Jayden Basha

Welcome to this Friday's MezFi Morning Brief. In this week's news round-up from down under, private investors pile into Australian property, Aussie Web3 pioneer feels SEC sting, and overseas property owners face new tax. 🏗 Institutional investors eye Australian property debt plays Large investors are increasingly making inroads into Australia's commercial real estate debt market as banks scale back their exposure, drawn by appealing yields and robust regulatory standards. Australia's $330 billion (A$500 billion) commercial real estate market is opening up significant opportunities for private credit providers as banks retreat from the sector. 🏗 Australian Web3 Platform Immutable Receives Wells Notice from US SEC Australian web3 gaming pioneer, Immutable, has received a Wells notice from the US SEC alleging non-specific breaches of US securities law. Immutable claims the Wells notice was intentionally issued just before the US election, suggesting the SEC has sought to issue many such notices to other crypto firms prior to the election. The company said it would fight any legal action and has called for the SEC to take a new approach to its regulation of the crypto industry. 🏗 Surcharge blues await Malaysian property owners in Australia Malaysian property owners in Australia will face significant challenges due to newly introduced surcharges on foreign-owned real estate that will take effect from Jan 1, 2025. The latest Australian tax regulations are putting enormous financial pressure on foreign property investors, particularly those from Malaysia. Stay tuned for more #crypto #property and #investing news from #Australia

5

The latest quarterly Cut Through Venture Australian VC Funding Report has been released 💸 While total funding dropped significantly in Q3, 2024 is on track to finish as the third-largest funding year on record. Key insights: 📉 Total funding declined in this quarter to $695M raised but the total number of deals increased, predominantly due to accelerator round announcements. 🏥 Healthtech had the fifth most funds raised ($59M) and third most deals. 👎 Biotech/MedTech dropped out of the top five for most funds raised, after ranking 3rd in Q2 and 2nd in Q1. 🙌 Healthtech is the third highest sector investors are most excited about, up from 13th place in Q3 2023. ↘️ Biotech/MedTech, however, took a tumble from 10th place in Q2 to 16th this quarter. 🚺 Funding to startups with female founders has increased but predominantly in Angel/Pre-Seed. Check out the full report here: https://loom.ly/QbdUh2A

8

🔎 A Stocktake: Recent Impact Investment Deals in Aotearoa New Zealand! 🔎 🚀 As we wrap up the first half of 2024, let's dive into the major impact investment deals and the remarkable growth within Aotearoa New Zealand's impact investing ecosystem. 🌟 These deals have driven substantial investment into renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, propelling our ecosystem to new heights. 🌿🌍 🗒 Here are some exciting highlights: ➡ Soul Capital made three impactful investments totalling $8.5M into Homes for Choice, Money Sweetspot, and Starboard Maritime Intelligence. 🏡💡🌊 ➡ Motion Capital invested $1.5M in Miruku, a startup dedicated to reducing the agricultural sector's environmental impact. 🌾🚜 ➡ Icehouse Ventures boosted ANDFOODS with a $2.7M investment, fuelling innovation in the food industry. 🍽️🍏 ➡ Purpose Capital committed $7.4M to Lodestone Energy Limited for the construction of a solar plant in Kaitaia. ☀️🔋 ➡ SC Oscar Fund Management acquired Rānui Generation for $220M, enabling the development of four major green solar energy projects across Aotearoa. 🌞🏗️ 🖇 Curious to learn more? Check out these deals in detail and explore the dynamic growth of our impact investing ecosystem here: https://lnkd.in/gJjbnvzT #ImpactInvesting #IIN #Deals #AotearoaNewZealand #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Innovation #FutureForward

25

NAB has lodged a prospectus for NAB Capital Notes 8, aiming to raise $750 million, with the flexibility to adjust the amount as needed. This issuance is designed to enhance NAB’s regulatory capital and support general corporate purposes. NAB maintains a strong financial stance with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.15% as of 31 March 2024, against the regulatory “unquestionably strong “minimum of 10.25%. For the first half of FY24, NAB reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $3.55 billion. The bank’s asset quality remains solid with loans 90 days in arrears at 0.64% and an impaired loans ratio of 0.15%. Additionally, the provision coverage ratio is robust at 0.81%, providing adequate protection against potential credit losses. Terms: - Distribution Rate: Calculated as (3-month BBSW Rate + Margin) x (1 – Tax Rate) - Margin: Expected to be between 2.60% and 2.80% per annum, with the final rate to be determined through the Bookbuild process. - Distributions: Expected to be fully franked, providing tax-effective income. - Indicative First Optional Exchange Date: Set for 17 March 2032, approximately 7.75 years from now. Please contact us for the Offering Prospectus and Target Market Determination (TMD) can be accessed on the NAB website: https://lnkd.in/ggxt7e-6 For Independent research please reach out to us and we can provide. https://lnkd.in/g7mxwr9i #investing #capitalnotes #bonds #australia #fixedincome

