Tech expert encourages budding entrepreneurs at alumni seminar

March 2009

Technology entrepreneur David Gold (BSc 1994) shared his views on the opportunities and challenges faced by start-up businesses at a recent seminar at Federation Square.

Over 60 guests heard the Monash alumnus discuss the lessons he has learnt as an experienced entrepreneur. Since graduating from Monash, Mr Gold has ridden the highs and lows of start-up ventures, from online advertising and retail businesses to high speed wireless Internet services. He is currently founder and CEO of new-age food retailer Igloo Zoo Pty Ltd.

While the current economic environment poses challenges for start-up companies, Mr Gold believes there are still many opportunities ahead for Australian entrepreneurs.

“The kind of applications, the kind of products, the kind of opportunities that are around, that we just can’t envisage today, will be there. It’s open to the innovators of today to try and tap into those,” said Mr Gold.

Mr Gold gave some valuable advice to budding entrepreneurs about: the importance of having a solid business plan; the need to hire quality staff; ways to deal with large corporations; and having faith in your ability to succeed.

He also encouraged young students and alumni to participate in co-curricula activities in preparation for an entrepreneurial career.

“Co-curricula activities provide a strong informal learning experience that you won’t get in any other way. And to be quite frank, they give you the opportunity to make mistakes on someone else’s dime,” said Mr Gold.

Links:

• PowerPoint slides from the seminar
• Biography of David Gold