Shaun Seaman

We can’t manage what we don’t measure and we can’t grow what we don’t fund. While the sucking sound of Aus super and VC investment going to US companies is becoming deafening, the Australian Business Growth Fund backing an ambitious cohort of innovator companies has flown under the radar. If Aus has a sovereign future, as opposed to vassal state dependence writ large and irreversible, we need 10 more commercially and globally funds to acknowledge a long forgotten asset class.

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✨ Breaking: Melt Ventures Announces New Fund.- Melt Ventures Melt Ventures, a partner of the WAVC initiative, focuses on early-stage investments in sectors aligned with Western Australia’s innovation priorities. https://melt.ventures/ Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups #Venturecapital

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The cap on international students means fewer startup founders and less employee talent for early stage startups in Australia. The risk appetite it takes to uproot your life and move to another country to study is exactly the mindset that drives people to take the risk to start (or join) a new company. I talked about this in a recent podcast with Will Richards where we discussed the impact of the controversial cap on international students and what it could mean for Australia’s startup ecosystem, universities, and economy. Full conversation from the ~24 minute mark here: https://lnkd.in/gNsH46VN UNSW Founders #entrepreneurship

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📣 Calling Queensland’s most ambitious climate tech founders looking to raise capital! EnergyLab is coming to Queensland and applications are now open: https://lnkd.in/e-ft9mK7 The brand new Investment Ready Program runs over 12 weeks and will equip startups with the right tools and know-how to navigate the many challenges of raising capital: - understanding VCs’ investment criteria and screening processes, - how to streamline your investor outreach, - how to articulate the opportunity by thinking at investors’ level, - developing a clear path to growth, - nailing the pitch, and - closing the deal. Successful applicants will be mentored by experienced climate tech experts and introduced to Australia’s most active climate tech investors. ✨ The program is backed by QIC and completely free to eligible Queensland-based startups working on solutions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address the impacts of climate change, and other environmental issues such as waste and biodiversity. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/e-ft9mK7 Cake EquityCallum Davidson Audun Fiskerud EnergyLab

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The latest episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia is now live! 🎙️ We’re joined by Nicci Rossouw Roussouw, CEO of Robotics Australia Group, to delve into the transformative power of robotics across diverse industries, from agriculture to aged care. Nicci shares invaluable insights on the integration of robotics into daily practices and how these technologies are not only reshaping operations but also filling vital workforce gaps. 🚀 Highlights include:  The future of drones in asset management.  Strategies for boosting operational efficiency through robotics.  The pivotal role of technology and strategic innovation in advancing Australian manufacturing. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gugyADvu   📣 Featuring insights from industry leaders such as SwarmFarm Robotics, Drone-Hand PTY LTD, Laing O'Rourke, RSM Australia, Advanced Navigation, and VEX Robotics, this episode is packed with expert opinions and future-forward strategies. #Robotics #Innovation #ManufacturingTechAustralia #Leadership #Podcast #TechLeaders #Drones   

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The recent Australian federal budget announcement is a major boost for small businesses, the education sector, and startups. As CEO of Ticketless Parking, a NED at Jeddle, and an investor in innovative startups, I see great opportunities for strategic growth and innovation. With increased government investment in infrastructure, the parking industry is poised to embrace more efficient, technologically advanced solutions, advancing the mission of #ticketlessparking. Meanwhile, the increased support for education will empower companies like #jeddle to further integrate technology and learning, propelling us towards a future where innovation is at the core of education. This budget resonates deeply with my belief in the power of vision, strategy, and execution to drive growth. Let us leverage these developments to push boundaries, innovate, and build a resilient future. #FederalBudget #GrowthStrategy #Education #Innovation #StartupInvesting #ParkingIndustry #jeddAI

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Huge news in the business and climate reporting space for those that missed it last week. Mandatory climate reporting is here! Our founder Catherine (Cat) Long shared her thoughts on what this means for business with Startup Daily #climateaction #netzero #reporting #esg #carbonfootprint #climaterisk #financialreporting

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Which international VC has invested most actively in NZ? Here's the slide we prepared recently for our Investor Masterclass. Let me know who I'm missing. Four more sessions coming up including: Valuation, Terms, Governance, and War Stories. Join the fun by registering here: https://lnkd.in/ghJJpdR4

