Jonathan Lay

🌏 Airtree Ventures hits an exciting milestone, securing $104M (16% of its $650M target) for Fund V, set to close by early 2025. The Sydney-based firm is attracting global investors, including top US endowments like Harvard Management and Adams Street Partners, as well as local superannuation funds. 🗣️ "It’s a testament to the ANZ tech ecosystem that it’s attracting the best global capital to support the next generation of tech leaders," says James Cameron. Airtree’s expansion reflects the growing global interest in the ANZ startup scene, positioning it as a key player in future tech innovation. #VentureCapital #AirtreeVentures #StartupEcosystem #GlobalInvestment #TechInnovation #ANZStartups

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Edition 557 of our market update released. Very interesting deals as good examples of the movement to automation and technology in industrial services detailed as well as update on Australian market valuations and news. Thankyou Julia Devitt for great work as editor of this publication across 2024. #engineering #automation #investmentbanking #research #industrialservices #predictivemaintenance #scaffolding #miningservices #ironore #coal #infrastructure #cobalt #lithium #gold #drillingservices #australia #strategy #ip #trademarks #patents #innovation #research #mergers #acquisitions

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How does crypto and blockchain cut through the hype? 💡 On the latest episode of First Cheque, co-hosts Cheryl Mack from Aussie Angels and Maxine Minter from Co Ventures discuss investing and technology hype cycles with Emily Rich from early-stage fund M8 Ventures. 🚀 They dive into the rollercoaster world of crypto and blockchain, highlighting its wild swings and untapped potential… 👀 So what’s good? The innovative use cases showcase blockchain’s real-world potential. 🌍 And what’s just hype? Meme stocks and niche funds anyone? Although these frenzies did create some great returns for some…  💰 After a little tip from investing legend Charlie Munger, Emily keeps us grounded with a clear investment hypothesis - stick to what aligns with your overall strategy. 🎯 Smart investing isn’t about jumping on the bandwagon of trends - it’s about spotting real, scalable value before the crowd. 🦄 Download the episode to catch up on Emily’s insights about navigating hype cycles, why some tech trends are all bark and no bite, and how to identify what’s actually worth your time and money. 🎧 Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of First Cheque possible. Vanta, Rocking Horse Group - R&D Advance Funding, Galah Cyber

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Gen Z are itching to switch! New Deloitte report shows that 67% of Australian investors are considering switching Wealth Providers in the next 3 years. For Australia, this is predominantly younger investors (Gen X, Y & Z). Read more in our exclusive Australian research, 'Building A Future-Ready Investment Firm'. The team have developed two deep dives of particular interest for the Australian market: Client Experience and Productivity. Download the full report here:

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We’re excited by the strong interest in our new Smart Bitcoin ETF since its launch a few weeks ago. With 40+ ETFs on offer, there are several reasons to invest in Smart ETFs. 💡 Curious about investing in Bitcoin and how ETFs can offer an easy way to get exposure? Explore key considerations for investing in bitcoin and how to use Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to build a diversified long-term investment strategy. Learn more: https://buff.ly/4etPmed The Smart Exchange Traded Funds are issued by Smartshares Limited (Smart). The product disclosure statements are available at smartinvest.co.nz.

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The next issue of Cut Through Quarterly is out (in comments), and in it Cut Through Venture jotted down a couple of our observations on exits – specifically, that local venture capital funds are now laser-focused on delivering cash returns to their investors. Exits were almost a non-topic in Australia’s VC space for years—growth was the focus, and liquidity discussions were avoided. That narrative is shifting. At the Australian Investment Council Investment Conference last month, investors from Five V Capital, Blackbird, Brandon Capital, and Perennial Partners explored different exit pathways. The tone was noticeably different—traditional IPOs, especially ASX listings, are no longer the default exit dream. While IPOs still hold appeal, they are no longer seen as the inevitable path to liquidity. Instead, alternative exits like private equity buyouts and secondary sell-downs are gaining momentum. These options are proving to be more practical—and crucially—faster ways to return capital to Limited Partners. Secondary sell-downs, in particular, provide flexibility: founders retain control, the company’s growth remains uninterrupted, and investors can achieve returns without forcing a complete sale. Strategic buyers and private equity firms are also showing interest in earlier-stage stakes—traditionally dominated by venture capitalists. This shift opens more options for companies seeking investment and investors seeking liquidity. The 3Q report also welcomed guest contributions from SecondQuarter Ventures Venture and Flippa.com – both of whom sit in a unique spot to talk about exits. The conversation has moved beyond whether exits can happen. Now it’s about how they will happen. With more liquidity options available than ever, many VCs are hopeful that 2025 could bring the "exit season" Australian venture has been waiting for. 

