hosting companies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Virtkick operates in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, New Zealand, and Australia. The platform simplifies server management and enhances user experience, enabling hosting providers to improve conversion rates and compete with larger market players. It also offers features that assist software developers, designers, and businesses in managing their hosting needs, including automatic billing capabilities.

Virtkick, Inc. is a company that specializes in providing a virtual private server (VPS) cloud management panel, aimed at empowering independent hosting companies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Virtkick operates in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, New Zealand, and Australia. The platform simplifies server management and enhances user experience, enabling hosting providers to improve conversion rates and compete with larger market players. It also offers features that assist software developers, designers, and businesses in managing their hosting needs, including automatic billing capabilities.

Blink is an enterprise communication platform that enhances the digital experience for frontline workers, such as nurses, bus drivers, construction personnel, and supply chain operators, who play a crucial role in the economy. Designed for users who are often away from traditional computer settings, the app has been adopted by over 60,000 individuals in more than 100 companies across the UK, US, and Australia. Users engage with the Blink app frequently throughout the day, addressing a significant gap in support and resources for the 70% of the workforce that comprises frontline employees. Blink aims to improve employee morale and retention, having achieved a 26% reduction in staff turnover and doubled employee satisfaction within its client organizations. The platform provides an all-in-one solution that digitizes frontline operations, ensuring that essential information and tools are readily accessible. With a strong recommendation rate among users, Blink is committed to empowering and equipping frontline workers to enhance their productivity and engagement.

Blink is an enterprise communication platform that enhances the digital experience for frontline workers, such as nurses, bus drivers, construction personnel, and supply chain operators, who play a crucial role in the economy. Designed for users who are often away from traditional computer settings, the app has been adopted by over 60,000 individuals in more than 100 companies across the UK, US, and Australia. Users engage with the Blink app frequently throughout the day, addressing a significant gap in support and resources for the 70% of the workforce that comprises frontline employees. Blink aims to improve employee morale and retention, having achieved a 26% reduction in staff turnover and doubled employee satisfaction within its client organizations. The platform provides an all-in-one solution that digitizes frontline operations, ensuring that essential information and tools are readily accessible. With a strong recommendation rate among users, Blink is committed to empowering and equipping frontline workers to enhance their productivity and engagement.

Voxon Photonics, established in 2013, specializes in the development of advanced three-dimensional (3D) volumetric display technology. The company's flagship product, the Voxon VX1, offers a unique holographic viewing experience by projecting a multitude of points of light onto a rapidly oscillating screen, creating lifelike 3D images that can be viewed from any angle without the need for special glasses. This cutting-edge technology allows users to visualize and interact with digital content in a more immersive manner, enhancing communication, learning, and entertainment. The Voxon VX1 has garnered attention for its ability to render both animated and static imagery as authentic holograms, captivating audiences and transforming how digital information is presented. With teams based in Australia and the US, Voxon Photonics continues to innovate in the realm of volumetric displays, pushing the boundaries of visual technology.

MiniMonos is a virtual world designed for children aged 8-12, where they can create monkey avatars, decorate treehouses, and engage in games. The platform promotes themes of sustainability, generosity, and community while ensuring that the primary focus remains on fun. Every purchase contributes to clean water initiatives for children in India, and the platform encourages eco-friendly actions by rewarding players with in-game benefits. Since its launch in April 2011, MiniMonos has seen significant growth and now boasts over 300,000 registered members, primarily from the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Revenue is generated through subscriptions and microtransactions, with marketing efforts relying on word of mouth, online advertising, and promotional partnerships, including recent TV commercials in the UK and upcoming branded prepaid cards in Sainsbury's. Led by CEO Melissa Clark-Reynolds, who has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, MiniMonos continues to foster creativity and environmental awareness among its young audience.