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Complete list of all active pre-seed & seed lead investors in NZ below. Thank you to all those who helped fill in the gaps. Quite a few people have reached out and said it was helpful, which is great. Next, I am thinking of creating the list of pre-seed & seed investors in NZ who follow and fill in investment rounds. As the list will be quite long, help would be appreciated. Please add in the comments. Aera VC AgriZeroNZ Blackbird Brandon Capital Bridgewest Ventures NZ Cure Kids Ventures Ecliptic Even Capital GD1 (Global From Day One) Hillfarrance Venture Capital Icehouse Ventures Maker Partners Motion Capital Movac Nuance Connected Capital NZ Growth Capital Partners NZVC Outset Ventures Pacific Channel Phase One Ventures Punakaiki Fund Quidnet Ventures Soul Capital Sprout Agritech WNT Ventures

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🎊 Big News from Our Team at Titanium Ventures! 🎊 Today, we’re thrilled to share that we've evolved from Telstra Ventures to Titanium Ventures! Why Titanium? Because it captures the essence of who we are and aspires to be—a firm that supports exceptionally strong and resilient entrepreneurs, those who thrive under pressure. Titanium is not just a metal with the highest durability and strength-to-weight ratio; it represents the extraordinary capability and determination of the leaders we back—leaders who consistently punch way above their weight. Our commitment remains steadfast: to unearth and scale the most promising ventures in AI, digital, and software sectors. With 99 investments, including 12 IPOs, 17 unicorns and 42 liquidity events, we’re just getting started. Holding almost US$1B in funds under management and having returned US$678M to our investors, we are more driven than ever. This is more than a name change—it’s a reaffirmation of our promise to accelerate the extraordinary, fueling the growth of standout disruptors. We've been doing this for over a decade, and it's what our investors and founders expect us to do for many more to come. Here's to the next chapter in our journey with all of you! #VentureCapital #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TitaniumVentures

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It was a privilege chatting with Dante St James on our Fireside Chat. . Whether you're building a #startup or scaling an #SME, aligning ambition with strategy is crucial for sustainable growth. . As Dante shared in this discussion, many founders underestimate the resources required to build a successful business model. . It's not enough to dream big—success requires a clear alignment between vision, resources, and execution. . Hear more from Dante here: https://lnkd.in/gi3uK-Kf #startupzodiac #startup

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What’s happening in Aussie healthtech? 💊🎉 🧬 Presagen’s Life Whisperer IVF embryo AI tech was acquired by Japan's Astec, to expand its use globally 🧫Cartherics Pty Ltd raised $15m to support a clinical trial for CTH-401, a cell therapy targeting ovarian cancer 🧠 Tessara Therapeutics, Psylo, & USyd snagged a $3m CRC-P grant 🤰 Kali Healthcare bagged a $2.65m CRC-P grant to advance its AI-enabled wearable for pregnancy monitoring 💉 Vaxxas, is raising $100m for clinical trials for its needle-free vaccine patch 🩺 ANDHealth+ invested $3.25m of MRFF grants into 5 startups as part of its digital & connected health accelerator program: Eugene, Atmo Biosciences, Immunosis, Metabolic Health Solutions, Humanetix 💊 Wesfarmers Health expects $6bn in revenue this year as it expands digital & pharmacy operations 📱 Medibank partnered with League to enhance customer experience with AI-driven personalisation across its services for 4.2M customers 🖥️ Bupa is offering eligible members 3 free telehealth consults/ year 🚀 Cortical Dynamics Limited, Microbio, & Resonait join the Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator by ARM Hub & MTPConnect 🧠 Griffith University launched a clinical trial using olfactory nerve bridges from patients' cells to treat chronic spinal cord injuries 💼 SA’s Upper House voted 10-9 against a proposed law restricting abortions after 28 weeks 💡 > 400k Aussies downgraded from "gold" health insurance due to cost-of-living pressures Keen for the links & delicious deets?? 🍩🙌 Take a gander at last week's newsletter in the comments below👇😊 --- PS - if you liked this and are keen to join >8550 legends getting health tech and innovation news dropped direct to your inbox, subscribe to What the Health, linked in the comments below! 💜 📩

