We’ve all had some kind of interaction with a chatbot. It’s usually a little pop-up in the corner of a website, offering customer support – often clunky to navigate – and almost always frustratingly non-specific. But imagine a chatbot, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), that can not only expertly answer your questions, but also write… Read more »
Queensland biotechnology scale-up Microbio has raised $3.5 million as it looks to roll out its rapid bloodstream infection tests across international markets. Microbio CEO Paul Carboon said existing and new investors, including eminent scientist and Gardasil co-inventor Professor Ian Frazer, had shown strong support for the biotech as it gains regulatory approval in multiple countries… Read more »
After a severe electrical storm damaged an ATSpace rocket on the launch pad in November, the company has announced that repairs have been completed and they will attempt another launch in the coming weeks, followed by another already planned launch of a second rocket. ATSpace CEO Dr Yen Sen Chen said they were pleased to… Read more »
A regional NSW startup that’s extending the range of wi-fi on farms has raised $12 million in a Series A. Telstra, and GrainCorp through is recently launched $30 million GrainCorp Ventures fund, led the round in Wagga Wagga-based Zetifi, with support from existing investors including Cultiv8 Funds Management, the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) GrainInnovate fund, and Artesian. The fresh… Read more »
Four years of misleading users about cancellation fees if they book a taxi via Uber’s app has cost the ridesharing company A$21 million. That’s roughly Uber’s commission on 3 million $20 rides. The Federal Court ordered Uber to pay the $21 million penalty after the US tech giant admitted it had engaged in misleading or… Read more »
At Startup Daily’s recent 2023 Tech Playbook From Idea to Unicorn event, our expert panel discussed the state of capital from pre-seed to IPOs. There’s no denying that 2022 has been challenging for startups, but there are some silver linings to be found in some areas. Overall, there’s been a steep drop in venture funding… Read more »
Sydney-based real asset modelling software starup Trendspek, has raised $6.3 million in a Series A. Real estate technology VC Taronga Ventures led raise as a new investor, supported by insurer IAG’s VC arm, Firemark Ventures. The cash is earmarked to grow the team to accelerate product development, expand the existing global reach, and offer a… Read more »
Fred Schebesta, the cofounder of comparison website Finder, and one of the country’s leading cryptocurrency advocates, is stepping down from his role as co-CEO and will no longer be the company’s colourful public face. SmartCompany’s Tegan Jones reports that Schebesta will leave his cofounder Frank Restuccia to run the global business on his own, as… Read more »
Atto, the Melbourne accelerator that helps female founders launch tech companies, has had another busy year assisting more than 115 women build tech-enabled businesses. You can read about Atto’s year in review here. But to round out the year, after its latest cohort of 10 startups emerged from the program, founder Kate Kendell and her… Read more »
Digital consulting startup FORMM has raised $600,000 in pre-seed funding to help mid-sized companies ramp up their digital capabilities. Digital strategist and former Accenture and EY Digital veteran Robert Kinkade cofounded FORMM (originally Chasm Digital) with serial entrepreneur and product engineer, Chris Clark, to help businesses “shape their digital future” and build new ventures, transform… Read more »
A startup spun out of Melbourne University to help companies improve their processes has raised US$10.3 million (A$15.8m) in a Series B. Apromore enables business teams to quickly visualise and analyse their processes to unlock value or identify strategies for transformation or optimisation. The raise was backed by Salesforce and German software vendor GBTEC, which also… Read more »
The Commonwealth Bank has launched its third technology hub around Australia this year, teaming up with Queensland educators to set up shop in Brisbane’s CBD. CBA has partnered with The University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and TAFE Queensland, to offer students and graduates the chance to join CBA’s Tech Associates and… Read more »
Local VC Square Peg Capital has grabbed an additional slice of US-based Rokt in a secondary market transaction that sees employees and current investors once again sell down their stake in the ecommerce marketing platform. It’s the sixth time Square Peg has invested in Rokt over its 10 year history, with the VC holding around… Read more »
A Melbourne startup hoping to improve the customer experience for people dealing with contact centres has raised $5 million US VC firm Bonfire Ventures led the round into Operative Intelligence, with additional funds from Wonder Ventures. The funds will be used to expand staffing and scale its customer intelligence product capabilities. The company, founded in… Read more »
Queensland cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx has shed another 90 jobs in the wake of the FTX implosion. The business, laid off around 36% of its remaining workforce of 250 people, having cut 74 roles less than four months ago, when the headcount sat at 320. The business announced a merger with investment platform Superhero in June… Read more »
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