Oceania’s Innovation Landscape: A Rising Star in GSER 2025

The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (GSER 2025) highlights Oceania’s growing impact on the global innovation map, with ecosystems like Sydney and Melbourne demonstrating resilience amid global volatility. Sydney maintains a strong position in the Top 40 Global Startup Ecosystems, while Melbourne is one of the few ecosystems globally to see an increase in early-stage funding. 

As the region continues to strengthen its Deep Tech capabilities, talent pipelines, and international market connections, Oceania is carving out a distinct and increasingly influential role in the global startup economy.

• The top five ecosystems in Oceania are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Perth.
• Sydney is the top-performing startup ecosystem in Oceania, at #25 globally. It is the #1 Oceania Ecosystem in Knowledge, Talent & Experience, Funding, and Performance.
• Melbourne maintained its #32 position in the Global Startup Ecosystem ranking. Total VC funding in the ecosystem increased 14%, and ConTech payment management platform Payapp was the top-valued exit at $390 million.
• Brisbane is the only Oceania ecosystem in the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems Ranking. It is the #3 Oceania Ecosystem in Talent & Experience, measuring long-term trends over the most significant performance factors and the ability to generate and keep talent in the ecosystem. 
• Adelaide is the #2 Oceania Ecosystem in Affordable Talent and the #4 ecosystem in Bang for Buck, measuring the amount of runway tech startups acquire, on average, from a VC round.

Sydney - #25 Global Startup Ecosystem

“Sydney stands out as a thriving innovation ecosystem consistently attracting a significant share of VC. Tech Central – the biggest innovation precinct in Australia – will ensure the right mix of infrastructure, amenity, and connection to promote NSW innovation to the world." — Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary, Investment NSW

Melbourne - #32 Global Startup Ecosystem

“Victoria’s startup ecosystem is experiencing sustained, measured growth. Melbourne remains a leading place to launch a startup, underpinned by world-class research, education, a deep innovation network, and strong support. As Victoria’s startup agency, we remain focused on its sustainable, long-term growth.” — Dr. Kate Cornick, CEO, LaunchVic

Brisbane - #31-40 Emerging Startup Ecosystem 

“Our team is fortunate to be backed by high-caliber investors whose unwavering support has led to the development of Australia’s first orbital rocket, built by an Australian-owned company, and supported by a local space supply chain.” — Mr. Adam Gilmour, CEO and Founder of Gilmour Space Technologies