Ana, could you introduce Austrade and explain what makes your organization unique?

 The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) promotes Australia on the global stage, grows and diversifies trade and helps build Australia’s economic security and prosperity. What makes Austrade unique is our extensive global network of over 100 offices worldwide. Our local knowledge, commercial insights and trusted relationships with decision-makers make the difference. This enables us to help Australian businesses achieve diverse export outcomes and win the investment they need to grow. Our commercial insights also inform government policy.

How does Austrade assist technology companies in expanding globally?

Austrade supports technology companies through various programs and services, including market research, hands-on local market support, trade promotion, and export assistance. We provide tailored advice that helps companies navigate foreign markets, understand regulatory requirements, and connect with potential partners. A program called Landing Pads specifically helps Australian tech scaleups expand in new markets.

What specific support does Austrade provide to fintech companies?

For several years, Austrade has delivered a fintech program to the UK, culminating in participation at Europe’s premier fintech event, Money20/20 in Amsterdam. The program offers support to companies to prepare them for the market visit, as well as follow up assistance after the visit. 

Specifically, the program includes market briefing sessions (covering market insights, business culture, understanding of regulatory and legislative landscapes), personalized business diagnostics sessions aimed at tailoring the value propositions and refining the marketing and sales strategies for the local market, and facilitating connections to business networks, associations, potential partners, clients, and venture capitalists.

The visit to the UK, followed by the Australian stand at Money20/20, included engagements with thought leaders, customers, partners, and advisors. The program highlights Australian fintech capabilities as well as Australia’s international business strengths and capabilities.

How does Austrade engage with external advisors, particularly CoMantis?

Austrade partners with external advisors such as CoMantis to broaden the level of support that we provide to Australian technology companies. Advisors are selected based on their expertise and technical know-how across a range of topics. These valuable partnerships help our technology companies expand their businesses in the UK and Europe.

As part of the Austrade program, CoMantis provides strategic marketing and sales advisory services which helps companies refine their approach to the UK market. CoMantis’ services include business diagnostics, market research and introductions to potential partners and clients. CoMantis has successfully delivered projects for Austrade’s cyber security and fintech market visits. Our collaboration aligns with Austrade's objectives and enhances our overall support for Australian businesses expanding into the UK.

Can you elaborate on the role CoMantis played in assisting the delegation of Australian fintech companies?

In addition to the previously mentioned strategic marketing and sales diagnostics tailored to the UK market and the valuable introductions to a variety of local businesses, CoMantis provided our companies with a detailed overview of the UK fintech industry. 

This bespoke overview was specifically designed to meet the delegation's needs. It offered in-depth market research and numerous references that served as a solid foundation for understanding the opportunities and challenges within the dynamic and competitive UK financial landscape.

The collaboration between CoMantis and Austrade has been instrumental in addressing our companies’ market entry and expansion challenges and ensured that our fintech cohort was well-prepared for successful expansion into the UK and broader European markets. 

What sets CoMantis apart in terms of the quality of service they deliver?

CoMantis is highly professional and transparent in their approach. They provide a combination of world-class strategic sales, business development, and marketing advisory services through hands-on sessions. Their comprehensive suite of services ensures that each client receives personalized and actionable insights. Their commitment to quality is evident in their thorough engagement process, continuous support, and the tangible results they deliver. This contributes to the success of Australian companies in the UK market​.

What feedback have you received from the fintech companies and the local Australian state agencies about the collaboration with CoMantis?

Feedback from state agencies and our fintech companies has been overwhelmingly positive. The fintech companies have benefited from CoMantis' market insights, strategic sales, and marketing advice. They have also benefited from introductions to potential partners. This has enhanced their preparation for the market visit, as well as their long-term entry and growth strategy for the UK and Europe. CoMantis' tailored guidance has ensured that these companies are well-equipped to navigate the UK and Europe’s competitive financial landscape.

What are Austrade’s future plans for supporting Australian businesses in the UK and globally?

At Austrade we continue our support of Australian businesses through trade missions, increased collaboration with industry partners, and by leveraging digital tools for greater market reach. Our focus is on emerging sectors, where we look to provide more targeted support, and facilitate stronger connections between Australian businesses and global markets. Austrade is committed to evolving our services offering to meet the changing needs of Australian exporters and investors, ensuring their long-term success in international markets.

Thank you for the kind words, Ana!