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If you’ve kept up with the happenings within NZ’s technology ecosystem this year, then you’ll know:   OpenStar Technologies, a company based in the Ngauranga Gorge, are advancing towards creating the world's first city-scale fusion energy reactor based on a unique method of levitating magnets.   And Halter, who are redefining the future of farming, were recognised as New Zealand's fastest-growing company this year (at a growth rate of 1539%), and have surpassed 250,000 cows trained using their technology.   As well as Crimson Education, who are transforming the future of global education, hit a $1B valuation this year—and its co-founder and CEO, Jamie Beaton, holds qualifications from four Ivy League schools and hasn’t even celebrated his 30th yet.   I could keep going.   Ideally, in 16 short months, have collected over 13 million responses to questions their customers want answered—empowering more than 130 brands and agencies to bring bolder ideas to life.   Basis came out of stealth a few months ago to publicly launch a world-first electric smart panel designed to transform the way we manage electricity and have already pre-sold >5,000 units.   And Vessev got their truly world-class electric hydrofoiling boat on the water and you can now experience it for yourself by booking with Fullers.   What you might not know, is that all of these exceptional companies are in Icehouse Ventures Growth Fund II. The fund is oversubscribed at $105m, and it’s the last call to get involved before it closes at Xmas.   If you are interested in investing alongside Generate KiwiSaver Scheme, Pie Funds, Craigs Investment Partners, Harbour Asset Management, Simplicity, Sir Stephen Tindall, and 588 investors — DM me.

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🌟 Australian Startups 2023: A Year of Strategic Shifts and Emerging Opportunities 🚀 In 2023, the Australian startup landscape navigated a cautious investment climate, recording a total of 413 deals with an overall investment value of $3.5 billion. Despite a significant drop in deal value from previous years, there was a notable shift towards robust activity in the early stages of investment. Angel and Pre-Seed rounds not only resisted the broader downturn but actually increased, highlighting a vibrant seed funding environment that underpins a dynamic market for emerging technologies. This heightened competition at the entry-level indicates a strategic pivot within our ecosystem, investing in the foundational potential of new ventures. Such insights are crucial as we steer towards nurturing a resilient and innovative startup community ready to tackle future challenges. Dive deeper into the full analysis and explore how these shifts are shaping the future of Australian innovation. https://lnkd.in/gc4gNtGc #AustralianStartups #VentureCapital #StartupEcosystem #Innovation

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Two things can be true: Australian climate tech had one of the biggest funding quarters ever (raising $359m* in Q2) AND the demand for capital far, far exceeds investment 💸 Funding was up almost 4x over the last quarter ($98m in Q1) because of a few mega deals (Hysata, Samsara Eco, RayGen) 🧐 Yet, many startups are struggling to raise as Yolanda Redrup (The Australian Financial Review) and Kate Burgess (Capital Brief) describe well in their articles (links below) *$344m was reported in Cut Through Venture's Q2 excellent funding report (link below), so my number differs slightly. Hey Cut Through Venture 👋🏽 happy to compare notes 🙂 Paul Barrett Paul Riley Richard Payne Tom Hussey Jessica Richmond Mark Croudace Julia Kay Jordy Kay Lewis Dunnigan Billy Jeremijenko Luke Marshall Adam Jones Alan Hunter Fern Ho Shan V. Templewater Temasek Main Sequence Breakthrough Victoria Planeteer Capital Blackbird Jekara Group Alberts Counteract Investible Prtnr Giant Leap Archangel Ventures

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ICYMI - here's the very first video edition of This Week in Australian Startups, Issue 96 Link to the full newsletter in the comments below

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🚀 Excited to announce the official launch of the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct HQ! The opening of the HQ represents a significant milestone, showcasing the incredible work of the DevelopmentWA and CORE Innovation Hub. It’s been a privilege to contribute to this effort and celebrate alongside everyone who made it happen. 🎥 In the accompanying video reel, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the safe planning and execution of some of the cutting-edge technology demos we featured on the day, including: - Mobile robots from Chironix - IMDEX Blast Dog - RCT Polaris autonomous all-terrain vehicle - BAI5 robotic first responder firefighting robot The AARP is a space where technology, innovation, and safety intersect, enabling new possibilities in autonomous systems, robotics, and sustainable innovation. I’m excited to support responsible innovation at the precinct, ensuring that these advancements are safe, ethical, and impactful. If you’d like to learn more about the AARP or discuss how we’re shaping the future of work and technology, feel free to get in touch. #Innovation #Robotics #ResponsibleInnovation #AARP #SafetyTech #FutureOfWork

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Many Aussie/Kiwi founders eventually face the decision of: what market should I go to next? Often, the answer they land on is the US. The key decision points then become: 1) when should I enter the US? 2) how should I break in? I spent the last 2 weeks with US VCs in San Francisco and New York, exploring those two questions and understanding what they've seen work and what they've seen fail. If you're in the early stages of building a venture scale business, I wrote the below as a simplified guide for thinking through those two decision points: https://lnkd.in/gY2JzByV

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