Queensland agtech startup SwarmFarm Robotics has secured $30 million in Series B funding to ramp up production of its autonomous SwarmBots and expand into North America. The round was led by European agtech investor Edaphon, with participation from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), QIC and Artesian Capital. The CEFC contributed $7 million through its… Read more »
A $150,000 (US$100,000) increase in H-1B visa fees for US work permits led to panic and confusion among visa holders and applicants over the weekend. The large price tag has also raised serious questions for Australian startups, tech companies, and workers. Here’s what you need to know: Who is affected by the new H-1B visa… Read more »
Australian businesses hiring a director of artificial intelligence can expect to pay around $245,000 in compensation, with junior data support workers seeking salaries of $90,000, according to a new tech sector salary guide. However, some non-technical roles can attract salaries in excess of $370,000, showing AI is yet to fully replace the old-fashioned sales executive.… Read more »
Equity Clear, the data transparency initiative created by Scale Investors, Giant Leap and Alberts, has secured sponsorship from Investment NSW to develop a national standard for investor diversity reporting. Equity Clear has also partnered with the UNSW Centre for Social Impact to add rigour to the process, and appointed founder and gender equity advocate Noga… Read more »
The start of spring appears to be a fruitful time for startup funding, with 19 blossoming Australian and New Zealand startups sharing in new funding deals this week. Keep reading to learn more about Andromeda, Starboard Maritime Intelligence, Freckle, Marloo, X-Hemp, Harvest B, Wable and Techstars’ latest cohort. Andromeda Robotics: $23 million Robotics startup Andromeda… Read more »
Welcome to our new weekly round-up of Australian startup raises, in a collaboration between Startup Daily and our sister publication, SmartCompany. The last week of August features 5 startups spanning vaccine delivery, logistics and cross-border payments, which collectively raised $95.45 million. (A shoutout to our cousins across The Ditch too, where the former Kiwi TikTok… Read more »
The NSW government has overhauled its MVP Ventures Program, introducing a competitive selection process. It is also launching a targeted funding stream for underrepresented founders, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, and regional entrepreneurs. The update follows weeks of uncertainty around the 2025–26 grant round, which was originally scheduled to open on July 1.… Read more »
The annual Smart50 awards for fast-growing Australian businesses are back for 2025 with entries now open and even more award categories up for grabs. You have until September 12 to enter the Smart50 Awards, with this year’s program culminating in a special dinner event in Melbourne on November 13. The Smart50 awards, now in their… Read more »
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