Dr Kate Cornick has resigned as LaunchVic CEO and will step into leadership at the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), after the Victorian government vowed to dissolve the startup support agency she has led since 2016.
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LaunchVic and the TCA announced Cornick’s move on Tuesday, with the former praising her work supporting and elevating the Victorian startup sector.
“Under Kate’s leadership, startup creation in Victoria has grown significantly, the venture capital landscape has been transformed and the sector’s economic contribution is recognised,” said LaunchVic chair Leigh Jasper.
“She is widely respected for her deep sector expertise and strong relationships across industry and government.
“The Tech Council of Australia is fortunate to have her leading the organisation.”
Cornick will remain with LaunchVic until early May, as the organisation and the state government map a new future for startup support services across the region.
In December, the state government revealed plans to wind down LaunchVic in its current guise and merge key functions with state-owned private investment company Breakthrough Victoria, citing the need for budget efficiency.
The decision rattled the startup community, with founders and investors praising the agency and Cornick for the specialist investment funds, incubators, accelerators, and community events held under the LaunchVic banner.
TCA chair and Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar said Cornick will “bring valuable skills and experience to the CEO role from across the startup ecosystem as well as in commercialisation, investment, and government collaboration more broadly”.
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She will replace Damian Kassabgi at the leading technology sector advocacy group, who announced his departure in October and will remain in the post through to May.
“Damian will hand over the reins as CEO with the TCA in a strong position operationally and on the back of key wins for members from a policy, advocacy and engagement perspective,” said Farquhar.
Additionally, Katherine McConnell, founder and CEO of home solar financing company Brighte, will join the TCA board to replace the outgoing Robyn Denholm.
“The next decade will define Australia’s place in the global tech economy,” said McConnell.
“I’m excited to work alongside the Board and members to help ensure more Australian tech companies can scale and succeed.”
