UBS Australasia Conference 2019: AI, Cyber Security, Digital Health and latest VC trends in Fintech

Analysis of the 2019 UBS Australasia Conference highlights talent shortages and the rise of corporate venture capital.

Vinay Chhoda · Venture Insights1 November 2019Period: November 20194 min read

Last updated 10 June 2026

380%↑

Growth of Australian cyber security sector (Past 2 years)

50%↑

Expected share of Corporate VC in total funding (Next few years)

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Companies covered:UBSVenture InsightsMicrosoftFacebookGoogleAmazonTelstraAustCyberHaventecKlein & CoConstructor.ioHyperAnnaImpiraZetta VenturesPlatinum Asset ManagementAustralian Digital Health AgencyPolychain CapitalBinance

Abstract

This report summarizes key takeaways from the 2019 UBS Australasia Conference, focusing on artificial intelligence, cyber security, digital health, and fintech. It highlights a 380% growth in the Australian cyber security sector over two years and forecasts that corporate venture capital will increase from 23% to 50% of total VC funding. The analysis identifies critical talent shortages across all tech sectors and examines the competitive dynamics between big tech giants and startups in AI development.

Key Takeaways

The Australian cyber security sector expanded by 380% over two years as threats transitioned to board-level business risks.
Corporate Venture Capital is forecast to grow from 23% to 50% of all Australian VC funding in the near term.
Big tech firms are monopolizing AI talent by offering seven-figure salaries to university researchers and professors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The sector grew by 380% over the last two years as cyber threats transitioned into primary board-level business risks. Market conditions are expected to produce up to three A$1 billion 'unicorn' valuations within the next 24 months.

Corporate Venture Capital is forecast to grow from 23% to 50% of all Australian VC funding in the near term. This shift is occurring alongside a 90% reduction in the cost of launching a startup, which has fallen from US$5 million to US$0.5 million over 25 years.

Australia faces a critical STEM talent shortage that directly threatens growth across AI, cyber security, and fintech. Big tech incumbents are currently monopolizing the limited talent pool by offering seven-figure salaries to university researchers and professors.

Approximately 90% of current AI and machine learning models are focused on search-type problems. Despite this narrow application, venture capital investment into the broader startup ecosystem has increased 30x over the last 25 years.

UBS Australasia Conference 2019: AI, Cyber Security, Digital Health and latest VC trends in Fintech

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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