There is so much more to LinkedIn than motivational posts by professionals chronicling their rise from intern to CEO. In addition, the employment-focused social media platform is also a data-rich resource for trends in the workforce – including their latest findings on Australia’s best young businesses. From sophisticated developments, like 3D-printed hypersonic rockets to lab-grown meat and medicinal cannabis the national startup scene is thriving – with the release of the LinkedIn Top Startups Australia list (an annual ranking of the emerging companies making waves across industries) highlighting the innovative enterprises reshaping industries and innovating in ways that could change how we live, work, and consume.
The companies that made it to this prestigious list are growing rapidly. And, as a result caching the eyes of investors, job seekers, and innovators alike. The industries they are revolutionising span from healthcare and food tech to advanced computing and logistics. By developing groundbreaking technologies and providing innovative solutions, these startups are undeniably the ones to watch in the years to come.
The Top 10 Young Aussie Businesses
LinkedIn’s Top Startups list is powered by data from more than a billion LinkedIn members globally. Specifically, this ranking is based on four key factors: employee growth, jobseeker interest, member engagement, and the ability to attract talent from LinkedIn’s Top Companies list. To be eligible, a company must be headquartered in Australia, be independently owned and privately held, have 30 or more full-time employees, and be five years old or younger. Here are the top 10 Australian startups that made the cut this year:
1. Montu – Melbourne (Founded 2019)
Montu is revolutionising healthcare by providing Australians with access to medicinal cannabis through its telehealth platform, connecting patients with qualified doctors.
2. Eucalyptus – Sydney (Founded 2019)
Eucalyptus offers a telehealth platform with four key brands covering contraception, skincare, men’s health, and sexual wellness, making healthcare more accessible.
3. ProcurePro – Brisbane (Founded 2020)
ProcurePro simplifies the complex world of procurement for construction firms by providing software that consolidates processes into one digital platform.
4. Heidi Health – Melbourne (Founded 2021)
Heidi Health is transforming healthcare with its AI tool that automates administrative tasks for doctors. Examples include writing clinical notes and referral letters.
5. Constantinople – Sydney (Founded 2022)
This startup offers an all-in-one platform for banks to manage operations, compliance, customer service, and anti-money laundering, streamlining the banking sector.
6. Vow – Sydney (Founded 2019)
Pioneering the future of food, Vow produces lab-grown meat, reducing the need for traditional farming and slaughtering processes.
7. Ofload – Sydney (Founded 2019)
Ofload is digitising Australian trucking fleets to create a more efficient, sustainable supply chain by connecting shippers with carriers in real time.
8. Howatson+Company – Sydney (Founded 2021)
A full-service advertising agency that has experienced remarkable growth, Howatson+Company is redefining creativity in the marketing and advertising space.
9. Zeller – Melbourne (Founded 2020)
Zeller is empowering small to medium-sized businesses with its payment and financial services platform, offering an all-in-one solution for financial management.
10. Safewill – Sydney (Founded 2019)
In the age of digital services, Safewill offers an easy-to-use platform for end-of-life planning. It allows users to create digital wills and manage other aspects of estate planning.
Key trends from the LinkedIn Top Startups List
The 2024 LinkedIn Top Startups list reveals several key trends shaping Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape. Healthcare startups are thriving, with companies like Heidi Health leading the way in integrating artificial intelligence into medical practices. Another growing sector is ‘death tech,’ with two startups focused on funeral-related digital services making the list, signalling an increasing interest in end-of-life planning. Additionally, the emergence of deep tech is noticeable this year. As a result, startups in aerospace and quantum computing broke new ground and made their debut on the list.
How to land a job at a start up
According to LinkedIn Australia Career Expert Cayla Dengate, the key to getting hired by a startup is adopting the right mindset. If you’re aiming to land a job at one of these fast-growing startups, adopting a growth mindset is crucial. Startups evolve quickly, so employers are drawn to candidates who are adaptable, eager to learn, and able to overcome challenges. It’s important to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and how you embrace growth opportunities.
Equally important is fitting in with the company culture. By researching the company on LinkedIn, you can gain insights into its values and team dynamics. This will help you highlight your collaborative abilities and unique talents, Cayla adds.
Furthermore, startups value critical thinking and fresh perspectives. For this reason, demonstrating your creativity and problem-solving skills can set you apart from other candidates. Be sure to share specific examples of how you’ve tackled complex problems in the past. Lastly, passion is a key quality startups look for in new hires. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company’s mission and industry, and take time to articulate how your personal values align with the organisation’s goals during interviews.
