Tom Hamer

Melbourne AI startup set for global expansion after $12.5 million raise

AI search startup Marqo has landed a $12.5 million Series A and is relocating its headquarters to San Francisco, while LaunchVic statistics show Victoria's ecosystem grew in value despite a funding drop.

Aussie AI startup Marqo raises $19.4 million and moves HQ to San Francisco

Australian vector search firm Marqo has banked US$12.5 million in a Series A headed by Lightspeed, with Blackbird, January Capital and an individual backer taking part, and is shifting its base to San Francisco.

Also Startup Daily·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·Startup Daily·Early VC

Investment Notes: Marqo

Blackbird announces it led AI search startup Marqo's seed round, joined by January Capital, The Creator Fund and angel investors, having previously backed the company's pre-seed in May 2022.

Also TechCrunch Australia·Startup Daily·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·Startup Daily·SmartCompany

Eight Aussie startups that raised $149 million this week

Weekly roundup of eight Australian startups together securing $149 million: One Model, SafetyCulture, Hysata, Pendula, Marqo, Medigrowth, Curiious and Zena Sport, spanning HR analytics, safety tech, hydrogen, AI, medicinal cannabis, VR and sportstech.

Also Startup Daily·thebusinesstimes.com.au·Startup Daily·Startup Daily·SmartCompany·SmartCompany·Forbes Australia

Meet Marqo, an open source vector search engine for AI applications

Melbourne vector-search startup Marqo has announced a $4.4 million seed round, with Blackbird Ventures leading and Creator Fund, January Capital and Cohere's co-founders also in; the piece recalls its pre-seed and rivals' raises.

Also Blackbird Ventures portfolio