Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Startup Support

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a comprehensive cloud computing platform provided by Amazon. It offers a wide range of services including computing power, storage options, and networking capabilities, among others. AWS is designed to help businesses scale and grow by providing on-demand cloud services with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. The platform supports a variety of workloads, including web and mobile applications, data processing, storage, and archiving, among others. AWS also offers tools for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. With a global infrastructure, AWS enables businesses to deploy applications in multiple regions worldwide, ensuring high availability and reliability.

Team

Lauren Capelin

VC BD

Lauren Capelin is a community strategist and disruptive innovation specialist with expertise in web3, fintech, the sharing economy, startups, and early-stage investing. She currently serves as VC BD at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Startups. Previously, she was Principal at Startmate, overseeing Founder Scouting, Investments, and Media. Lauren has also been a Partner of Platform at Reinventure Fund, contributing to the national fintech ecosystem and advocating for gender representation in the industry. She co-founded Collaborative Lab, promoting collaborative consumption globally, and has been involved with the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers community. Lauren holds a Graduate Certificate of Business in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies from QUT and is a certified organizational coach and yoga teacher.

Colette Grgic

Head of Startup Ecosystem, AU & NZ

Colette Grgic is a dynamic leader in the startup and innovation ecosystem, currently serving as the Head of Startup Ecosystem for Australia and New Zealand at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With a passion for enabling founders to start and scale cutting-edge startups, Colette leads a team dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the startup ecosystem in the region. Her career is marked by significant achievements, including her role as Chief Innovation Officer at BlueChilli, where she helped build 147 new tech startups and led the company's innovation division and international expansions.Colette is recognized as one of Australia's top innovators, having been listed in The Australian's Top 100 Innovators for 2023 and 2024. She is also a frequent speaker, mentor, and volunteer on boards focused on innovation, education, climate change, and diversity and inclusion. Her specialties include startups, strategy, program design, business models, and strategic partnerships. Colette holds a B.Comm in International Business from the Haskayne School of Business and is based in the Greater Sydney Area.