In a significant move to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia, Belgian software giant Odoo has opened its first office in the region, located on the Gold Coast, Queensland. This strategic expansion marks a milestone for Odoo, renowned for its comprehensive suite of open-source business applications.
Empowering Local SMEs
Odoo’s new office aims to bolster the digital capabilities of local businesses by providing a robust platform that integrates various business processes, including CRM, e-commerce, accounting, inventory management, and human resources. This initiative is particularly timely as Australian SMEs face increasing pressure to optimize operations and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Kelian Buitendijk, Director of Odoo Australia, emphasizes the importance of this expansion: “Our mission is to help SMEs in their journey to digitalization and improve their day-to-day operations. We want to offer our employees a place where they can combine work career growth and the best of the Australian lifestyle.”
Strategic Location and Community IntegrationThe decision to establish the office in Gold Coast is driven by the area’s burgeoning tech scene and its appeal as a lifestyle destination. The proximity to universities also provides a pipeline of top-tier talent, essential for Odoo’s ambitious growth plans. Odoo has also hired 20 new local employees in 2023, with the intention of significantly increasing this number over the next few years. Indeed, Queensland's innovative spirit aligns with Odoo's mission to serve, contributing to the company's record-breaking growth in Australia in 2022. The Belgian company experienced a remarkable 77% billing growth, serving 62% more Odoo Enterprise users in Oceania, and recorded 151% growth in leads as of August 2023. With Wallonia's strong support for tech startups and vibrant business environment, Odoo is well positioned to bring cutting-edge solutions to Australian SMEs.
Tailored Solutions for Australian Businesses
Odoo has already made a substantial impact in Australia, with 15% of its Asia-Pacific customers based here. The new office will enhance the support and services offered to these clients, ensuring faster implementation times and customized features that cater to local market needs, such as compliance with Australian tax and accounting standards.
Innovative Partnerships and Future Prospects
In addition to establishing its local presence, Odoo has partnered with Starshipit to revolutionize shipping processes for businesses in Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration aims to streamline e-commerce operations by integrating more than 60 different couriers into Odoo’s platform, reducing manual entry errors and accelerating the shipping process.
Odoo, as a Walloon company, maintains strong ties with the Wallonia region and benefits from the support provided by AWEX (Wallonia Export-Investment Agency) in its international expansions.
Looking ahead, Odoo plans to introduce more market-leading features tailored to Australian businesses, including open banking, payroll, and super funds management. The company’s commitment to continuous innovation and local engagement positions it as a pivotal player in Australia’s tech ecosystem.
By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of local market needs, Odoo is set to play a crucial role in the digital transformation of Australian SMEs, helping them navigate challenges and seize new opportunities in the digital age.
