Jason Graham

Through 1835i, ANZ has made an initial seed capital investment of $6M into DataCo—a start-up reshaping secure data sharing. DataCo, a start-up born in 1835i’s Business Creation Lab, is making waves in the data privacy world. With $6M in funding from ANZ, through 1835i, DataCo is on a mission to revolutionize how companies securely share data. By enabling organisations to connect their data with partners in a privacy-preserving way, DataCo is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital economy. Their innovative solution combines de-identified and transactional data from ANZ with DataCo clients’ data on a secure platform, unlocking powerful, never-before-seen insights. These insights—like spending trends and targeted analysis—help clients attract more customers, boost revenue, and deliver highly personalized experiences. At 1835i, we’re incredibly proud to see this business scale from our lab to make a meaningful impact. This success highlights the power of partnerships in driving value for ANZ and creating innovative solutions for a better, connected future. Congratulations to the DataCo Labs team—this is a huge step forward! Read the full story in Joseph L.'s article from The Australian Business Review Antony Strong, Rami Mukhtar, Danny Tyrrell, Michael Bridgeman, Keshav Murthy, James Petterson, 🙌 Garry Williams, Ricky Ferreira, David Rowe, Nadia J., Katarina Mostarac, Daniel Ber, Anthony Cursio, Alexandra Cooper, Brett Foley https://lnkd.in/gG2FJYy8

110

2 Comments

The news is out 🗞️We’ve officially closed our second Australian fund at $77M, exceeding our original target of $60M. See more from The Australian Financial Review 👉https://lnkd.in/gJ68eGBc We’ve also launched a new follow-on practice that guarantees we will participate in the next round following our initial investment if the founder can secure at least $300,000 from sophisticated investors in their first 12 months. Our data shows that companies that fail to raise capital within their first 12 months are unlikely to reach Series A, so this is our bit in maximising our portfolio companies’ chances of growth and success. We’re so proud of our team for this phenomenal outcome despite challenging market conditions, and we’re even more thrilled about the opportunities this is going to bring founders and early-stage startups in Australia. It also comes as we prepare to launch our residency in Brisbane for the first time - something we weren't expecting to do for at least another year. But after strong market interest and founder demand from the Queensland ecosystem, we have decided to move it forward to February 2025. So, if you or someone you know is ready to build the next tech unicorn, apply now to join our residency in February 🚀https://lnkd.in/gM7j-nSj Otherwise, if you want to learn more, come along to one of our upcoming AMAs where we delve into what you can expect from Antler’s residency and investment, and hear from founders who have recently done it 📆 https://lnkd.in/g73sBv4m

426

48 Comments

Want to learn more about investing in a Venture Capital Fund? | Punakaiki Fund is having their secondary market trading event now so click here: https://lnkd.in/g59Vxd28 With $89 million in assets under the expert management of 2040 Ventures Limited, Punakaiki Fund is on a mission to back New Zealand's most promising tech gems. 💎 💼 Their track record speaks volumes: $186 million in revenue and $62 million in equity weighted revenue. 💰 Now, they're opening the doors for YOU to get in on the action! 💥 Don't miss out on the chance to learn about this exciting investment opportunity. 🚀 #InvestSmart #Invest #CatalistNz #Catalistmarkets #Finance #VentureCapital #NZX #stockmarket

