From AI-enabled eCommerce to workplace wellness, marketing automation, and Asia-Pacific growth lending, indigenous startups are acquiring huge deals and enormous cheques.
Here’s this week’s fundraising announcements:
Zyft secures $7.5M to reshape AI-driven retail in Australia
Australian AI startup Zyft has raised $7.5 million in private funding, boosting its valuation to $37.5 million. Led by PSC Insurance founder Paul Dwyer, the round will help Zyft enhance its core product, an AI-powered price comparison platform, and expand its reach across the Australian retail landscape.
The funds will go toward improving AI capabilities, growing the user base, and rolling out new monetisation strategies. Zyft is part of the Waller Group, which also includes successful ventures like Point Hacks and CareAbout.
Antler backs eight AI-focused Aussie startups in latest funding cohort
Global VC firm Antler has announced funding for eight emerging Australian startups, with a strong tilt toward artificial intelligence. These startups span sectors including fintech, healthcare, robotics, insurance, and digital security. The cohort is part of Antler’s Agreement of Rolling Capital, which offers long-term investment and early-stage support. Startups include:
- AdviseWell, an AI-driven financial advice tool
- Auric, a scent-personalisation wellness device
- Imitation Machines, offering imitation learning for robotics
- Lodgicl, digitising home insurance claims
- PaperLab, using AI to summarise academic content
- Prefactor, simplifying access control for developers
- RoundTable, creating interactive monetised events for creators
The move signals Antler’s continued confidence in Australian innovation, particularly in the AI space.
BlinkLab raises $7.66M
Digital health company BlinkLab has raised $7.66 million through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. The funding will fast-track regulatory trials for its AI-powered diagnostic platforms, BlinkLab Dx 1 for autism and a new tool, Dx 2, targeting ADHD. Proceeds will also support European approval processes, patent expansion, and general operations as the company looks to scale its impact globally.
Young founders of Fluency secure $1.5M in pre-Seed round
Melbourne-based Fluency, a developer-first platform founded by two self-taught 24-year-olds, has raised $1.5 million in a pre-Seed round. Backers include Bradley Tabone from HammerTech, Archangel Ventures, and Singapore’s 1MX.ai and Orvel Ventures. The startup gained traction through Swinburne’s Innovation Studio, where it won both Best Pitch and People’s Choice awards. With this early funding, the team is set to accelerate development and grow their presence in the tech ecosystem.
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