This episode of The Growth Cartel Weekly update delves into and discusses various topics related to startups and tech ecosystems. They cover Paul Bassat's new platform Amplify, AustralianSuper's write-off of $1.1 billion in Pluralsight, the importance of reporting startup deals in the fintech sector, the passing of Fat Man Scoop, and funding announcements for InformAg, Spoony, WhyHive, Shift, Cropify, and Seedlab Australia.

Key Takeaways

• Paul Bassat has launched Amplify, a platform to improve trust in democracy and facilitate conversations online.
• AustralianSuper has written off $1.1 billion in Pluralsight, highlighting the challenges in the online training market.
• TechBoard reports that over 50% of startup deals in the fintech sector in 2023 were not publicly reported.
• Fat Man Scoop, an iconic figure in the music industry, passed away at 53.
• InformAg has raised $7 million in a Series A round for its ag-tech startup.
• Spoony has raised a pre-seed round for its community platform for neurodiverse, chronically ill, and disabled individuals.
• Why-Hive has raised $600K in a pre-seed round for its data analysis tool.
• Shift has secured $35 million in a Series D round for its business lending fintech.
• Cropify has raised $2 million in seed funding for its precision grading technology powered by AI.
• Seedlab Australia has received an additional $7 million investment from Woolworths for its accelerator program.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

This episode of The Growth Cartel Weekly update delves into various topics, including Uber shutting down its car share business, AirWallix heading to IPO, Bike Matrix raising funding for bicycle parts compatibility system, the WA government investing in VC funds, MetaCosmos developing advanced spacesuit design, and loveheart.ai automating childcare and early education.

Key Takeaways

• Uber has decided to shut down its car share business and focus on Uber Rent, which is a disappointment for former car share alumni.

• WA government invests in private VC funds to develop the VC industry and support innovation in various sectors.

• MetaCosmos is developing advanced spacesuit designs for both extraterrestrial and extreme terrestrial environments.

• loveheart.ai is an automation toolset for childcare and early education that can help improve staff retention and enhance children's learning experiences.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this conversation, Rhys, Vini, Deepak and Brandon are face to face to discuss the origins and purpose of the podcast, The Growth Cartel, and the importance of community and networking in business. They also explore the significance of having a people-first mindset when starting a business and the value of adaptable and non-conformist team members. The conversation touches on frameworks for scaling businesses and the hindrances that can impede growth. Overall, the hosts emphasise the power of collaboration, shared experiences, and learning from others in the entrepreneurial journey. The conversation covers several key themes, including the importance of family, financial health, feedback, and the sales funnel. The speakers emphasise the need for transparency, accountability, and the ability to take on feedback. They also discuss the state of the funding market and the challenges founders face in raising capital. The conversation concludes with a reminder to chase your dreams and the importance of community and connections.

Takeaways

• Community and networking are not just buzzwords; they are the lifelines for entrepreneurs. They provide a platform to connect, learn, and find support, making you feel part of a larger, supportive network.
• Having a people-first mindset is not just a strategy; it's a philosophy. It's crucial when starting a business, as it reinforces that investing in your team is investing in your biggest asset, making them feel valued and integral to the company.
• Adaptable and non-conformist team members are not just valuable; they are the backbone of a startup environment. In a setting where pivots and change are standard, they empower and encourage the team, driving innovation and growth.
• Frameworks, such as the 'funky five hindrances to scaling', can help identify and address business scaling challenges.
• Collaboration, shared experiences, and learning from others are key elements in the entrepreneurial journey. Family and financial health are crucial aspects of running a successful business.
• Being open to feedback and having a transparent culture is essential for growth.
• Understanding the sales funnel and streamlining the customer journey can increase scalability.
• The funding market can be challenging, but there are still opportunities for strategic bets.
• Success, in the context of this podcast, means showing aspiring entrepreneurs that they can define their version of success in their entrepreneurial journey.
• Building a supportive community and maintaining connections is vital for personal and professional growth.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section, as it will foster a sense of community and learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/

Episode Links

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

Brandon is back and joins Rhys for the weekly update. Topics include Brandon's recent trip to Thailand, the importance of taking time off and enjoying life, the differences in customer service between Asia and Australia, recent funding rounds and acquisitions in the startup ecosystem, and the need for co-working spaces with on-site childcare.

