Life sciences and deep tech VC Stoic Venture Capital has promoted Harikesh Pushpapathan to partner at the fund. Pushpapathan joined Stoic in early 2022 as an investment analyst, becoming an investment manager 12 months later. He graduated from University of Sydney with degrees in psychology, neuroscience and finance, and now sits on the Uniseeed biotech… Read more »
Regional NSW startup Cauldron has raised in $9.5 million (US$6.25m) in Series A for its fermentation technology, which hopes to transform how new foods and fibres are developed. The round was led by existing US investor Horizons Ventures, supported by CSIRO-backed Main Sequence, which also backed last year’s Seed round, as well as new supporters… Read more »
Synthetic biology – referred to as “synbio” by insiders – could develop industry worth billions of dollars, creating thousands more jobs that previously expected according to a new report by national science agency, CSIRO, and its venture capital fund, Main Sequence. The Synthetic Biology National Progress Report, released this week, is an update to the 2021… Read more »
New Zealand wine analysis startup Marama Labs has raised €1.75m (A$2.85m) in Seed funding to expand its global footprint. The round was led by European agritech VC The Yield Lab, supported by New Zealand Growth Capital Partners, Icehouse Ventures, Quidnet Ventures, DeepIE, Radar Ventures, NZVC, and Kiwi angel groups, plus high-net-worth’s from Ireland and Germany.… Read more »
Science agency CSIRO has announced the 12 planned deep-tech startups selected for its ON Accelerate program in 2024. The ideas span everything from global health challenges to sustainability through circularity, and advanced manufacturing. The ON program gives university researchers access to a network of industry experts and investors, to help them refine and validate their… Read more »
A deep tech startup cofounded by three globally recognised atomic physicists at Australian National University has raised $12 million to develop miniaturised quantum sensors for mining, underground resources and navigation. The round was led by existing investor Blackbird with support from Right Click Capital. A previous Seed round raised $2 million, with ANU also on… Read more »
Deep tech incubator Cicada Innovations has chosen its first cohort of startup founders showcasing world-changing innovations at the annual deep technology conference Cicada x Tech23. Cicada became custodians of Tech23 last year, reviving Australia’s longest-running deep tech event to support Australian deep tech innovators The 23 ventures were chosen from more than 130 applications nationally… Read more »
When it comes to the size of the problem deep tech startup MRead is solving, detecting and dealing with the global humanitarian crisis caused by landmines is both larger and more horrifying than any market you’d want to address. Today, April 4, is the United Nations International Day for Mine Awareness and MRead is the… Read more »
Last week, I explained why, in my first few weeks working in deep-tech VC, I decided to scan the Australian AI ecosystem and talk to more than 50 founders building inspiring and impactful companies in the AI space. If you have not done so, have a read here. In today’s instalment, I will run through… Read more »
Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) is holding its third annual Investor Showcase on March 21, 2023, at the CBRIN premises in Canberra. It will feature some of the most promising local and regional startups seeking seed and series A funding, including several with patents/deep technology advantages. The showcase is designed for venture investors to meet and… Read more »
At Main Sequence, we back early-stage founders who are creating the future with cutting-edge science & frontier technologies. But beyond having a focus on deep tech, there are a range of capabilities that set us apart when compared to generalist investors. Here are a few unique things that deep tech investors can bring to the… Read more »
Cicada Innovations and deep tech festival Tech23 are on the hunt for 23 game-changing startups to pitch their ideas to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Cicada took charge of Tech23 earlier this year, seeing the shared vision of championing and celebrating Australia’s young deep tech companies. Cicada x Tech23 will connect 23 innovators… Read more »
Seaweed-based plastics replacement startup ULUU has raised $8 million in a Seed round that’s attracted and all-star cast of investors from music, restaurants and modelling. The round was led by existing backer, Main Sequence Ventures, supported by Alberts Impact Ventures, Mistletoe and Possible Ventures. The Western Australian venture, is creating compostable polymers known as PHAs… Read more »
Recycling startup Samsara Eco has raised $54 million in a Series A round as it looks to reduce plastic pollution. Existing backers, including CSIRO’s deep tech fund Main Sequence, Woolworths Group’s W23 and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Innovation Fund were joined. by new investors Breakthrough Victoria, Singapore’s Temasek, Assembly Climate Capital, DCVC and INP Capital… Read more »
Amazon, Apple, and Google may have all started out of a garage, feeding the myth that all you need to start a successful tech company is a desk and a Wi-Fi connection. But it’s not as simple as this for deep technology companies. These companies produce IP-intensive, science-based innovations as they seek to solve some… Read more »
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Here are the finalists in Fintech Australia’s 2024 Finnies awards 
Atlassian cofounder Scott Farquhar steps down as co-CEO 
Unicorn dehorned: Nasdaq-listed Brisbane EV charging venture Tritium collapses into receivership 
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