A GEELONG incubator business has been raided by federal police in a mystery strike that has stunned CBD operators.
More than a dozen police rushed the upstairs offices of Startup Cloud at 169 Ryrie St, which rents desk/office space to smaller operators, including IT enterprises. Two police have been standing guard at the entrance since late morning.
Neighbouring business operators said police entered numerous premises, including the TAB and its toilet, where they were understood to be conducting a searching for persons unknown.
Federal police have refused to be drawn on the nature of the raid or the parties being investigated.
The centre, which opened late last year, is headed by Geelong businessman Todd Hubers, whose software development business, Alivate, is based there as well. Its major client is understood to be Barwon Health.
Startup Cloud’s online marketing says:
“Once accepted, we will give you a spot to work at StartupCloud. Here you can collaborate with other members to reach the point where you’re ready to pitch to investors.
“You will register for a pitching day, where you will have a chance to spruik your business to investors.
“Impress the investors and they will invest from $50,000 to $500,000 and help you personally build your business.
“Benefit from valuable connections your investors have, particularly in industry verticals. We expect that you’ll stay for about another year, before you’ll need your own space.”
Office phones did not answer, including the 1800 number and mobile phone numbers.
The office is understood to offer different deals: A hot desk for a day, a week or a month starting from $55 per week, according to one promotional account.
These covers wi-fi, a postal address, a board room and a lounge space, photocopier, scanner, desk, chairs or stand up desk options, AV equipment, natural sunlight, CBD amenities, a keyboard, a monitor and a mouse and 24/7 access.
