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Starts at 60 raises further $2.7m from investors and Seven West Media to expand travel business

Publisher and e-commerce business Starts at 60 has announced it has raised $2.7m to support the expansion of its travel business, Travel at 60.

Starts at 60 was founded in 2013

Existing shareholder Seven West Media, as well as new investors Queensland Business Development Fund, Hollard Insurance, the QUT Bluebox and private investors contributed to the capital raising.

Travel at 60 leverages off the publisher’s audience to package, market and sell holidays and cruise deals to its over 60s market.

CEO and founder of Starts at 60, Rebecca Wilson, said she was thrilled to be able to scale the operation off the back of the investment.

“The ongoing support of Seven West Media is terrific for the business, and the incoming shareholders add to the journey ahead, bringing a variety of valuable synergy, knowledge and growth funding,” she said.

The Starts at 60 team

“This round will also see us explore other commercial opportunities in areas where there is a real need for curated products and services addressing the over 60s.”

Wilson also noted the assistance of the Queensland government, and the opportunities it would afford other businesses in the state.

“Brisbane’s our home, we’ve got 26 staff here, so we’re delighted to have the support of the Queensland government in growing our team, our innovative culture and our depth of opportunities here on the ground,” she said.

“It is a very unique and appealing opportunity for high-growth Queensland businesses.”

Wilson said her business’ move into travel was an important one, and had seen some early success.

“Data shows that more than 80% of the leisure travel spending in the western world is driven by the emerging Baby Boomer and retiree traveller, so building a scalable travel business is an exciting proposition for our team and for our community, which is really vocal about wanting bucket-list-quality holidays from a company they trust.”

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