22

The ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, #Jordan’s largest #investment fund, has announced a $5 million #investment in Rua Growth Fund I LP, a $45 million venture capital fund focused on #Marketplaces, #Fintech, Enterprise Solutions, and #SaaS. This #partnership is part of #ISSF's ongoing commitment to fostering early-stage and growth-stage #startups within the #Jordanian entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of this agreement, Rua Growth Fund has been mandated by #ISSF to reinvest the initial capital with a significant multiple in Jordanian startups, amplifying local growth and impact. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d7bcGNTq ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, Rua Growth Fund, MOHAMMED ALMUHTASEB, Turki Aljoaib, Dina Toukan, MSc, Hiba Nabulsi, Anas Elayyan #FintechNewsSaudiArabia #ISSFJO #RuaGrowthFund #Startups #Funding #Investment #Jordan #JordanianStartups #Founders #VCs #CapitalInvestment #Tech #Marketplaces #Fintech #MiddleEast #MENA #SaudiArabia #SaudiArabiaFintechNews #GCC

15

The ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, #Jordan’s largest #investment fund, has announced a $5 million #investment in Rua Growth Fund I LP, a $45 million venture capital fund focused on #Marketplaces, #Fintech, Enterprise Solutions, and #SaaS. This #partnership is part of #ISSF's ongoing commitment to fostering early-stage and growth-stage #startups within the #Jordanian entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of this agreement, Rua Growth Fund has been mandated by #ISSF to reinvest the initial capital with a significant multiple in Jordanian startups, amplifying local growth and impact. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d7bcGNTq ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, Rua Growth Fund, MOHAMMED ALMUHTASEB, Turki Aljoaib, Dina Toukan, MSc, Hiba Nabulsi, Anas Elayyan #FintechNewsEgypt #ISSFJO #RuaGrowthFund #Startups #Funding #Investment #Jordan #JordanianStartups #Founders #VCs #CapitalInvestment #Tech #Marketplaces #Fintech #MiddleEast #MENA #Egypt #EgyptFintechNews #GCC

28

The ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, #Jordan’s largest #investment fund, has announced a $5 million #investment in Rua Growth Fund I LP, a $45 million venture capital fund focused on #Marketplaces, #Fintech, Enterprise Solutions, and #SaaS. This #partnership is part of #ISSF's ongoing commitment to fostering early-stage and growth-stage #startups within the #Jordanian entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of this agreement, Rua Growth Fund has been mandated by #ISSF to reinvest the initial capital with a significant multiple in Jordanian startups, amplifying local growth and impact. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d7bcGNTq ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, Rua Growth Fund, MOHAMMED ALMUHTASEB, Turki Aljoaib, Dina Toukan, MSc, Hiba Nabulsi, Anas Elayyan #FintechNewsUAE #ISSFJO #RuaGrowthFund #Startups #Funding #Investment #Jordan #JordanianStartups #Founders #VCs #CapitalInvestment #Tech #Marketplaces #Fintech #MiddleEast #MENA #UAE #UAEFintechNews #GCC

