Zac Zavos

Did you know that Australia is the home of 2.3% of the world's tech unicorns ($1b plus valuation companies). Deep tech is clear strength of Australia and it is why Japanese corporates are looking at Australia. The Australian Japan Business Cooperation Committee (AJBCC) is lifting the lid on what is driving Japanese businesses and Australian startups. If you are interested, then this webinar could be for you. Richard Andrews, Cristina Merino Ishizuka, Jonathan Raju, Annie Jiang, Emily Doran, Takero Izuhara, Tim Mclennan, Ken Jefferd, Invest Victoria

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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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🇦🇺 The State of the Australian VC Market Heading into 2025 📈 🗓 Date: 28th November | ⏰ Time: 12pm-1pm AEDT 🎟 Tickets on sale now! After a challenging few years in the startup funding landscape—with reduced funding rounds and extended runways—we’re beginning to see promising signs of market recovery. Recent boosts in US investment and steady local deals under $50M could signal positive changes on the horizon. Join us along with our expert panel from Aussie Angels, Tractor Ventures, Rampersand, and Five Capital as we share insights into market trends and what investors are watching closely for in the year ahead. We’ll end with a live Q&A, so bring your questions and get the inside track on what to expect in 2025! Don’t miss out—tickets on sale now! #VCMarket #Investment #AusStartups https://hubs.li/Q02XsdTb0

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Target acquired: From an unlikely startup to a major acquisition for a global software solutions company, Ideagen Op Central has changed the game in the world of compliance and changed the life of its Founder Josh Cairns. The acquisition of Australian independent software vendor Op Central by Ideagen in November 2023 was the third purchase of an Australian company the multinational software solutions provider made that year. It may well have been the most significant. Ideagen believes Op Central’s innovative AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the practice of compliance among organizations. “Productivity is a huge concern for businesses globally and is increasingly being discussed at a board level as reduced productivity impacts both the top and bottom line,” Ideagen CEO Ben Dorks said at the time of the purchase. Read more HERE: https://lnkd.in/gXEpxChB Written by Michael Wayne Alicia Johnston The CEO Magazine Global #ceo #business #tech #innovation #leadership #productivity #ai #acquisiton #theceomagazine #inspiringthebusinessworld

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The Australian VC landscape is thriving, but gender disparity still casts a long shadow. As revealed by Cut Through Venture's Cut Through Quarterly Q3 report, women-led startups are gaining traction but face an uphill battle as they mature through funding rounds, with participation dropping dramatically from 50% at pre-seed to just 14% at Series A. In our latest Antler article, we explore how persistent barriers are widening the funding gap and why it’s critical to support women founders from day zero - supporting them from the start and providing continued backing throughout their journey. https://lnkd.in/gZds-cyk We're dedicated to pushing forward for a more inclusive and resilient ecosystem and invite all ambitious founders to join our February 2025 residency in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

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🚨Today we announced that Telstra Ventures changed its name to Titanium Ventures 🚨 We chose Titanium Ventures because it best represents who we are and who we want to be - a firm that backs very strong, resilient entrepreneurs who resist cracking under pressure. Titanium has the highest durability and strength-to-weight ratio of any metal in the world and like the leaders we invest in, we punch way above our weight. Our investment thesis remains the same and we will continue to identify and scale the most promising companies across a variety of AI, digital and software sectors. So far we’ve invested in 99 portfolio companies, resulting in: 🚀 12 IPOs 🚀 17 unicorns 🚀 42 liquidity events Today we have almost US$1B funds under management and have returned US$678M cash to investors. This is an exciting next chapter in our story. Titanium Ventures will continue to accelerate the extraordinary, fueling the growth of standout disruptors, that’s what we have done for over a decade and that’s what our investors and founders expect us to do in the decades to come. www.ti.vc You can read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ePtEVPik

