This year’s CommBank Young Hero Awards shines the spotlight on 10 outstanding business leaders from across Australia. These young entrepreneurs, aged 35 and under, are making a positive impact on Australia’s business market while pushing the boundaries of their respective industries. Let’s take a closer look at these trailblazing businesses and the remarkable founders that run them. Christian Serrao, Co-Founder of Untitled Group shares insights into their business’s success and why they were awarded CommBank Young Hero Awards 2023: Startup of the Year.
Untitled Group is Australia’s largest independently-owned music and events company, renowned as the masterminds behind much-loved festivals Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Wildlands, Grapevine Gathering, For The Love and Ability Fest.
How did you identify the gap in the market that your business fills?
Finding the gap in the market was actually a result of doing a lot of market research and observing how the preferences of music lovers were changing. We noticed that there weren’t many independent music and event companies that focused on creating diverse and immersive experiences across different genres. There was a need for catering to niche audiences and fostering a strong sense of community.
In what ways has your business been successful?
Our events consistently sell out, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists and venues, and we’ve received recognition for our innovative approach to event production. But the true measure of our success lies in the strong community we’ve built around our brand. We have loyal fans who eagerly await our next venture.
What were the biggest challenges you faced launching your startup?
Launching Untitled Group came with its fair share of challenges. Securing initial funding, building a strong network of artists and industry professionals, and establishing our brand identity in a highly competitive market were some of the biggest hurdles we faced. It took perseverance, strategic planning, and building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders to overcome these obstacles.
What motivated you to keep going when faced with adversity?
What kept us going through the tough times was our passion and unwavering belief in our vision. We were driven by the desire to create something truly exceptional and make a positive impact on the music and events industry. And the support and feedback from our early supporters and attendees reminded us of the value we were creating, giving us the strength to keep pushing forward.
What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs starting their own business?
I would tell them to stay true to their passion, be adaptable to change, and never underestimate the power of building genuine relationships. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network, seeking guidance from mentors, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial. It’s important to remember that success takes time, so staying committed and resilient is key.
By: Alyssa Herr, Editor