6

Has Australia really lost the whole point of SAFE notes? As an angel investor, almost all the deals I’ve done in the US are on SAFE notes, but here in Australia there seems to be a huge disconnect with the point. SAFE’s have three main points 1: Current investors get terms that are better than future investors by an agreed amount - the “discount” which is typically- 20% 2: We can postpone the valuation discussion till the next round - though a “valuation cap” makes sure we are on the same page 3: Its standard - so there is no need to have lawyers review, edit and fight over it. This latter is critical, because it reduces transaction cost, enabling small investments to be made without the cost of lawyering eating up a substantial chunk of the ROI. But in Australia - this last point is missing, The Australian Investment Council’s safe even says … [Disclaimer: This document is intended to serve as a starting point only. It should be carefully considered and tailored to meet your specific commercial requirements and circumstances. This document, and any guidance note within this document, must not be relied on as legal advice and we recommend that you seek professional legal advice to ensure that this document is suitable for your specific situation.] Which is the opposite of Y-combinators. "This Safe is one of the forms available at https://lnkd.in/gcU66dHR and the Company and the Investor agree that neither one has modified the form, except to fill in blanks and bracketed terms." “https://lnkd.in/gtVrDvme I recently turned down an investment in a UNSW Founders backed social enterprise in part because they used the UNSW Founders version of the SAFE, which I’ve never seen before, the proposal had some weird stuff about repayments and for the size of the investment I might have made, it wasn’t worth having a lawyer figure out if it had been done right. Uniquest at The University of Queensland uses a similarly unique version - https://lnkd.in/gyURZaWC Of course this has spawned a whole set of lawyers offering their service to put together a SAFE for you - completely missing the plot that they wouldn’t be needed if the standardised SAFE was used. Or maybe the lawyers have lobbied universities to make sure that they use SAFEs that need lawyering ? I'd appreciate comment from other investors - would you use a SAFE note that was non-standard and required lawyering ?

15

16 Comments

Think superannuation is something to worry about later? Think again! Your 30s are the perfect time to start building a strong financial future. Discover why early planning can make a huge difference and debunk the myth that it’s too soon to think about retirement savings. Click to read how a few smart moves now can lead to a comfortable and secure future: https://lnkd.in/g7DhsT5e #super #superannuation #financialplanning

3

Thanks to Blackpeak Capital Pty Ltd for their Technology Sector Update. Public market conditions flow through to private markets (especially important for growth stage startups) so it's good to be aware! We summarised their latest report for you. Details in comments. - Global equity markets are reaching new highs due to investor confidence that the rate rise cycle is over, despite lingering uncertainty over rate cuts . - Public market valuations have improved in FY24, driven by falling inflation. Companies with positive earnings profiles outperformed the small cap sector, reflecting a 'flight to quality' theme . - Investors are favoring companies with positive cash flow and earnings over those with high cash burn. The 'Rule of 40' has become a more prominent focus, emphasizing earnings margin over revenue growth. - Private companies seeking to raise funds need to demonstrate a near-term path to cashflow breakeven with strong unit economics. There is significant dry powder in venture capital and growth equity funds, but recent deployments are focused on existing portfolio companies . - M&A activity has seen a decline in the number of transactions, but the transaction value has increased due to large deals. Notable acquisitions include Renesas’s acquisition of Altium and Par’s acquisition of Task Group . - US tech M&A activity has continued to decline in FY24, attributed to higher funding costs and macroeconomic uncertainty. However, the value per deal has increased . - The IPO market remains largely shut, with no notable ASX technology IPOs since December 2022. There are early signs of recovery, but investors remain cautious and selective . - Secondary raisings have recovered in FY24, but investor caution persists. Private raising activity remains below FY22 highs, reflecting a shift in investor expectations towards stronger financial metrics . - The IT sector has rebounded strongly, outpacing broader tech sector gains. ANZ Software and SaaS valuations are trading around their long-term averages. - Geopolitical tensions and sustained weakness in the Chinese economy pose persistent risk factors. The liquidation of Evergrande is likely to remain a drag on global growth . Callum Davidson Cake Equity

12

4 Comments

Do not sleep on this article! If it goes through, it can potentially impact a significant portion of the startup, scale-up, and venture investment participants. The exact ones we want in the space. The article highlights "the proposed new tax on superannuation earnings on balances above $3 million – particularly as it applies to taxing unrealised capital gains, an implicit feature of this tax" This, combined with the proposed changes to the Wholesale Investor requirements, will have a more significant impact than most realise. To first look to increase the requirement and then add a layer of taxation for those people that can participate is a double hit. Investment from SMSFs has been foundational to the growth of the ecosystem. It aligns with the requirement for patient capital from investors, as the realisation of those funds can take 5 to 10 years. Trying to tax unrealised gains in illiquid assets will significantly impact the exact investors we want to engage in our ecosystem.

