Telstra's new chief operating officer, Robyn Denholm, says investing in networks and technology will allow Australian start-ups to stay put rather than see them jump across to the United States.

Ms Denholm, who returned to Australia in December after 15 years in Silicon Valley to take on the new job at Telstra, underlined the internet of things (IoT) phenomenon, where devices in the home are connected to the internet, as an example of how investments in networks and connectivity can help businesses better access global markets.