AHK Event Report from Melbourne
As a part of this year’s German week, Robert Bosch (Australia) hosted David meets Goliath in its facilities in Clayton (Melbourne). This events format was introduced by the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany from Queensland, Prof. Michael Rosemann, and the Queensland Chapter of the German-Australian Chamber. The event series brings together established companies and start-ups to tell their own collaborative stories and case studies.
‘Goliath’ was played by Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd. partnering with ‘David’, which was played by The Yield. The conversation was be led by Gavin Smith (President, Robert Bosch) who discussed with Ros Harvey (Founder, The Yield), Tristonne Forbes (CEO Pathwize) and Dr Martin Schlegel (Principal Consultant A&A Tax Legal Consulting) how this multinational Goliath engages with start-ups in the technology sector.
After warm words of welcome by Peter Rindt (Head of Business Development Robert Bosch Australia), H.E. Dr. Anna Prinz, the German Ambassador to Australia, took the floor. She highlighted the importance of cooperation between Europe and Australia, especially in the area of start-ups, and expressed her interest in and amazement with new innovations. Following the ambassador’s speech, Ros gave the audience an introduction of The Yield and what innovative work it is doing in the field of agtech. Gavin gave an overview of the massive, global company that is Robert Bosch and Bosch Australia’s activities specifically. This already gave everyone in the room a good impression of the different business worlds from which the night’s David and Goliath come.
Both then joined the panel with Tristonne Forbes Dr. Martin Schlegel, each of whom have worked intensely with start-ups in Australia. Gavin said that he had met Ros after a speaking engagement at a German-Australian Chamber event in Sydney. Ros had approached him and they connected on a personal level straight away. After Ros had elaborated on her business, Gavin said that Bosch could help. Numerous more meetings followed, and Gavin emphasised that he was particularly impressed by Ros’s competence and leadership.
Ros agreed that they had a great, robust relationship that has been essential for their successful cooperation. She also mentioned that it is very hard for start-ups to find investors and that it is great to have Bosch on board and work with them beyond their investment.
Gavin explained that he is of the opinion that “in a connected world, the fastest way to market is through collaboration”. This is why Bosch is constantly active in seeking good collaboration partners from the start-up world, especially in the field of agtech that they are entering at the moment. However, he said that 99 per cent do not make it further than an initial conversation, as many lack well-considered innovation or business execution plans. Therefore, he estimates that only 10 per cent of Bosch’s innovation is currently being generated by start-ups. But he is sure this number will grow moving forward.
After a highly insightful discussion on stage the floor was opened for Q&A to the audience. Amongst other various questions, the audience wanted to hear how The Yield was protecting its IP. Ros recommended — besides the commonly known measures like confidentiality agreements — not to save on legal in the early days of a start-up enterprise and (most importantly) to retain staff by treating them well.
The panel session ended with a few closing words from the Queensland and Victoria Chamber Representatives Mrs Sabina Langenhan and Mrs Tina Thoms. The attendees spent the rest of the evening chatting on the topic and networking while enjoying delicious canapés and drinks. We would like to thank Robert Bosch Australia for hosting this memorable event and all of our guests for attendance. The event format is an intriguing way to gain key insights into some of the most exciting, collaborative projects happening in German-Australian business today.