86

36 Comments

🚨 Buy-now pay-later (BNPL) firm Laybuy has put itself up for sale and is hunting for potential buyers following a turbulent few years on the public markets, City AM revealed. The Kiwi FinTech firm, which launched in 2017 and once boasted around 766,000 customers across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, is looking to delist from the New Zealand’s junior stock exchange Catalist and move into private ownership, sources familiar with the matter told City A.M. Laybuy has faced a tough period since raising $80m (£40m) on the Aussie stock market in 2020 at a value of some $358m (£184m). Last January, the company scrapped its Sydney listing after a slump in its share price and said it would swap to the small business-focused market Catalist. The FinTech firm currently has a value of around £4.3m on Catalist, which is regarded as a feeder to New Zealand’s Exchange, known as the NZX. Read the complete source article by Charlie Conchie and Lars Mucklejohn for more info: https://lnkd.in/eKykbQvC Find this helpful? [ 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 ] Anything to add about this subject? [ 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 ] Nice story, Marcel. Next! [ 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 ] Get the most important FinTech news and analysis in a 5 minute daily briefing you’ll actually look forward to reading. Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/eiQBxdTW #buynowpaylater #bnpl #payments #paytech #digitalpayments #fintech #fintechnews

21

7 Comments

It's Cut Through Venture data release day, and the The Australian Financial Review has noted that IPOs are becoming an increasingly rare form of exit. No surprise there. While an IPO can be a significant milestone for a large, fast-growing company, it’s not necessarily an exit in itself. As Rachael Neumann points out in the article, companies still in high-growth mode may need more patient capital to support long-term, bigger-bet strategies. But here’s the thing: for investors, patience can be overrated. There's a common misconception in venture that every fund needs to invest ‘from day one until forever’. In reality, there’s nothing wrong with an investment strategy that optimises for liquidity windows. It’s exactly how we operate at Flying Fox Ventures. Big funds that need to create billions in enterprise value must play the long game. Smaller funds, on the other hand, can deliver impressive multiples by selling to downstream investors much sooner. As the Australian venture ecosystem matures, it’s essential that we nurture a strong mix of both approaches—and everything in between. AFR article in comments (paywall).

144

2 Comments

EV penetration is half the global average in Australia but growing rapidly. Available charging infrastructure is a key driver (no pun intended) of penetration. What makes EV charging an investable infrastructure asset class and most importantly when? My colleague Jeremy Wernert and I have some initial thoughts. #sustainableinfrastructure #impactinvesting #evcharging Palisade Impact Phaedra Fuller

38

3 Comments

📢 PSA: R&D funding deadlines are coming up! Most NZ startups qualify for this funding, so if you need help getting it sorted please reach out. If you have a 31 March balance date, then the due dates are: 1. R&D Tax Loss Credit - 30 April 2024 2. RDTI - 7 May 2024 I've seen far too many companies miss out on six-figure sums of funding. So please if you aren't sure check to see if you might qualify! If your accountant hasn't spoken to you about it, time to get a new accountant.

44

4 Comments

Fintech players are shaking up the savings game with high-interest accounts that could outdo your traditional bank! 🏦💰 Ready to see how they stack up? 👀 Let us know what you think below ⬇️

29

7 Comments

SMEs REACT TO OCR CUT WITH CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM A recent 50 basis points cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by the Reserve Bank provides much-needed stability for New Zealand's SMEs, helping them navigate economic uncertainty and rising costs. This rate reduction allows business owners to plan with greater confidence, shifting focus from survival to growth. 1. Economic Stability & Business Confidence: - The OCR cut creates a sense of stability, enabling SMEs to make strategic decisions about staffing, resource management, and investments. - Businesses are becoming cautiously optimistic, with a shift in focus from short-term survival to long-term planning. --- 2. Increased Activity in Some Sectors: - Many businesses, especially in industries like commercial joinery, engineering, and plumbing, are experiencing increased sales, project confirmations, and higher customer demand. - Some sectors, particularly those reliant on discretionary spending, are still facing challenges but are expected to improve as consumer confidence rises. --- 3. Strategic Growth & Demand Management: - As demand grows, businesses are focusing on managing resources and preparing for busy seasons, such as Christmas. - Companies are now thinking about expanding their workforce, improving operational efficiency, and scaling their operations. --- 4. Sector Variability: - While businesses selling essential goods and services are benefiting, those in hospitality, retail, and other non-essential sectors still face slower recovery. - The gap between essential and discretionary sectors is expected to narrow as economic conditions improve. --- 5. Outlook for 2024 and Beyond: - The OCR cut is seen as a positive turning point, providing a stable foundation for business recovery and growth into 2025. - Business owners are gaining confidence to plan for the future, setting the stage for a potentially more prosperous new year. Source: NZ Business #blackarrownz #economics #SME #newzealand