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$VNL - Australia’s only ASX-listed Music Company, Vinyl Group (ASX: VNL), today announced a significant update to its partnership with RealWise Group Holdings Pty Ltd. RealWise has chosen to convert its entire convertible note into ordinary shares of Vinyl Group, which is a strong vote of confidence in VNL's future! RealWise now holds approx. 34% of Vinyl Group, becoming the company's largest shareholder. Richard White, CEO of WiseTech Global, and the driving force behind RealWise Group Holdings, expressed his enthusiasm and confidence in Vinyl's direction and leadership, reinforcing the alignment of our visions for growth and innovation in the music industry. Vinyl Group's share price closed up ~35% More on Vinyl As Australia’s only ASX-listed music company, we stand at the forefront of tech solutions that not only connect but also credit the creator economy. Our diverse portfolio touches every corner of the global music ecosystem, empowering creators and consumers alike. Stockhead covered today's news. #VinylGroup #ASX #MusicIndustry #Investment #StockMarket #RealWiseHoldings #WiseTechGlobal Josh Simons Red Leaf Securities Pty Ltd https://lnkd.in/gyXAgAU6

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$BB1 - Lodge Partners Pty Ltd has initiated research coverage on BlinkLab Limited (ASX:BB1). Lodge have initiated with a valuation of $1.30, multiples higher than the current share price of $0.285. BlinkLab are developing a #smartphone-based application (app) which makes it easier to diagnose #neurodevelopmental conditions such as #Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (#ADHD) in children. ASD is a developmental condition of the brain which affects 1 in 36 children in the USA. Direct and indirect costs of caring for children and adults with ASD in the USA was estimated at US$268bn in 2015. Currently, diagnosis of ASD is often done with a two-part questionnaire which is time consuming, and the first part of the questionnaire has a high number of false positives. BlinkLab’s app simplifies the procedure by generating results in less than 30 minutes. It works by using real-time detection of stimulus-evoked facial expressions while the child is watching a video. The data is captured and analysed for various biomarkers such as eyeblink conditioning and prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. It is intended that the BB1 app will be used to diagnose children ages 18 months to 72 months. To organise a meeting with our CEO and Co-Founder Henk-Jan Boele please reach out to [email protected] Anton Uvarov PhD MBA Brian Leedman Richard Hopkins

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Scaling isn’t just about resources—it’s about networks with “boots on the ground” insight. Startup ecosystems like French Tech Australia (FT AU) connect founders to mentors, resources, and markets, offering local knowledge that is crucial for expansion. These networks lend credibility, open doors, and provide on-the-ground insights to navigate new markets with confidence. From strategic partnerships to market access, ecosystems are invaluable in a startup’s journey from local success to global presence. Tip: Use your ecosystem’s resources proactively—growth is faster with the right boots on the ground. How has your network helped you scale? Share your experiences below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gmuYeYDB #StartupGrowth #ScaleUp #BusinessNetworking #GlobalExpansion #StartupCommunity #EcosystemSupport #InnovationHub #EntrepreneurTips #MentorshipMatters #CrossBorderBusiness Resumption - Sales, Marketing, and Operations Consulting

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I contributed to the outstanding 🚀 Cut Through Quarterly Report Q3 It's an in depth report and a highly encourage all Australian tech Founders and CEO's to read it A few key Insights for Q3 2024 📊 The latest report highlights some major shifts in the Australian startup and M&A ecosystem: • 💡 Total funding dropped to $695M in Q3, but deal volume hit a five-quarter high with a surge in accelerator activity. • 🌱 Seed-stage deals dominated, showing strong early-stage investor sentiment even as larger deals slowed. • 🌍 Investor focus continues to shift towards alternative exits, like secondary sell-downs and private equity buyouts. On page 24 of the report I have provided a less talked about perspective on sub-scale M&A -- While unicorns often steal the spotlight, a crucial driver of the entrepreneurial landscape lies in 6 & 7-figure exits. These deals provide life-changing outcomes for founders and serve as a foundation for long-term ecosystem health. In Australia, only 2% of businesses exceed $10M in revenue, making the sub-scale M&A market both vibrant and undervalued. This is similar to global markets like the US and EMEA. Smaller acquisitions fuel entrepreneurship, offering liquidity and the chance to reinvest in new ventures—proof that the startup engine is powered by more than just billion-dollar valuations. #Entrepreneurship #M&A #Startups #GrowthExits #Flippa #VentureCapital #AustralianStartups Chris Gillings Five V Capital Cut Through Venture

