STEVE BAXTER

Tech start‑up investor Steve Baxter is a proud Queenslander, born in the remote town of Cloncurry and raised in Emerald in the state’s central highlands.

In 1994, at the age of 23, Steve put his life savings of $11,000 on the line to launch his first start up, the pioneering internet service provider SE Net, from the spare room of his Adelaide home. Servicing more than 35,000 customers, SE Net was eventually acquired by Ozemail.

In 2001, Steve teamed with a schoolmate to launch his second start up, PIPE Networks, a provider of wholesale telecoms infrastructure that was listed on the ASX in 2005. Eight years later they sold it to the TPG Group for $373 million.

Since 2010 he has become an early stage investor in start‑ups through his investment company, Transition Level Investments. This led to the founding of Brisbane tech start‑up hub River City Labs and the creation of Startup Catalyst and RiverPitch programs.

He has been a shark on Channel 10’s Shark Tank Australia for the past four seasons.

‘Are millennials the best generation in the workforce?’

Australian entrepreneur and investor Steve Baxter and social demographer Claire Madden will team up with Territory FM host and comedian Mel Little and other Territorians to explore the future world of work. Our experienced panel have broad, first‑hand knowledge in interpreting social trends and the implications of generational change on jobs of the future.

Moderated by business author and TEDx presenter Bernadette Schwerdt, this lively debate will get you thinking.

Millennials have copped their fair share of criticism over the years, with some using words like entitled, lazy, selfish, smashed avocado devotees to describe them. However, some of today’s most influential people are millennials. Would you describe Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as lazy? Airbnb’s Brian Chesky as entitled? In fact, many young professionals of today are hardworking people who only need the benefit of time and experience.

Suitable for all generations, this event will give you a better understanding of multigenerational workforces and the challenges and opportunities across all industries and sectors as part of the fourth industrial revolution; Industry 4.0.

Which side will you be on? Weigh in on the conversation – this is sure to be a dynamic, surprising and informative event.

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