First week, first client as university startups germinate

Just a week into a University of Queensland accelerator program for startups, one of the participants has attracted his first paying customer.

Founded by UQ alumnus Nick Georgiou, Brandtools instantly generates design templates such as business cards and social media graphics, after companies upload their logo.  

"Branding is the face of a business – it’s what people instantly recognise and when it’s done well, it has the power to leave a lasting impression,” Mr Georgiou said.

“But the reality is, not many small businesses have the money or the time to spend on professional graphic design.

“We saw the need for a quick and polished alternative, and our first client is a designer from the United States.”

Brandtools is among 13 startups selected for UQ’s ilab Germinate PLUS program, one of Australia’s most experienced startup accelerators. 

Mr Georgiou said achieving revenue so quickly was testament to positioning of the product, as well as the entrepreneurial culture and community spirit of UQ.

“UQ’s ilab program really backed me to get out there – to launch the product and to learn from real customers, rather than sitting back and waiting for everything to be perfect,” Mr Georgiou said.

“It is inspiring to see the other teams in the same place, to see where they are doing better, and to benefit from different perspectives.”  

Ilab Director Bernie Woodcroft said revenue validated a startup’s potential.

“We congratulate Mr Georgiou for backing himself and for putting his idea out there for market judgement,” Mr Woodcroft said.

“UQ has expanded and enhanced its accelerator program and early customer achievements are already demonstrating the benefits of this changed approach, and the maturity of the participating startups.”

The ilab Germinate PLUS program runs for six months and concludes with a startup showcase and pitch night.

The accelerator program is part of a broad range of entrepreneurship programs delivered to students, researchers and alumni by the University.

Media: UQ Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship, Josie Dietrich, +61 7 3346 0619; Brandtools, Nick Georgiou, nick@brand.tools, + 61 414 536 696.