Craig Burton

Verona Capital buys control of Dredge Robotics in 3.4x exit for Acorn

Perth family office Verona Capital has bought majority control of mining-robotics maker Dredge Robotics, giving early investor Acorn Capital a 3.4x return, while the founders retain significant stakes and stay in charge.

Six Aussie startups that raised $197.4 million this week

Roundup of six Australian funding deals: AutoGrab, Applied EV, Checkbox, Hometime, Factory and On the House, with amounts, investors, and Hometime's past acquisitions and raise history detailed.

Also Startup Daily

Airbnb property management platform moves in on $19 million debt and equity deal

Sydney short-stay property manager Hometime has secured $19 million in fresh equity and debt, led by Verona Capital with Commonwealth Bank refinancing; the piece also recounts earlier raises and three rival acquisitions.

Also SmartCompany·Startup Daily

Airbnb management platform banks another $10 million for acquisition ambitions

Hometime, a Sydney platform managing Airbnb properties, has banked $10m from Fifth Estate Asset Management to fund acquisitions, adding two directors; earlier raises and rival takeovers are also recalled.

Also Startup Daily·Startup Daily·SmartCompany·Startup Daily

Seven ANZ startups that raised $27.4 million this week

Weekly roundup of seven trans-Tasman raises totalling $27.4 million, headlined by Xefco's $10.5 million round, plus Hometime board appointments and Matrak's China expansion.

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

Alternative liquidity investor SecondQuarter raises $83 million for 2nd fund backed by Andrew Forrest, Sam Kroonenburg & Dom Pym

Secondaries fund SecondQuarter has reached an $83m first close on its second vehicle, aiming past $100m, with founder-angels and Minderoo among new backers; its portfolio includes past sales of ActivePipe and A Cloud Guru.

Also Techboard