Startups are driving innovation across Australia and New Zealand, and the latest funding announcements showcase the diverse and ambitious tech ecosystem powering the region.
Here are the top funding highlights of the week:
Viewa Secures $300,000 Pre-Seed to Bring AR to Mobile Shopping
Melbourne-based startup Viewa has raised $300,000 in a pre-seed round led by Skalata Ventures, aiming to transform mobile shopping with augmented reality (AR). With 80% of Australians now shopping on mobile, Viewa’s technology integrates 3D, AR, and generative AI to make online shopping more immersive—boosting conversion rates by up to 94%.
Matched Closes $500,000 Angel Round from Leading Female Founders
Career development platform Matched, co-founded by Jessica Box and Susan Hion-Jarvis, has raised nearly $500,000 in an angel round backed by notable female founders. The round included investments from Modibodi’s Kristy Chong and Bree Johnson, co-founder of frank body, alongside funding from LaunchVic’s Alice Anderson Fund and angel syndicate FB10x adVentures. Matched aims to connect users with a supportive community of advisors to help achieve career and life goals.
Retail Crime Platform Auror Raises NZ $82M Amid Privacy Scrutiny
New Zealand’s crime reporting platform Auror has raised NZ $82 million (A$74.3 million) in a Series C round, co-led by Woolworths-backed W23 Global, Axon Enterprise, and Reinventure. The funding values the company at over A$500 million.
Other investors include Movac, GD1, and Folklore Ventures. This funding arrives as Australia’s Information Commissioner examines the platform’s privacy practices for use in Australian retail.
Brisbane Students Land $500,000 Shark Tank Deal for Retro Digital Camera
Brisbane university students Kelric Mullen and Mackenzie Salisbury have secured a $500,000 investment for their retro-inspired digital camera, Flashback ONE35, on Channel Ten’s Shark Tank Australia. Their success signals a growing trend toward vintage tech, with the investment valuing their startup at $5 million. Inspired by vinyl’s comeback, the Flashback ONE35 aims to tap into nostalgia for old-school photography with a modern twist.
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