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Fintech Movers & Shakers - Global X ETFs appoints Stephen Parker as new Portfolio Manager Global X ETFs AU #australianfintech #fintech #fintechnews #finance #financialtechnology #technology #tech #technews #jobs #fintechjobs #moversandshakers #ETFs #investing

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I'm pumped to be speaking at the inaugural Innovation Bay event Inspire in Sydney next week ( 22-23 May). Inspire will bring together ANZ’s most visionary founders, ambitious VC & High Net Worth investors, prominent ecosystem leaders and inspiring innovators for a discussion around what the future holds across the next 5-10 years for the startup ecosystem. Agenda: https://lnkd.in/gSrAsHG8 My session is titled 'The Future of Money is...' ~ Payments innovation is front and centre as merchants big and small look to differentiate their product and service in an on demand digital world. Against this backdrop cash and credit card usage are in decline while instant bank account payments have emerged as one of the fastest growing payment segments. How are businesses embracing this change and what use cases can we expect looking forward. #innovationbay #tech #investors #zepto #RTP #inspire24

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Rising Capex is an interesting signal for the Australian Market. Could be some growth potential coming through for 2025 Source: NAB Tapas Strickland https://lnkd.in/ggEkfDYW

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🌟 Great to be covered by the Australian Financial Review! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce several key updates and achievements at Boman Group: 1. **Proven Fund of Funds Strategy**: Our strategy offers investors access to a global allocation, investment in both growth and defensive sectors, and opportunities at all stages—from early VCs to late-stage PEs. Our Partner Vincent Lu is launching our third fund and expand our regional access, providing even more diversified opportunities for our investors. 2. **New Business Lines**: We have introduced two new business lines—multi-family office services and capital market advisory. These new services are designed to target the intergenerational wealth transfer opportunity and assist Australian Asian businesses in accessing capital, fostering growth and sustainability. 3. **Building a Strong Team**: We are committed to executing our vision with a robust team. Introducing our advisory board is just the first step. Thanks Geoff Lloyd, Naseema Sparks AM, Peter McGregor and Paul Chin, SF Fin for advising us going forward. Their expertise will be instrumental in guiding our strategic initiatives and driving our success. I look forward to working with all friends in our network. Please reach out if there are opportunities to collaborate on: 1️⃣our fund of funds strategy 2️⃣multi-family office service 3️⃣capital advisory and ECM 4️⃣or if you are interested in joining our talented team or have someone to recommend Thank you for your continued support! #boman #fof #familyoffice #capitalmarket #vc #pe #IPO #wealthmanagement

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4300 kilometres, 20-30 years, and $30 billion to build…..   When looking at these figures, it’s easy to get caught on the distance: in size, timeline, and scale. And at first glance, it feels a commercially distant opportunity for Australian companies, like ours at Via Group.   What I’m talking about is Australian firm SunCable’s successful approval this month to import green electricity into Singapore.   The Mike Cannon-Brookes backed deal (under his venture firm Grok Ventures that is led by Jeremy Kwong-Law) will see wind and solar infrastructure being built and stored in Australia’s remote northwest along with the construction of a 4,300 kilometre undersea cable which will deliver 15 per cent of Singapore’s energy requirements once complete.   The deal is a coup for Australia as it courts Southeast Asia: the region that is right at our doorstep and is set to become the fourth largest economy as its 650 million rapidly rise in wealth.   But like the Sun Cable deal, you can understand how the Southeast Asian opportunity feels distant, vast and unobtainable to most Australian firms.    But this is actually not the case – it just needs to be broken down into smaller parts.   Taking Sun Cable as an example, the planning, build and ongoing management will require an annual army of firms across construction, logistics, engineering and broader business services.    Seen through this lens, the opportunity for Australian firms to support these kinds of projects, comes more sharply into view.   Beyond the mega projects, Southeast Asia is rapidly growing driven by its increasing urbanisation, and Australian firms are well placed to deliver world class professional services, digital innovation, infra, energy transition, and healthcare to the region.   So, is a foray into Southeast Asia worth it? It’s really a decision for each firm to individually make.   For its part, the Australian government is trying to help firms through its $2billion in facility loans and the (currently open) SME grants to support an entry into Southeast Asian markets   Singapore is the ideal launch pad: it’s the business and financial hub for a lot of the regional economic activity and Aussie firms can benefit from the trade, digital and green trade agreements that we have with Singapore.   For Via Communications, we’re all in when it comes to Southeast Asia and Singapore in particular. We set up a presence a year ago now, have team members in Singapore and Jakarta, and Tala Booker and I are there nearly every other month to see clients, partners and our team. The key message amongst this is that economic growth to our north is there to be seized by Aussie firms, and whilst it may seem commercially, physically and culturally distant, it’s actually not.   But it does require effort and to be on the ground.   So hop on the seven-hour flight, set up some meets, and check it out. Or give me a buzz if you’ve got any questions. Happy to chat

