This week has seen Spotify raise $1 billion in convertible debt financing as it goes head to head with Apple Music and awaits the launch of Soundcloud’s streaming offering, while Chinese eco-sports company LeSports has raised a $1.2 billion Series B round.
It’s been a busy week across the global startup landscape, with a number of companies raising capital. Scottish travel platform SkyScanner has raised $192 million and become one of the latest startups to achieve unicorn status in the process, while Indian car sales platform CarTrade raised $145 million. In acquisitions news, Chinese gaming company Beijing Kunlun Tech acquired a 60 percent stake in Grindr for $93 million. Closer to home, Microsoft acquired tech assets from Brisbane company Event Zero to bolster its Skype for Business offering, while CapitalPitch closed a $600,000 seed round.
Scale ups now have access to new equity capital through the government’s $540 million Business Growth Fund
Antler Sydney just invested more than $2 million in its largest-ever cohort of new startups
Victoria is easing lockdown restrictions – amid hopes to open up more ahead of November 1
Afterpay shares crashed through the $100 barrier after announcing a savings account deal with Westpac
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