1

💰 Australia’s $15b National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) is now accepting funding proposals. If your company is looking for equity investment, debt or a guarantee for your next project, read on👇🏽 After the fund was first announced in the October 2022 Federal Budget, the NRFC has established a board and team, led by Ivan Power, but we are yet to see what the first investment will be - could it be you? To be eligible, your company must at least:  1️⃣ be in one of the 7 priority areas: #renewables and low emissions technologies; medical science; transport; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; value-add in resources; defence capabilities and enabling capabilities (e.g. #AI, #quantum computing, #robotics, #space, etc) 2️⃣ demonstrate a positive return on investment or an ability to repay debt; 3️⃣ are solely or mainly Australian based It appears you will get bonus points if your project: ➕ is investment-ready ➕ has already received regulatory/other approvals; and ➕ has co-investors already lined up (one of NRF’s objectives is to crowd-in private investment) There are still a few unknowns, including: ❓ What is the typical cheque the NRFC will write for any given project? ❓ How long will an assessment take from proposal submission?  ❓ If equity, roughly what will the NRFC need to take? ❓ Does the company need to be currently revenue generating? To find out more, check out the link below. #climatepolicy #climatecapital

56

2 Comments

Australia’s leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider, Afterpay, turns 10. “We launched Afterpay to provide an accessible payment solution that empowers customers rather than leaving them in a cycle of debt,” said co-founder Anthony Eisen. BNPL schemes offer consumers a short-term no-interest credit solution which can be preferable to high-interest credit cards. However, as with any form of credit, your BNPL account can influence your credit score. Here’s what you can do to manage your BNPL account responsibly to keep your credit report clean. * Stick to a spending limit you can afford. Add up all your monthly bills to see how much room is left in your budget for an additional payment. * Try to avoid having multiple BNLP accounts. Too much BNPL debt could become hard to repay. Late or missed payments will likely attract lender fees and lower your credit score. * Use a debit card to make repayments, rather than a credit card that attracts interest. -------------- Need credit repair advice? Contact Credit Repair Ausvengers on 1300 459 199 or [email protected]. #creditrepair #creditscore #BNPL

1

NZ Dollar's Turning Point on the Horizon? Analysts predict the New Zealand Dollar may soon reverse its recent gains as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) prepares for aggressive rate cuts. Despite benefiting from the highest policy rate in the G10, concerns loom over the sustainability of this trend. Will a dovish pivot by the RBNZ alter the landscape? #NZDollar #Forex #InterestRates #RBNZ https://lnkd.in/geUs6jDe

4

We're thrilled to announce that Pie Funds has invested $10m into Growth Fund II, our late-stage venture fund offering exposure to 20 established NZ technology companies. Their investment brings the fund’s total to $98m of the $100m target. Pie’s KiwiSaver Growth Fund’s move into venture capital enables thousands more Kiwis to gain exposure to—and participate in the journey of—some of New Zealand’s exceptional tech companies. "Mike Taylor, Ana-Marie Lockyer and the Pie Funds team have spent more than a decade studying, investing in, and championing great Kiwi companies. Their investment speaks volumes of the quality of the entrepreneurs we are supporting.” - Robbie Paul Read Robbie’s perspective on why this investment supports the case for the next global tech giant to emerge from Aotearoa here: https://lnkd.in/g_tJ2Zga Find the news article covering the partnership here: https://lnkd.in/gceS6qmD And learn more about Growth Fund II and how to get involved here: https://lnkd.in/gsn4z3UR

159

2 Comments