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The Intelligent Investor Australian Equity Growth Fund (ASX:IIGF) Secondary Offer opens today. https://lnkd.in/eMYu8XSh Although past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance, since inception p.a. the Fund has returned 12.44% compared to the ASX 200 Accumulation Index return of 11.68% over the same time period. IIGF is designed to be a collection of our best ideas. This means finding companies that can grow their profits and dividends consistently over decades to maximise your after-tax returns. Benefits of investing in the Fund include: ✅ A portfolio of 10 – 35 growth stocks. ✅ Low fees – just 0.97% p.a. and no performance fees. ✅ Avoid brokerage costs by investing directly in the Secondary Offer ----- IMPORTANT: This information is general financial product advice only and you should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG), Target Market Determination (TMD) or seek professional advice before making any investment decision. The PDS for financial products offered through InvestSMART can be downloaded from our website or obtained by contacting 1300 880 160. You should consider the PDS, FSG and TMD before making a decision about a product.

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As cities grow denser, understanding the subtle shifts in property values and rental trends becomes crucial for investors. For instance, Sydney's Chippendale has witnessed a significant rental increase over the past year, bucking the broader trend where high density often leads to weaker property value growth (CoreLogic Property Pulse April 2024) This highlights the importance of location-specific knowledge when investing. 🏢🔍 Curious about how urban trends might affect your investment strategy? Our advisors are here to help you navigate the complexities. https://buff.ly/2NdMsRO #propertyinvestment #propertymarkets #definitiveguidetopropertyinvestment #sandcastlefinance #CorelogicProperty #urbantrends #propertymarkettrends

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Venture capital continuation fund launched An Auckland-based venture capital firm has launched fundraising for Australasia's first venture capital continuation fund. Pacific Channel has set up the fund to provide another five years of runway for eight investments from its first fund which managing partner Brent Ogilvie (pictured) says have average operating periods of seven years. Read more about this, and much more about venture capital and private equity, at: https://lnkd.in/gE-aPUTb #venturecapital #privateequity #fundraising

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Today is the last day to invest in the additional allocation of the Co Ventures Fund 1 before Maxine Minter closes the books (smashing her $5m Fund 1 target just quietly) 🤩 Our syndicate deal on the Aussie Angels platform was completely oversubscribed in less than a week! The Euphemia syndicate is the final channel for investment and we'll be closing the deal on the Aussie Angels platform just before midnight tonight (Mon 8-Jul-2024). Despite fewer women investing by count, the women who have participated to date have outpaced their male counterparts cheque sizes significantly - highlighting the impact of our women investors & underscoring their strong commitment and influence within our investment community. Our aim is for Co Ventures Fund 1 to be a hallmark deal for women's participation in VC. Especially significant as Maxine Minter is one of Australia's first solo women General Partners. Enhancing women's involvement not only enriches the fund with diverse perspectives, but also sets a precedent for future investment. If you're a female investor we'd love to include you amongst our co-investors in this deal ✨ You can invest here: https://lnkd.in/gMgatr2E Disclaimer: Always consider Aussie Angels Risks and Disclosures in conjunction with the Deal Note prior to making an investment decision.

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Hey founders! You have a right to raise capital from the public, like big companies do. And by making a regulated offer of securities with Birchal through the CSF regime, you get access to over 10 million Australian investors. This is arguably the largest pool of capital available for startups and SMEs in Australia. And it's made up of lots of different types of investors. VCs (of course), but also high net worths, family offices, angels, and literally everyone else. The CSF regime is the VEHICLE to aggregate all of these different types of investors into a single raise. You control the process, the timeline and the terms. If equity crowdfunding is adopted as widely here as it has been in the UK, last year's $70m total funding volume would be 10x so $700m in annual funding. Thanks so much to Jacob Parker and Fiskil for the chat recently at Intersekt about how exciting the opportunity ahead for CSF is here in Australia. Full interview in the comments below: #investment #startups #equitycrowdfunding #innovation #funding #founders #VC #CSF

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FB Ventures is delighted to bring Equity Roll-Up solutions to Australian founders, making them accessible to all. Equity Roll-Up solutions reduce costs, complexity and time, while also removing ongoing management burdens, allowing founders to focus on growing their business. Equity Roll-Up Vehicles enable a larger number of investors to support the growth of a company, unlocking more capital while allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and easily track their investments. For founders looking to enhance their online presence and connect with a broader range of investors, head to FB Ventures platform to explore a range of tools to assist with capital raising https://app.fbventures.vc/ #capitalraising #startups #vc #investments

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