60

3 Comments

Looking to maximise your unallocated budget and scale your marketing efforts? Become a sponsor of the CFA Society Australia Investment Conference (AIC) and showcase your brand to an engaged audience of investment professionals, including over 3,500 CFA Society members and 5,000 CFA Program candidates. The #AIC is the leading industry forum for the investment management profession. We bring together Australian and global thought leaders to explore micro and macro trends affecting the investment landscape and share perspectives and practical insights on emerging trends. 📅 Date: 17 October 2024 📍 Venue: Sofitel Melbourne Confirmed speakers: ✔ Cliff Asness, Co-Founder, AQR Capital Management ✔ Brett Chatfield, Chief Investment Officer, Cbus Super ✔ Cassandra Crowe, CFA, Head of Consultants Australia and New Zealand, T Rowe. Price ✔ Iona Dent, CFA, Associate Portfolio Manager, T. Rowe Price ✔ Jacqueline Fernley, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Mason Stevens ✔ Carol Geremia, President & Head of Global Distribution, MFS ✔ Lucas Kengmana, Senior Investment Strategist, KiwiSuper ✔ Lucas Klein, Head of EMEA & APAC Equities, Janus Henderson ✔Tracey McNaughton, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Escala Partners ✔ Allison Miller, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, Systematic Equities, AustralianSuper ✔ Ed Northam, Senior Managing Director, Head of Core Renewables, Head of Asia-Pacific, MAM Green Investments ✔ Sandi Orleow, CFA, Non-Executive Director ✔ Ian Patrick, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Australian Retirement Trust ✔ Zarmeen Pavri, Managing Director, Sustainable Contracting Services Pty Ltd ✔ Anthony Serhan, CFA, Distribution Director, Perpetual ✔ Kiril Sokoloff, Chairman and Founder, 13D Research and Strategy ✔ Craig Thorburn, Director, Research and Insights, Future Fund ✔ Charles Wu, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, State Super Leverage this networking opportunity to establish and strengthen both personal and business relationships within the investment management industry. Contact Michaela Francis or Jenny Liakopoulos for more information. Visit: https://lnkd.in/gcckfQn5 #AIC2024 #Investment #Networking #SponsorshipOpportunities

14

Hot Off The Press: a new article on The Aussie Startup Capital Nerd Substack: 'Pre-Money vs Post-Money SAFE Notes in Australia: What Founders Need to Know.' Raising capital using SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) notes has become a go-to tool for Australian founders. SAFEs streamline the fundraising process by postponing valuation debates until a future funding round. However, understanding the distinction between pre-money and post-money SAFEs is critical, as it directly impacts founder dilution and investor ownership. Have a read of this brand new article by CapXcentric Founder Warwick D. (and share it around to a founder friend) - we’re breaking down what a SAFE note is, explain the differences between pre-money and post-money SAFEs, provide worked examples, and outline what founders should keep in mind when negotiating terms. Link in comments 👇

15

12 Comments

🌟 Hannah’s Insights: 3 Key Benefits of a Self-Managed Super Fund 🌟 A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) can offer unique advantages compared to standard retail or industry super funds. Here are three key benefits: 1️⃣ Control and Flexibility: With an SMSF, you have complete control over where your superannuation is invested. This flexibility allows you to tailor your investment strategy to suit your financial goals and risk tolerance (but beware that with great power comes great responsibility! 🏆 2️⃣ Diverse Investment Options: SMSFs provide the opportunity to invest in a wide range of assets, such as property and collectibles, giving you the potential for higher returns. 🏡📈 3️⃣ Cost Efficiency for High Balances: An SMSF can be cost-effective for those with large superannuation balances, as the fixed costs of running the fund are spread over a larger asset base, potentially reducing overall fees. 💰 Ready to learn more? Stay tuned for Hannah’s next insight in our SMSF series! 🚀📚 The team at Brightday is happy to discuss any of these issues further. Feel free to contact us https://lnkd.in/g67TyxVW 📞💬 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gixPNsxM #Superannuation #SMSF #FinancialFreedom #Investment #Brightday #FinancialInvestment Note: Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. It does not represent financial product advice. You should always seek independent legal and financial advice before making a decision in relation to a financial product. You should consider your own circumstances, needs and financial objectives before making a decision. Before acting on any information you should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation and seek independent financial advice if necessary.

2

💸 Eight Aussie startups that raised $36 million this week 💸 That splash of cash went to: 🏠 Home lending fintech Bridgit with a $14.6 million Series A round; 🏢 Verification software startup Atticus has raised $10.84 million in new funding from Skip Capital and Blackbird Ventures; 👩‍🌾 Agtech startup Farmbot Monitoring Solutions, which has closed a $4.6 million bridge funding round; 👚Alcoholic drinks brand HardFizz has completed a $2.5 million capital raise; 🌿 The Leaf Protein Company has secured $850,000 in new funding to help it produce an alternative to protein from regular green foliage; 🎧 Music startup MyPremo has secured $1 million in funding via equity crowdfunding platform Birchal; and, 🛋 Home and lifestyle brand Bhumi Organic Cotton has secured $244,502 from 258 investors to continue its quest to put an end to fast fashion. Read more about these startups and who backed them ⬇

