The University of Wollongong’s Innovation campus.

A new platform aims to allow property owners to hire their under-used assets for use as community facilities.

Shoalhaven-based startup Vennu has debuted at the Sydney Startup Hub today, launching an app that aims to facilitate better use of under-used spaces.

Suzanne Campbell, CEO and founder of Vennu, said that the platform’s purpose was to increase community access to unique facilities, while aiding increased utilisation for ‘asset rich’ organisations or individuals.

“The fact is there are many facilities like schools, sporting facilities and churches that are largely dormant while the public cries out for more local event spaces,” she said.

Ms Campbell said property analyst CoreLogic estimates there are more than 100,000 community facilities across Australia.

“For asset rich but cash poor organisations like scouting groups and lifesaving clubs, increasing use of their facilities through hiring can provide a big financial boost,” she said.

“Vennu will bring customers and suppliers together efficiently and confidently just like Uber does for sharing car rides, or Spacer does for renting storage space.”

Vennu will launch its pilot in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region in July with partners including Scouts NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and others before looking to expand to other regions. The srtartup received a $25,000 Minimum Viable Product grant from Jobs for NSW to develop its platform and launch its trial.

View from inside Stanwell Park surf club.

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