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From billboard to iPad sleeve: Scott Kilmartin on the business of ‘upcycling’

In this podcast, Leon and Garry talk to Scott Kilmartin, founder of haul, a Melbourne company that makes and distributes bags, carry cases and sleeves designed for laptops, notebooks and tablets -- all manufactured from recycled material such as used advertising billboards and number plates. Because the source material always varies, each and every haul design is unique. Here, Kilmartin discusses haul's strategy to capitalise on the "upcycling" trend.

Cool companies shake their groove ‘thangs’ at Anthill’s 2010 Cool Company Awards

A 'who's who' of leading Australian entrepreneurs and business builders gathered last night at Melbourne's 24 Moons Bar in AC/DC Lane to celebrate Anthill Magazine's 2010 Cool Company Awards. Winners were presented with as Australia's biggest award in business -- a 1.2 metre personally branded trophy bean-bag. In addition to the formal accolades, attendees were treated to party games for entrepreneurs, such as 'Pin the Idea on the Venture Capitalist'.

Eventarc raises some cool funding from Domenic Carosa’s FCDF

Founded by web-developers Scott Handsaker and Andrew Edwards in November 2009, Eventarc has turned over AUS$4million in transactions in the past 13 months. That's approximately $300,000 per month. Becoming quickly revenue positive has proven to be an important factor when picking investments for the Future Capital Development Fund (FCDF), according to Domenic Carosa.

Aussie e-tailer eStore.com.au on acquisition trail for 2011

Australian online retailer eStore.com.au is in acquisition mode for 2011 with plans to grow its already significant business through the acquisition of local online companies. In a statement to Anthill, eStore founder Lorenzo Coppa says he is keen to speak with owners of online businesses selling technology products looking to exit the market or explore opportunities to leverage their products with eStore.com.au.

Apple feeling heat to lift ban on Adobe Flash, Melbourne analyst says

Melbourne-based telcom analyst Ovum says Flash 10.1 support will grow across the smartphone market, leading to pressure from developers and users for Apple to support the technology on its iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices.

Web apps for dates, dress-ups and deal hunters: a look at the latest Sydney...

Five young entrepreneurs walk into a room. None of them have ever met before. They have 24 hours to brainstorm, design, program and implement a unique web application or business – and then introduce it to the world. It’s no joke. It’s the formula that defined the latest Sydney StartupCamp. Not much sleep was had, but in the end each group’s perseverance paid off: the ten participating teams now represent ten brand new businesses.

British born entrepreneurs wanted for TV series

It seems that Anthill has, somehow, gained a reputation as a fertile source of Australian entrepreneurs with TV appeal, much to our bemusement. You could say that we've unintentionally found ourselves with the role of Australia's casting couch for the entrepreneurial community (without the traditional perks).

Lonely Planet launches augmented travel guides for Australian Google Androids

As a new paradigm in travel applications, Lonely Planet is testing the water with an "augmented reality" Compass Guides for Android users. The application determines the user's location via GPS and when the camera is used to scan the surroundings, information labels about points of interest pop up on the screen.

Anthill's SMART 100 Readers' Choice Award Winners Revealed

They embody the passions of earnest inventors and the dreams of budding business builders. They are the products of industries old and new, from organisations both large and small. They are the spoils of skunkworks and represent the rigours of R&D. Above all else, they sure have a lot of friends!

Anthill’s SMART 100 Readers’ Choice Award Winners Revealed

They embody the passions of earnest inventors and the dreams of budding business builders. They are the products of industries old and new, from organisations both large and small. They are the spoils of skunkworks and represent the rigours of R&D. Above all else, they sure have a lot of friends!

WANTED: Big thinking entrepreneur for documentary film. Must travel.

Yesterday, we received the following 'pitch' through our editorial ideas submission form: "We are looking for a charismatic solo entrepreneur (or aspiring entrepreneur) to take part in an innovative documentary film project... available to travel overseas for up to two weeks sometime in the next couple of months." Sounds like fun.

Atlassian’s Scott Farquhar talks about raising US$60 million from Accel

Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar should be in a good mood. Last month, the company he created with business partner Mike Cannon-Brookes, as 22-year-old university...

6 Beers of Separation campaign takes out Best of Show gong at 2010 IAB...

The IAB has announced the winners of its interactive advertising awards. Who came out on top? A mix of social media, video, games and movies, trumpeting the achievements of Lynx, Freddo, Tourism Victoria and Tooheys. Advertising has never been so cool.

The ultimate Transformer: Jeff Gomez [PODCAST]

If the lines between films, comics, toys, games and even them park rides is completely blurred now, Jeff Gomez is the man who blurred them. The founder and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment has been translating stories and brands across media types since the 1990s, and has worked on projects for Avatar, Transformers, Hot Wheels and many others, including the upcoming revival of the sci-fi classic Tron.

Could this be the cheapest promotional stunt ever?

Australia experienced its first ever 'flash' snowball fight in Melbourne's Federation Square last week. The public stunt, involving yeti, winter-clad revellers and a whole-lotta-snow, was staged to promote the end of 'snowy' reception at community television station Channel 31.

David Koch on personal branding, Julia Gillard and the National Small Business Summit

We all know David Koch as the affable, and sometimes goofy, host of Sunrise. As such, it's often easy to forget that the Channel Seven star and household name initially made his mark in the media world as a finance journalist, turned magazine publisher. Few people also appreciate the marketing thought that goes into a television program like Sunrise and the creation of a personal brand like 'Kochie'.

Treasury chief Ken Henry should be replaced, while Gillard seeks new economic advisers

In this week's overview of the economy, RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson voices the belief that Treasury chief Ken Henry is likely to be replaced, while Julia Gillard seeks new economic advisers. He says the Gillard Government will need to slash spending to bring about the budget surplus she says the government is committed to achieving.

Australian wages are expected to grow, yet more Australians are filing for bankruptcy [PODCAST]

Frank Lowy is now the richest man in Australia according to the BRW rich list. The property and mining sectors are the country's most profitable sectors. Meanwhile, more Australians are filing for bankruptcy because of unsustainable home loans. Garry Barker and Leon Gettler talk about 'The Week in Review'.

Underbelly “app” for iPhone first shot in new publishing wars?

Australian publisher Allen & Unwin, in partnership with Underbelly authors Andrew Rule and John Silvester, this week launched digital versions of the three bestselling books of the series.

Underbelly "app" for iPhone first shot in new publishing wars?

Australian publisher Allen & Unwin, in partnership with Underbelly authors Andrew Rule and John Silvester, this week launched digital versions of the three bestselling books of the series.
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