26

Welcome to this week's MezFi Morning Brief. In this Friday's round-up from Down Under, Australian super funds double down on fossil fuel investment, affordable rentals dwindle, and new fintech aims to support transfer of $3.5 trillion in intergenerational wealth. 🏗 Australian super funds double investment in fossil fuel companies, report finds Australian superannuation funds' investment in fossil fuels has doubled over the past two years, a new report by an environmental advocacy group has found. The latest analysis by Market Forces shows investment in high-polluting companies rose from $19 billion to $39 billion since 2021, while clean energy investment decreased. 🏗 'Completely priced out': Affordable rentals vanishing across Australia New PropTrack data shows rental listings under $400 per week are becoming like gold dust. The PropTrack Market Insight Report, released on Wednesday, found the national share of rental properties listed on realestate.com.au for less than $400 per week has plummeted to a record low of just 10.4%, down from 15.5% in April 2023 and 43.2% in March 2020. In the capital cities, just 5.9% of listings are now below $400 per week, down from 10.6% in April 2023 and 31.7% in March 2020. 🏗 Fintech launches to aid Australia’s wealth transfer A new fintech platform promises to “revolutionise” intergenerational wealth transfers as Australia prepares for a substantial amount of assets to change hands. Fintech firm HeirWealth said it aims to help facilitate Australia’s $3.5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer expected over the next 25 years. Stay tuned for more #crypto #property and #finance news from #Australia

6

🇦🇺 We recently hosted an online end of year panel, where we discussed the outlook for the Australian VC market in 2025. The good news: There’s renewed investor interest, and conversations about growth are gaining momentum. Now is the time for founders to prepare their metrics, narratives, and relationships for future funding opportunities. Curious about what’s ahead? Dive into our latest article for key takeaways and actionable advice to help you navigate the market in the year ahead! 🚀 Let’s get ready for what’s ahead! Check out our full article below! https://hubs.li/Q02-s7B-0

2

Next up is Damian Fox and Grace Clarke from Carthona Capital, idea stage to Series A investors. They cut cheques from $500K to $10M, with a sweet spot of $1-4M. ESG is a core focus for the firm, and they put their money where their mouth is by being carbon neutral themselves. Get the full story via their pitch. https://lnkd.in/gq4aRXyy

10

BetaShares introduces momentum factor to Australian equitiesBetaShares is launching the world’s first ETF that targets the momentum factor on the Australian stock market. The BetaShares Australian Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) will track the Solactive Australia Momentum Select Index, for which a constituent list is available but not a methodology document at this stage. The fund will hold stocks based on momentum characteristics like price growth over the past year, with contingencies in place to limit turnover. MTUM will charge 0.35%. ULTUMUS discusses the launch following the success of the BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (AQLT). Launched in 2022, AQLT was the first index ETF in the country to target the quality factor on Australian equities. Quality strategies prior had really been the exclusive province of active fund managers. In its two years since inception, AQLT has noticeably outperformed the ASX 200 (much like US quality ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500 over the same period). The market - which mostly consists of financial planners and other wealth managers - has taken notice and rewarded the fund with strong flow. It will be interesting to see if MTUM can follow up AQLT’s success, as may be BetaShares thinking here. There is academic evidence that momentum strategies can outperform in Australia. However that same evidence also suggests that transaction costs and taxes eat away much of the alpha it generates. Australia has high capital gains taxes and momentum strategies almost always have higher turnover. Another wrinkle is that not many Aussie active fund managers run momentum strategies. And a way many quality factor ETFs - like AQLT and VanEck’s $5B QUAL - have marketed themselves is as “same style/strategy as active fund manager XYZ but with a lower fee”. Nevertheless, this is an exciting development. And more evidence that BetaShares is the primary driver of ETF product innovation Down Under. #betashare #ETF #financiltechnology #financialdata

4

New article on Australian Fintech. 😎 “If content creation is a secondary job, and the Creator is a sole trader, their entire income (job, plus content creation) is pooled together as taxable income. For example, for someone who earns $100k in their day job, and $20,000 on OnlyFans, their taxable income will be $120,000. They should note that this may push their income into a higher tax bracket,” adds Michael. Sole traders can declare their income on an individual tax return. Income includes cash, tips, collaborations, payments, licensed content, and product trades (for example, Creators are given products by brands to promote). To discover more guidelines around deductions and declarations, click the link: https://lnkd.in/g6qyK2Di #onlyfans #contentcreation #taxrules #australiantax #ATO #soletraders #taxreturn #accountant #accountingfirm

1