Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann is the Queensland female founder of ATech, a Queensland-based company delivering mission critical cloud hosting and SaaS (software as a service) websites.
If system downtime or a security breach can significantly impact a business’s revenue, reputation, business operations or safety, then their web systems are classed as mission critical and they need a vendor they can rely on, which is where ATech comes in!
ATech assists businesses by designing, building, hosting and managing SaaS solutions.
Over the last 12 years, ATech has worked with more than 600 local and international customers providing cloud hosting, managed services and web development.
We spoke to Sarah-Jane about her business and journey as a Queensland female founder.
What inspired you to start your business?
I started web development for small businesses as a hobby while pregnant with my first child. Within 12 months, my hobby had grown into a full-time job. Over the next few years, I established my credibility as a highly skilled web developer and digital marketer. My skills as a developer were sought out by software vendors to help deliver projects for large organisations, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia. This drove my confidence in building ATech and helped me to establish a portfolio to secure my own clients.
What milestones have you reached?
I have grown ATech from zero to a thriving, profitable business with multi-million dollar annual revenues, and high calibre clientele, including Virgin Australia, Seqwater, Brisbane City Council, and Airservices Australia. I have done this while raising two children. I’m also a single parent.
I have established a reputation as an industry speaker on the topics of entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and diversity, having spoken at events for Women in Technology, Australian Computer Society, Women in Digital, River City Labs, Queensland Government, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, and more.
We also won a Gold Stevie Award in 2015 for the International Customer Service Department of the Year, International Website of the Year in 2014, and were the winners of two Australian Web Awards.
What business achievements are you most proud of to date?
I am so proud of the incredible culture and values that we have embedded at ATech. The team is really passionate about what they do, and everyone is supportive of each other. That spirit of trust and respect shines through to our customers and the wider community.
Have you participated in any Advance Queensland programs, or received any support from Advance Queensland to date?
Yes! ATech regularly engages with Advance Queensland programs, including ACE Mentoring for Growth Program, ACE Pitch Coaching, Business of Entrepreneurship Program, Mental Health for Founders Program, Testing Within Government Program, Female Founders Program as well as numerous workshops, networking events, and training programs.
What’s your advice for other female entrepreneurs and businesses starting out on their entrepreneurship journey?
Believe in your vision. Learn to clearly articulate that vision to stakeholders. Dedicate yourself to the hard work and education you need to make it happen. Surround yourself with likeminded people and experienced mentors who can inspire and guide you along the way.