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📣 Another week of stand out capital raises across Aussie & Kiwi VC 📣 #Australia 🇦🇺: Mutinex | Modelling & analytics for marketing mix optimisation | $17.5m AUD deal valuing them at $132.5m | led by Marbruck Investments, supported by EVP and Archangel Ventures | by Matt Farrugia and Henry Innis #NewZealand 🇳🇿: Emerge | Digital-first business current account | $12m NZD Series A | backed by Altered Capital, Icehouse Ventures, K1W1 LIMITED, NZ Fintech Fund, Hard Yaka Ventures, NZVC, AIM - Angel Investors Marlborough and Enterprise Angels | founded by Jamie Jermain and Jovan P. What are your favourite companies that have raised this week? Sources: Startup Daily | New Zealand Herald

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Startup founders and supporters Startup Muster the only comprehensive survey of Australian startups and their supporters. The survey reaches throughout the ecosystem to count every person that contributes to supporting founders and startups 🎉 Calling all diverse founders - we need you and your voices and experiences to be seen and heard 📣 We can’t measure what we can’t see and we can’t change what we don’t know - this survey is so important ✊🏼 Fill in the survey today 📝https://startupmuster.com #startup #diversity #entrepreneur #founder #culturaldiversity String Nguyen Mikaela Jade FTSE Dor Akech Achiek Nirary Dacho 🌏 Usman Iftikhar UNSW Founders UTS Startups

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It was an honor to share insights on our Global Unicorn Investment Strategy on AFR. Since 2018, we've provided Australian investors access to top global tech unicorns like Airbnb, DJI, Klarna, and Stripe. In the AI era, we're observing significant transformations: AI performance is rapidly improving, costs are decreasing, and businesses and users are increasingly embracing AI, signaling a new era of productivity revolution. Since 2022, we've actively engaged in this space, witnessing the growth of companies like Databricks, Rich Data Corp, and OpenAI. Looking forward, we are committed to amplifying our efforts in this domain, eager to explore new applications and drive substantial economic value. #GlobalInvestment #TechUnicorns #AI #ProductivityRevolution

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Truth, right here. I am elated to have just hired See Me Please's first full-time employee. He just retired from a career as a professional athlete. I hired him because he has grit and works hard. He tells me, if given an opportunity, he will eat bricks for lunch. By choice, I'm bootstrapping See Me Please. At least for the first year. I'm of the view that proven demand and growth, based on the exceptional value we deliver to our early partners, is in the best interest of the business's long-term success. It provides choice, flexibility and negotiation leverage when (if) the time comes to explore potential investment partners. Time will tell if See Me Please will move at the velocity I'd like it to. But if it does, I care too much to give my business away. I have my eyes wide open, this approach means working VERY hard to get it out of the gates. There is absolutely nothing wrong with flexible work and work-life balance depending on your priorities. At the same time, there's immense value in hard work. Hard work can give a sense of purpose and direction, helping a team feel like they are contributing meaningfully to something larger than themselves. Richard Joffe you're singing to me. Thanks for sharing Claudia Levi Pat Jensen

