From Northbridge Garage to Global Player: How One Perth Founder Built a Cleantech Empire

In a converted warehouse on Beaufort Street in Northbridge, Dr Sarah Chen is quietly building one of Western Australia's most promising cleantech ventures. Her company, MaterialShift, has just announced a $15 million Series B funding round—a milestone that underscores Perth's emerging reputation as a serious player in the global startup ecosystem.

Founded in 2022, MaterialShift develops biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, a problem that has long plagued Australian manufacturers. The startup employs 34 people at its East Perth innovation hub and works with major retailers across Asia-Pacific, including several major Australian chains.

"Perth has incredible advantages that aren't being fully leveraged," Chen explained during a recent event at Spacecubed, the city's largest co-working community. "We have world-class research institutions through UWA and Curtin, proximity to raw materials, and a growing pool of technical talent. What we've lacked is visibility."

That visibility is changing rapidly. Perth's startup ecosystem has grown by 38% over the past three years, according to data from StartupWA, with over 1,200 active startups now operating across the metro area. The Perth Innovation District—spanning Northbridge, East Perth, and the CBD—has become a focal point for venture capital interest, attracting investors from Melbourne, Sydney, and increasingly, overseas.

MaterialShift's success reflects broader trends. The startup received early support from Spacecubed's accelerator program and backing from local venture firms. The new funding will support expansion into Southeast Asian markets and development of next-generation products.

The broader ecosystem is maturing too. Perth's average startup funding has nearly doubled to $1.2 million since 2023, while co-working spaces have expanded significantly. Horseshoe Bridge's recent renovation into a mixed-use innovation precinct, combined with ongoing development around Barrack Street, is reshaping the physical landscape.

However, challenges remain. Perth startups still struggle to attract top talent from eastern states, and access to late-stage funding remains tighter than in Sydney or Melbourne. Venture capital investment in WA represents just 4% of national activity, despite the state's economic significance.

Chen believes continued success depends on deliberate community-building. MaterialShift regularly hosts mentoring sessions for early-stage founders and contributes to industry working groups addressing sustainability standards.

"The next three years will be critical," she said. "Perth can either become a serious innovation hub or remain overshadowed by the eastern capitals. Companies like ours can help tip the balance, but we need continued investment in infrastructure, talent, and—crucially—local belief in what's possible here."

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.