The Aussie tech scene has been on fire the last few months, but the month of May was truly something special. With everything that happened this month, Australia is establishing itself as a major player in the global tech game. And as we break into the international scene, growth prospects continue to rise!
Just take a look at Neara, Aussie’s very own utility SaaS platform. They raised $20 million in their Series B round just a few short months after their Series A round last year! They already have a strong presence in the US, and this funding round just skyrockets growth prospects.
“The SaaS platform will use the cash to expand its global footprint, especially in the US, and broaden its platform functionality, including to new industries. The company plans to double its US staff in the next six months.”
And speaking about Aussie’s international presence, Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes was listed in Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in 2022 for his green efforts alongside titans like Tim Cook and Oprah Winfrey.
“(Mike Cannon-Brookes) is one of the visionaries and major backers (along with his fellow Australian green-business champion, Andrew Forrest) behind a groundbreaking project that will allow Australia to not only harness its potential for solar power, but also export it.”
But that wasn’t the only international recognition to come out of Aussie this month. Sydney-based tech giant Canva breaks into the Top 5 in CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list for the best companies changing the world. For an Aussie company to break into the Top 5 of a US-dominated list is a huge achievement, and they’re just getting started.
“We’ve got a crazy big goal to empower the whole world to design, and to do the most good we can while we’re at it. We’re truly only 1% of the way there!”
And it’s not just awards and recognition that Aussie startups receive, they’re securing international funding as well! Just take a look at online used car platform Carma, who just raised $75 million from US venture capital giant General Catalyst Partners.
“This investment will allow us to accelerate our expansion interstate and continue to develop our platform, transforming the way Australians buy cars. To know that some of the most high-profile international investors with experience in this space have identified Carma as the player to back in Australia is incredibly gratifying.”
With all the growth coming out of the scene and its contribution to the economy, it’s no surprise that the government supports tech initiatives. In fact, the NSW government just opened applications for its $8 million Tech Central research infrastructure fund.
“This is about delivering innovation, R&D and industry talent that will support the translation of world-class research into commercial outcomes, new technologies, services and globally competitive cutting-edge industries.”
And if all the above headlines and stories aren’t enough to convince you of Aussie’s growth potential, let’s take a look at its plans for the future. Tesla Chair and Australian business executive Robyn Denholm recently said “Our focus will be on policies and actions that will support growth and local and global investment in the Australian tech sector”.
This just goes to show that despite the astronomical growth we’re facing, Aussie’s tech executives are always hungry for more. And if that’s the case, we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
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