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Raising capital this year? 💰 Here’s a simple directory of Australia’s top VC Firms. ____ Raising capital is hard enough as it is. The startup ecosystem in Australasia has BOOMED over the last decade. Yet information still remains fragmented. If you’re looking to raise capital, this one is for you! ⬇ A simple directory. Highlighting the leading venture capital firms in Australia. Featuring investment leaders like: • Airtree • Blackbird • Square Peg • Skalata • Artesian (Alternative Investments) • Carthona Capital • Rampersand • Skip Capital • H2 Ventures • Sapien Ventures • Main Sequence and more… ____ Have we missed anyone? 🔗 Link to the full directory in the comments! #venturecapital #techstartups #austech #nztech ____ I’m Scott Kennedy, from Edition - Design & Technology Studio. We help pre-launch startups and growing tech companies scale. Repost ♻  if someone in your network might benefit!

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I have written about the journey to Vivara in an article on #CaffeineDaily https://lnkd.in/g8GDw_hA

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In the week since we attended the Tech Council of Australia's Nation Summit in Melbourne, the Nabooki team has been reflecting on the panel discussions and topics in relation to our work here. Our 5 biggest take aways that will continue to propel us forward as we enter 2025 include: 🔶 1. We are squarely in the era of 'tech-driven everything' -> The distinction between tech and non tech companies is a thing of the past and, even if we see ourselves as a 'tech' company, we are all really in the 'problem solving' space. 🔶 2. Australia’s digital landscape is changing...and fast -> Ed Husic MP's announcements and commitments to closing tech talent gaps, more support for startups and investing in local tech was music to our ears and we're excited to see what unfolds soon for Aussie tech.   🔶 3. Talent must be a priority if you want to innovate (and you should!) -> Overcoming the hurdle of attracting and retaining skilled/local tech workers will be top of many people's 2025 business goals. Encouraging a more diverse workforce will be how companies remain truly innovative. 🔶 4. Cross-Industry collaboration is vital for the future of Aussie tech -> Between businesses, government, entrepreneurs and tech innovators we all have a key role to play, but playing the game together is the winning strategy. 🔶 5. Simplification will win -> Those who make it easy for customers and users to access and use their services and products is where tech providers will see the most traction. Customers are savvy and we have to create solutions accordingly. We had a great time at the summit and now our work really begins... Thanks again Tech Council of Australia, Damian Kassabgi, Paige Goh, Madeleine Houghton, Scott Farquhar, Theodora Chan Burgess, Jacqui Murkins, Kobe (Johns) Elliott

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Imagine how Conor Colwell’s Liquidstar could benefit Aotearoa NZ or any community seeking resilience through natural disaster. Simple idea: beautiful execution!

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I’m proud to share that Ajust has raised $2 million in a Seed round led by Carthona Capital. But I’m even more proud that Ajust has now supported thousands of consumers to resolve problems with over 750 Australian businesses. Being a consumer is a big part of our everyday lives. From banking to utilities to supermarkets to telco - we rely on businesses to manage our money, to eat, to keep warm and to stay connected to the world. When things go wrong, it isn’t just an inconvenience – it can bring our lives to a standstill and cause lots of stress. With my background in consumer law, friends and family often came to me for help when they had disputes with businesses. Part of me enjoyed the process - going up against insurance companies and huge retailers to get fair outcomes for the people I love. But it always took a lot of time and relied on my knowledge of consumer law. I started Ajust because getting fair resolutions as a consumer shouldn’t require a fight or being able to ask a favour from a friend with legal training. Orchestrated well, AI tools can massively help consumers to resolve issues with businesses. Thousands of consumers have been using Ajust’s AI platform to resolve issues - from getting refunds for faulty products, to fixing broken internet connections, to correcting energy meter readings. This Seed funding will support us to expand our platform to help consumers with even greater range of interactions. Soon, we’ll be more than an express lane for complaints, we’ll become the best option for consumers to contact businesses about all kinds of issues - from pausing a gym membership, to comparing quotes, to changing bookings. To read more about our journey to date and the opportunity we see for consumers to benefit from the AI revolution, here’s the article by Amelia McGuire.

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