Australian seed investor Playford Capital has won an award for its service to the Electronics & ICT Industry after a challenging year for the innovation investment sector.

Presented at last week’s Technology Industry Association annual awards dinner, the Service Award recognises Playford’s competitiveness, quality of service and provision of specially tailored technology investing and seed capital for innovative South Australian companies.

Since 2001, Adelaide-based Playford Capital has been instrumental in attracting more than $90 million worth of investment into emerging South Australian technology companies. The company estimates that its past and present investees employ about 270 people, mainly in SA, with a large number of PhDs and well-paid technical, marketing and finance roles.

The Technology Industry Association (TIA) is the peak body in South Australia representing the $7.5 billion electronics, digital technology, telecommunications and ICT industry.

In presenting the Service award, the TIA acknowledged that Playford invests earlier, takes more risk and provides more intensive training, mentoring and help with business management than many other investment companies. Playford has led deals and co-invested alongside other local venture funds such as Terra Rossa Capital and angel networks such as BioAngels SA.

Playford Capital CEO Amanda Heyworth said the TIA award was a welcome achievement at the end of a challenging year for the innovation investment sector. “We are proud that we were able to meet our investment goals during the past year, despite a tough 12 months due to the global financial crisis,” she said.

“This award is an acknowledgment of the wider impact that Playford Capital has on the innovation system in SA.  Alongside its investment activities, Playford provides business advice and referrals for more than 100 early stage companies each year and contributes to industry skills development and networking.

“It’s encouraging to note that companies invested in by Playford have a strong export focus, with four current companies planning to launch international products during the coming year. Sales for Playford investee companies are predicted to grow five-fold in the 2010 financial year, with half that amount coming from exports. Total employee numbers to support this growth are predicted to grow by more than 50 per cent, which will bring total employment to more than 300 jobs.”

For more information about Playford Capital, visit www.playford.com.au

Playford PR for media assistance:

Call John Harris on 08 8431 4000 or email jharris@impress.com.au.