Alex Waislitz

Four Aussie startups that raised $2.86 billion this week (sort of)

Roundup of four Australian raises: Firmus Technologies' US$2 billion round at a $15 billion valuation, Eudaemon's $3.75 million, Zabidou's $3.5 million seed round, and Rampart's $2.3 million.

Also This Week in Australian Startups

AI data centre startup Firmus just raised another $2.85 billion at a whopping $15B valuation

Firmus has secured a further US$2bn at a $15bn valuation from Coatue, Nvidia, Blackstone and Jane Street, taking its 12-month capital intake past US$3bn to fund Australian AI data centre projects.

Also SmartCompany·SmartCompany·AFR Technology·Business News Australia·This Week in Australian Startups·AFR Technology·SmartCompany·Startup Daily·Forbes Australia

AI data centre startup Firmus Technologies banks another $100 million

Firmus Technologies received a $100 million strategic investment from Maas Group Holdings, taking total funds raised past $900 million in under five months.

AI data centre startup Firmus Technologies banks another $100 million

Firmus, an AI data centre builder, has received a further $100 million from Maas Group, lifting its five-month total past $900 million; Maas also sold its construction-materials arm for $1.7 billion.

Metigy founder pleads guilty to misleading investors as ASIC case progresses

Metigy co-founder David Fairfull has admitted in court to deceiving investors and misusing his director role, after the marketing software startup's raises were built on fabricated figures before its 2022 collapse.

Metigy founder David Faithful pleads guilty to misleading investors and dishonesty over his AI adtech startup

The co-founder and ex-CEO of collapsed marketing software firm Metigy has admitted to deceiving investors and misusing his director role in a corporate regulator prosecution.

Also SmartCompany

Southern Cross chair says ‘strong support’ for Seven deal amid fallout

Southern Cross Media's chairman defends its proposed all-scrip merger with Seven West Media, saying major shareholders back it, while Sandon Capital's Radzyminski moves to block the share issue and rivals circle.

Cheque-in: 5 Australian startups banked $340.2 million this week

Funding roundup covering five raises totalling $340.2 million: Firmus's Nvidia-backed round, plus H3D, Puralink, Escape This and Isaacus, across AI infrastructure, health tech, robotics, entertainment and legal AI.

Also SmartCompany

Roxy Jacenko's husband now has a unicorn data centre startup after Nvidia backs its $330 million raise

Australian-founded data centre firm Firmus, based in Singapore, has raised $330 million with Nvidia backing and Ellerston Capital leading, reaching a $1.85 billion valuation and unicorn status ahead of a planned 2026 ASX listing.

Also Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·SmartCompany·SmartCompany

Fintech Superhero's valuation jumps nearly 20% in 3 months after $11 million raise

Share trading and super platform Superhero has raised $11 million from existing backers, lifting its post-money value to $150 million, with plans to build tools that give investment advice.

Also SmartCompany

Investor Alex Waislitz comes to Dubber's rescue with $5 million loan as hunt for missing millions continues

ASX-listed Dubber takes a $5 million bridging loan from Alex Waislitz's Thorney vehicle Tiga Trading after $26.6 million went missing, while an equity raise is planned and ASIC investigates.

Also Startup Daily

The ten richest women in Australia, according to the AFR

Profiles Australia's ten wealthiest women from the AFR's new list, alongside Canva's in-progress share sale, a large gift to a global gender-fund vehicle, and one backer's earlier healthtech round.

Also quadrantpe.com.au·Forbes Australia

ASX-listed Earlypay to acquire Melbourne fintech Timelio for $3 million – a quarter of the $12.5m investors poured into it

Earlypay, an ASX-listed lender, is buying Timelio, a Melbourne invoice and trade finance provider, for $3 million — a fraction of what its shareholders previously invested.

Legal disputes startup Immediation placed in voluntary administration after raising $19 million in six years

Dispute resolution tech company Immediation entered voluntary administration, with FTI Consulting appointed and seeking recapitalisation or asset sale bids; the article recounts its funding history and leadership turmoil.

Six Aussie startups that raised $45.1 million this week

Weekly roundup of six Australian startups raising a combined $45.1 million across energy, e-commerce, design software, cloud security, climate tech and insurtech, plus Awayco's acquisition of Barcode Solutions and nVest winning SmartCompany's Pitch.

Also SmartCompany·LaunchVic

Alex Waislitz’s Thorney Investment Group leads $11 million raise for ecommerce site

Alex Waislitz's Thorney vehicle steered an $11 million round into Awayco, which also bought Sydney point-of-sale firm Barcode Solutions; its chief Shanti Kumar now heads POSConnex, while founder Gideon Gut-Silverman keeps directing growth.

Also SmartCompany

Seven backs real estate media baron Antony Catalano in $100 million proptech play

Seven West Media's venture arm joins Antony Catalano and Alex Waislitz in backing their proptech consortium View Media Group, with cash, capital and media services pushing the package past $100 million; the piece also recalls earlier property media deals.

Shearwater's investment in Buildxact - Shearwater Capital

Buildxact has completed an oversubscribed $18.5 million Series A, with Shearwater Capital among the backers and Regal Funds Management leading; several other investors also joined.

Also buildxact.com·iTnews·Startup Daily·Startup Daily

Construction tech startup Buildxact nails $18.5 million Series A