Meet Migrova: the startup simplifying migration to Australia—and changing lives

Let me tell you a story. Two men from Pakistan, Syed Hussan and Imtiaz Aziz. They didn’t come to Australia simply for a better life—they came to create one for others, too.

They know the fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming stress of starting over in a new country. The endless forms, the confusing rules, the constant worry if you’ll ever make it. They lived it.

And that’s why they built Migrova, a startup born from deep desire to make the immigration process less painful, less intimidating for every migrant looking to call Australia home.

Let's start with Syed

Syed was living in Melbourne, building a career in the corporate world after earning his Master's degree, but he wasn’t satisfied. He knew he could do more.

He launched his first startup, Skillera (with co-founder Maaz Najeeb – who now serves as head of Sales at Migrova) to help international students find their way in Australia’s university system. But it didn’t stop there.

When Syed discovered what Adelaide had to offer for entrepreneurs, it was a no-brainer. He packed his bags, secured an endorsement for the 188E visa from Stone & Chalk, moved to Adelaide, and never looked back.

“The collaborative and helpful nature of everyone within the community made the decision to relocate a natural one. In February 2023, I officially moved to Adelaide. It has now become my cherished home,” Syed shares.

And now, Imtiaz

Imtiaz’s story is just as compelling.

He grew up in a small rural town, fought his way through a top engineering school, and landed a role as a Project Manager. But after a leap of faith into the unknown, he soon found himself in Australia looking for a fresh start.

Imtiaz didn’t just get lucky; he made his own luck. A meeting at Stone & Chalk with Syed changed everything. Together, they launched Migrova—a guiding light for anyone navigating Australia’s complicated immigration system.

“My journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. I carried a spark in my heart to become the best version of myself, proving that no matter where you come from, with hard work and a bit of courage, you can achieve your dreams,” Imtiaz reflects.

Migrova simplifies migration for all

These two aren’t just guys with a tech startup. They’re on a mission.

They know firsthand the headaches and heartbreaks that come with trying to move to a new country. The endless visa requirements, the financial strain, the hoops you have to jump through—it’s enough to make anyone give up.

But Syed and Imtiaz didn’t give up. They built Migrova to fix the system, to connect migrants with trusted migration agents. To give people like them a fighting chance at their dreams.

“Migrova was born from a deep empathy for the struggles that migrants go through, including the financial burdens and the maze of visas, assessment authorities, and occupation codes,” Imtiaz explains.

“My own experiences and the stories of countless others who've sacrificed their life savings in pursuit of their Australian dreams fueled our desire to make a difference.”

South Australia: a land of opportunities

South Australia, especially Adelaide, gave Migrova its wings. It didn’t just give them a place to work; it gave them a home.

“The welcoming and supportive community, especially within the Stone & Chalk Adelaide ecosystem, has been remarkable. The genuine willingness to collaborate and assist has fostered a sense of belonging. Additionally, the state's commitment to innovation, coupled with its rich cultural offerings and the quality of life, has made my relocation experience even more rewarding than anticipated,” says Syed.

Imtiaz echoes the sentiment, saying, “South Australia, to me, is not just a place on the map; it's a land of unique opportunities and advantages that spoke to my entrepreneurial spirit. It's a place that provides a comforting sense of home for young innovators like myself who are daring to disrupt traditional industries.”

In the next five years, Syed and Imtiaz are eying to make South Australia the easiest place for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers to call home.

Migrova is building the bridge between talent and opportunity, helping to grow the region and give back to the place that welcomed them with open arms.

“With Migrova, we anticipate a more streamlined and efficient immigration journey for individuals looking to call South Australia their home,” Syed says.

“By bridging the gap between skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent with South Australia, we aim to bring in people who can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region.”

Stone & Chalk is an anchoring support

Syed and Imtiaz will tell you straight up: without Stone & Chalk, Migrova wouldn’t be where it is today. With Stone & Chalk backing them up, they found the support, introductions, advice, and mentorship they needed to turn their vision into reality.

Imtiaz says, “The Stone & Chalk community, along with their dedicated team, has played an instrumental role in shaping my journey. It's more than just a co-working space; it's a place where I've grown as an individual and as an entrepreneur.

"The team at Stone & Chalk has consistently gone above and beyond to offer their support, whether it's with empathy, kindness, or valuable mentorship.”

Syed adds, “Stone & Chalk has created a culture where reaching out for help is not only accepted, but encouraged. People like Tim Mahlberg Sie and Chris Kirk from the Stone & Chalk team have been instrumental during the fundraising process for Migrova.”

A new home, a new beginning

Imtiaz sums it up perfectly:

“Stone & Chalk has not only influenced my decision to stay in South Australia but has also been a guiding light in my personal and professional growth, making me feel like I belong and have found a true home in this wonderful state.”

Their path to entrepreneurship is far more than a success story. It’s about belonging. It’s about making sure that everyone who wants to make Australia their home gets a fair shot at doing just that.

Syed and Imtiaz are living proof that when you blend determination, the right support, and a bit of heart, anything’s possible.

And Migrova? It’s just getting started.