From property intelligence to hospital automation and smart farming, startups across Australasia raised serious capital this week. Here’s the quick hit.
Proptech FoundIt closes $2M pre-sed
Property technology startup FoundIt has completed a $2 million pre-seed funding round aimed at delivering enhanced market intelligence to property purchasers.
The investment round attracted backing from several prominent real estate industry figures, including Realbase co-founders Frank and Jacques Greeff, Realtair’s Peter Matthews, and Propps founder Daniel Bignold.
Founded by former Domain executive Angus Ferguson and ex-Frazis Capital fund manager Joel Tomaino, FoundIt leverages data analytics, technology platforms, and Australia’s leading buyers’ advocates to streamline the property acquisition process by up to 50% while providing purchasers with enhanced market advantages.
Healthcare AI Startup NexusMD secures $6.3M sed investment
Medical technology company NexusMD has completed a $6.3 million seed funding round led by Square Peg, focused on deploying AI automation solutions for hospital administrative workflows.
The startup creates specialized artificial intelligence agents designed to integrate seamlessly with existing hospital infrastructure, enabling medical professionals including doctors and nurses to reduce administrative burden and redirect focus toward patient treatment.
NexusMD’s platform has been operational across three Victorian emergency departments since 2024, with Peninsula Private Hospital in Frankston reporting 30% enhanced consultation productivity following implementation.
New Zealand Agtech Halter achieves unicorn status with $155M Series D
Agricultural technology company Halter has reached unicorn valuation of A$1.55 billion (US$1bn) following its $155 million Series D funding round.
The investment was spearheaded by Mary Meeker’s Bond Capital, supported by NewView Capital and existing backers including Bessemer Venture Partners, DCVC, Blackbird, New Zealand’s Icehouse Ventures, and Promus Ventures.
Bond Capital’s investment portfolio includes major technology companies such as Airbnb, Canva, Docusign, DoorDash, Facebook, Spotify, Square, Stripe, and Uber.
Halter’s previous funding milestones include an A$79.5 million (NZ$85m) Series C in 2023 and A$29 million (NZ$32m) Series B in 2021.
MTPConnect distributes $12M across 14 medical device and drug startups
Medical research investor and accelerator MTPConnect has allocated $12.07 million in combined funding to 14 Australian life sciences companies developing innovative medical devices and pharmaceutical solutions.
The investment originates from MTPConnect’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) Drugs and Devices initiative, supported by the federal government’s $24 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
The funded projects address various health challenges ranging from cardiovascular conditions to diabetes complications, targeting improved outcomes for patients, caregivers, families, and broader communities.
MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam highlighted that the non-dilutive funding structure supports breakthrough innovations addressing major chronic health conditions.
NSW government allocates narly $80M for technology sector development
The upcoming NSW budget announcement includes approximately $80 million in new technology sector investment, responding to recommendations from the recently published Innovation Blueprint.
This represents the first substantial technology and startup sector commitment from treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s third Labor budget under the Minns administration.
The allocation appears modest compared to other state initiatives: South Australia’s recent budget featured a $50 million government-supported venture capital fund, $28 million for artificial intelligence programs, and $5 million annually for a Research and Innovation Fund. Western Australia’s budget allocated $40 million for its New Industries and Innovation Fund.
Notably, NSW contributes 30.7% of Australia’s GDP compared to South Australia’s 5.6%, suggesting proportionally different investment approaches across state governments.
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