Business

Fintech Send Payments raises $5 million as cofounder makes way for industry veteran Matt Barr as CEO

- August 25, 2025 2 MIN READ

Cross-border payments fintech Send Payments, has raised $5 million as cofounder Paul Billing steps down as CEO. Existing backers Regal Funds Management and Kelly+Partners Investment Office once again invested with iPartners joining the cap table.  The new funding is for continued development of the platform and its ability to turn cross-border payments into new revenue streams… Read more »

Parent, baby
Business

The office v work from home – the impacts and what’s best for your wellbeing

- August 25, 2025 4 MIN READ

So your boss wants you in the office more? If this makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Return-to-work tensions aren’t simply resistance to change. They reflect deeper questions about how different people work best and what modern organisations actually need to succeed. After COVID, return-to-office rates stabilised by around June 2023, without much movement since.… Read more »

AI/Machine Learning

Former Kiwi TikTok boss gives PowerPoint an AI makeover with NZ$3.8 million Seed round

- August 22, 2025 2 MIN READ

Aether, a Kiwi AI startup turning marketing presentations into a live documents, has raised NZ$3.8 million (A$3.4m) in Seed funding. The AI-powered SaaS platform, cofounded by former TikTok NZ country manager Carsten Grueber, has emerged from stealth mode with backing from Icehouse Ventures, and support from Brand Fund 2. The startup has emerged out of New+Improved,… Read more »

money plant grow
Business

Catalysing capital: a new playbook argues for rewriting climate tech investment

- August 21, 2025 3 MIN READ

Australia is at a critical juncture. The global transition to a net-zero economy is no longer speculative, it’s underway and accelerating. The nation has everything it needs to lead: world-class research, abundant natural resources, and strong research institutions, but Charlotte Connell, head of impact at Greenhouse, said the issue is how funding is being deployed… Read more »

Business

NSW revamps the MVP grants program with tighter rules and competitive selections

- August 21, 2025 2 MIN READ

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 »

AI/Machine Learning

Moving from hype to action: former Microsoft exec launches AI training edtech

- August 21, 2025 2 MIN READ

Former Microsoft content safety director and journalist Shaun Davies has turned entrepreneur, launching The AI Training Company, in a bid to close the gap between AI intention and workplace execution. Davies said that while executives may be enthusiastic about the transformational prospects of AI, there’s a a lack of practical skills and clear governance that’s… Read more »

Business

Why Australia’s consumer economy is the billion‑dollar opportunity you can’t ignore

- August 20, 2025 4 MIN READ

Australia’s consumer economy is booming but investors are still looking the other way. While capital chases SaaS and tech, a new generation of brand-led, margin-rich, culturally relevant businesses are scaling fast with billions flowing through beauty, wellness, fashion, food, and lifestyle. This is not speculation. It’s already happening. From blockbuster exits like Zimmermann and MCo… Read more »

AI/Machine Learning

A new study reveals around a quarter of workers are using ‘shadow AI’ without their boss knowing

- August 20, 2025 3 MIN READ

Australian workers are secretly using generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools – without knowledge or approval from their boss, a new report shows. The “Our Gen AI Transition: Implications for Work and Skills” report from the federal government’s Jobs and Skills Australia points to several studies, showing between 21% to 27% of workers (particularly in… Read more »

Kogan.com
ASX

Kogan.com dumps $46.3 million in goodwill from its 2020 Mighty Ape acquisition

- August 20, 2025 < 1 MIN READ

ASX-listed Kogan.com has written off $46.3 million in goodwill from its $122 million acquisition of Kiwi online retailer Mighty Ape nearly five years ago. The announcement of the non-cash impairment comes ahead of next Monday’s FY25 results release. The value of goodwill associated with the acquisition was $46.3 million in June 2024. Mighty Ape’s focus… Read more »

Business

Airtree-backed Pet Circle’s cofounder resigns as CEO

- August 20, 2025 < 1 MIN READ

Pet Circle cofounder Mike Frizell is stepping down as CEO after 15 years of leading the business and will replace Airtree’s Craig Blair as the company’s chair. Former Woolies ecommerce exec Alistair Venn, who joined the business as chief operating officer five months ago, will step into the CEO role Frizell cofounded Pet Circle in… Read more »

Accelerator

Fishburners has a total revamp to focus on stronger founder connections

- August 19, 2025 4 MIN READ

Original startup community hub Fishburners is revamping how it supports founders as it moves out of the Sydney Startup Hub, announcing new locations, plus several new products and programs to improve access to networking and connections. CEO Majella Campbell said the new Fishburners model comprises four key products, designed to bring founders together in specialised… Read more »

Business

Entries for the Smart50 Awards for SMEs are now open

- August 19, 2025 < 1 MIN READ

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 »