Australian Entrepreneurs Relocated to Boost Growth
Tech founders moved their business operations to international hubs as Australia introduced significant capital gains tax reforms.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Startups
Live Poll
Do you believe businesses move overseas primarily to escape domestic taxes or to find growth?
Throughout 2026, Australian tech entrepreneurs relocated to cities like Singapore and Dubai to expand their company reach. The departures followed the Australian government's May 2026 announcement of major capital gains tax reforms.
Why it matters
Entrepreneurs are seeking more favorable regulatory environments and regional growth hubs. Meanwhile, some are looking to avoid the upcoming Australian tax shift that replaces the 50 per cent capital gains discount with an inflation-indexed rate.
Margin Wheeler reported a 150 per cent increase in Australia-linked inquiries during the first nine months of 2026. Additionally, Vivos recorded an average of 12 relocation inquiries per month during August and September.
The players
Ben Lindsay
He is an Australian entrepreneur who moved his operations to Singapore in March 2026.
Adrian Portelli
He is a notable business figure who announced a move to Dubai in August 2026.
Fred Schebesta
He is a tech entrepreneur who relocated to Singapore in October 2026.
The details
Founders are establishing bases in Singapore to leverage the nation's S$37 billion innovation pledge, which launched in April 2026. This trend highlights a broader push by Australian companies to secure stable, pro-business environments amid impending domestic tax changes.
Timeline
Ben Lindsay relocated from Sydney to Singapore in March 2026.
Singapore began a five-year, S$37 billion innovation pledge in April 2026.
Australia announced major capital gains tax reforms in May 2026.
Adrian Portelli announced his move to Dubai in August 2026.
A minimum 30 per cent tax on gains in Australia begins July 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This wave of relocations reflects a strategic shift as companies prioritize international ecosystems over domestic regulatory frameworks. It highlights the growing competition between nations to attract high-growth startups through innovation funding and favorable tax policies.
The shift in startup bases may impact service availability and investment opportunities for regional stakeholders in Australia. Consumers and partners should monitor if these relocations affect domestic product support or corporate growth timelines for the companies involved.
The takeaway
Entrepreneurs often prioritize long-term fiscal stability and innovation infrastructure when choosing a base of operations. Business leaders should closely monitor regulatory changes to ensure their corporate structures remain competitive in global markets.
What happens next
A minimum 30 per cent tax on capital gains is scheduled to begin in Australia on July 1, 2027, while the government expects to implement a more settled incentive framework by May 2027.
Further reading
For more on the evolving global landscape for new companies, visit our Startups section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
Live Poll
Do you believe businesses move overseas primarily to escape domestic taxes or to find growth?
