Startups
Risk-taking is core to the world of startups and those who invest in them. So there are always going to be issues when governments get involved, especially when they're investing directly.
Australia's deep tech startups have the potential to become global leaders — if they can get adequate funding and support to commercialise their innovations.
The chief executive of Australia's largest innovation and scaleup hub has expressed confidence in its long term viability despite deepening losses.
Australian universities routinely demand around 30% of any company founded based on research conducted on campus. That will need to change if the country's new economy is to reach its potential.
The Albanese government has renewed its call on companies not to undermine the 'stapling' of employees to a single super fund when onboarding new staff.
Smaller startup investors say super funds' support for a limited number of Australian firms risks creating a "VC oligopoly".
A feud between Hostplus and Sydney startup Employment Hero displays the growing power of Australia's mega super funds.
“If you're going to invest in startups, you've got to accept that they're going to do disruptive things" Employment Hero founder Ben Thompson said of Hostplus, one of the country's biggest VC LPs.
The Canva IPO will release a lot of liquidity into the market, but it's also likely to release a lot of experienced founders into the ecosystem's talent pool. The Valley had the 'Paypal Mafia' — could Australia have the 'Canva Cartel'?
Canva's secondary sale and eventual IPO will enrich its early backers, and likely usher in a new generation of Australian founders. The liquidity event may well have a cascading effect on the country's entire startup ecosystem.
While state governments are coming to the party to support innovation, there is a cost. The fragmentation of our startup ecosystem is escalating as we build silos around an already fragile epicentre.
The comments come as the Prime Minister announced a suite of policies including a $2 billion finance facility, visa reforms and startup landing pads in key regional cities.
Large secondaries by Australian startups like Canva have raised awareness of employee stock option plans. But experts are warning founders that poorly designed schemes can make life difficult for their startups.
Hostplus helped grow the Australian VC sector to what it is today. So it was surprising to see Employment Hero, one of the country's most hyped startups, hit out at the super fund.
Afterpay, one of Australia’s most recognisable startups, made history when it sold for $39 billion. Two years later and amid major upheaval at parent Block, insiders say its future is in doubt.
Submissions to the government's review of managed investment schemes, which could affect 'sophisticated investor' qualifications, have been made public. The startup sector is not holding back.
Canva is known as a great place to work, but some are now wondering whether its culture is, in a way, too upbeat.
Two Australian tech companies, and two wildly different stories, have lessons for us all. Including for Capital Brief.
Canva prides itself on its culture. But the shock departure of its CFO this week raises questions about the way it has communicated to investors and staff at a critical juncture.
