Melbourne values local talent: tech expert Oskar Rutten talks about life in the Hoddle Grid

Oskar Rutten has lived and worked in England, the Netherlands, New Zealand and across Australia. Here’s why he decided to call Melbourne home …

Ten years ago, cyber security meant buying a McAfee CD from Officeworks to block Trojan malware. In 2024, after Optus, Canva, Medibank and Medisecure, we’ve learned to know better. Cyber security and the IT services that make them tick have become vast growth industries. Oskar Rutten founded his startup Zuna to help try and fill the gap.

He now works on William St and lives on Collins St. The Hoddle Grid is home, and Oskar says he is thriving.

“I love living in the city; for starters it’s an easy commute,” Oskar told CBD News.

“The bounce back after COVID has been fantastic. Over the summer it was great to walk through the city and see the hustle and bustle.”

Oskar has travelled globally over the years. He interned at Parliament House on Spring St before studying in the US and working in Europe.

Settling again in Melbourne, he built his cyber security startup, Zuna.

“Melbourne has an amazing start up scene with some great opportunities,” Oskar said. “It is very supportive here.”

 Zuna came after Oskar saw the need among small businesses for help setting up cyber security infrastructure.

Recent analysis by security firm StickmanCyber, found Australia has only one cyber security specialist for every seven companies nationwide.

“Most people who get into cyber security want to be hackers,” Oskar laughed. “Real local expertise in setting up and monitoring cyber security services is harder to come by. That’s where we step in.”

Zuna has a wide-ranging clientele, but Oskar said 80 per cent of its work was with other Melbourne companies.

“Pre-COVID, most of our clients were from the US, but Melbourne businesses recognise the value of local talent,” Oskar said.

“It’s always easier when you can have the in-person conversation. IT setups are complex at the best of times. I think for a lot of the companies we work with; it’s reassuring to know if there’s ever a problem, they can just walk down the street and talk to us if they want to.”

Oskar moved to the CBD at the tail end of lockdowns and hasn’t looked back.

“I’ve a lot of cities where I’ve lived to offer as a comparison, but Melbourne is my favourite city,” he said. 

“The cultural opportunities here, the business networks, the restaurants, the people here are fantastic. I’ve very happy to call Melbourne home.” •