Baillie Gifford

🇦🇺 This Week in Australian Startups #179, 26th September 2026

Weekly roundup recording a dozen raises and acquisitions, Firmus's scheduled float, a new $50m venture fund, a founder share sale, grant winners, an accelerator intake, and an AI agent's government breach.

Also Dynamic Business·DealStreetAsia·This Week in Australian Startups·Dealroom·ABC News Technology

Airwallex worth $16 billion after $460 million Series H

Airwallex has closed a Series H valuing it at $16 billion, with Addition in the lead and eight other backers named; the piece also recalls its December Series G.

Also Startup Daily·Cut Through Venture

Beewise, Inc. Secures $50 Million in Series D Funding to Advance Bee Conservation Technology

Labor bets big on quantum with $1 billion deal for PsiQuantum and multimillion-dollar Sydney Uni hub

The Australian federal and Queensland governments are investing $940m in PsiQuantum, which will open a Brisbane regional headquarters; $18.4m will fund a national quantum centre at the University of Sydney.

Also Dealroom·Forbes Australia·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·Forbes Australia

Pet Circle raises $125m to become Australia's latest unicorn

Sydney pet-care platform Pet Circle has raised $125 million in a Series C round backed by Prysm Capital, TDM Growth Partners, Baillie Gifford and AirTree Ventures, reaching unicorn status.

Also SmartCompany·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·Startup Daily·Business News Australia·petnews.com.au·Forbes Australia·Forbes Australia