Funding

Visa application platform Matilda Migration moves in on $1 million pre-Seed round

- September 24, 2024 2 MIN READ
Niamh Mooney and Damian Png.
Matilda cofounders Niamh Mooney and Damian Png.
Migration process platform Matilda launches this week after raising $1 million in a pre-Seed round 

The raise was led by AfterWork Ventures, with support from Victoria Denholm’s Wollemi Capital, Everywhere VC, Co-Ventures and Startmate.

This funding is to accelerate the development of the Matilda platform. which aims to make migration more streamlined and stress-free.

Cofounder Niamh Mooney is already an second-time founder, having launched Skin Software for telehealth brand developer Eucalyptus, having started off as a corporate lawyer.

Her sidekick Damian Png was a management consultant at BCG before moving into venture industry as one of the 6 inaugural fellows in Startmate’s Fellowship program, followed by roles at AfterWork and program director at Techstars, and then an OG at H3D, the PhD research spinout. 

Mooney said people looking to migrate to Australia are caught in a pincer movement between a notoriously complex, painful and protracted process that deters skilled talent from relocating, while the migration industry is rife with exploitation and inefficiency, attracting complaints against a third of Australia’s agents.

“Visa applications are highly administrative. For example partner visas can require more than 50 items of evidence that are currently manually collected and documented,” she said.

“Similarly, employer sponsored visas are processed via email with the applicant and sponsor doing most of the leg work. The Matilda platform will significantly reduce your workload and the time taken to complete the application process.” 

Matilda combines technology with human touchpoints. Automation handles the bulk of repetitive tasks, while migration agents address the unique needs of each client.

Mooney said the platform won’t entirely replace migration agents or lawyers, but rather give them more time to focus on what’s important.

“Navigating the Australian immigration system is complicated and many people still want and need a trusted advisor to help them,” she said.

“Matilda will be a two tiered offering: self-serve for straightforward clients and high-touch guidance from experts for those who want it.” 

Australia processes almost 3 million visa applications annually, five times more than the US, per capita. But the issue

Damian Png said the issue is a lack of innovation over decades. 

“Immigration is one of those classic, heavily regulated markets,” he said.

“We saw a significant opportunity to disrupt this stagnant industry by introducing modern technological tools and premium service standards.” 

AfterWork partner Adrian Petersen said Matilda has the potential to redefine the migration experience.

“Their use of AI and automation to reduce the complexities and uncertainty for customers in what is an already stressful time in their lives,” he said.