Key Takeaways

• Remember, taking time off and enjoying life is a luxury necessary for maintaining good mental and physical health.

• Customer service in Asia is often better than in Australia due to the many people in customer service roles.

• Victoria requires more support and investment in innovation, presenting an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a difference in the startup ecosystem.

• Patient capital is vital in the healthcare industry, especially for improving the quality of life for dementia patients.

• Acquisitions and mergers are becoming more common in the startup ecosystem, with companies looking to enhance user experience and add new functionalities.

• Co-working spaces with on-site childcare are a promising solution for working parents, offering a balance between professional and personal life.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

In this episode, we're joined by William O'Halloran, founder and CEO of PlayHouse and GrantAid. We explore William's entrepreneurial path and challenges while developing PlayHouse, a platform deeply rooted in the creator economy. Our discussion extends to inclusivity, community impact, and how PlayHouse contributes to these areas.

We also examine Stop NCII's critical work, focusing on the fight against non-consensual intimate image abuse and the role of AI in content moderation. We address critical issues of online safety, consent, and legislation, particularly the use of AI in content creation and the ethical implications surrounding digital twins and content ownership.

Throughout the conversation, we underscore the importance of platforms like PlayHouse in combating online abuse, the necessity of public awareness of protective resources, and the proactive safety measures being implemented in parliament. William shares leadership insights on respecting content creators, the importance of consent, and supporting economic empowerment through social enterprises.

Takeaways

• The creator economy is expanding, offering individuals new opportunities to earn through digital platforms.
• Adult content creators face financial discrimination, including bank account closures and high transaction fees.
• PlayHouse, a platform managed by sex workers, is committed to providing an equitable space for adult entertainment without excessive censorship or financial bias.
• Partnering with Stop NCII, PlayHouse actively works to combat non-consensual intimate image abuse by removing and reporting such content.
• While AI is instrumental in content moderation, human oversight remains crucial for ensuring accuracy and effectiveness.
• Platforms like PlayHouse are pivotal in mitigating online abuse, empowering creators to manage content securely.
• Public awareness about online safety resources is vital for personal and communal protection.
• There is an urgent need to implement proactive safety measures and refine legislative definitions to address non-consensual intimate image abuse more effectively.
• The ethical issues associated with AI-generated content and the ownership of digital twins require careful consideration.
• Effective leadership is built on learning from others, embracing mistakes, and valuing knowledgeable associates.
• Emphasising consent is critical in physical and digital interactions and is a central topic of this episode.
• Supporting social enterprises and fostering economic empowerment can drive significant positive changes.

Follow The Growth Cartel for more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section, as it will foster a sense of community and learning.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/

Episode Links

Follow William on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamohalloran/

PlayHouse: https://www.linkedin.com/company/playhouse-international/

GrantAid:https://www.linkedin.com/company/grantaid/

Deepak joins Rhys as the weekly update covers various funding announcements in the startup ecosystem. LaunchVic invested $2.4 million into eight early-stage VC funds, Virtuals launched an angel network platform, One Ventures raised their seventh fund, Splend secured $20 million for EV fleet subscription rideshare drivers, Rich Data Code raised $37 million for AI-powered credit assessment technology, and Graceview raised $1.5 million for an AI platform focused on compliance. The conversation also highlights the importance of strategic planning and the need for global support for local startups.

Key Takeaways

• Several funding announcements were made in the startup ecosystem, indicating continued investment and support for early-stage ventures.
• Using AI and machine learning in various industries, such as credit assessment and compliance, creates opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
• Strategic planning tools and platforms are crucial for businesses to set and achieve their long-term goals.
• There is a need for global support and resources for local startups to thrive and prevent brain drain to major cities.
• The startup ecosystem is diverse, with funding and opportunities available in various sectors, including medtech, climate, and women-led startups.

For more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support, follow The Growth Cartel. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

Summary

Vinisha and Deepak join Rhys in this week's episode as we delve into the latest startup ecosystem trends. Including the stock market, the challenges female founders face in accessing funding, the failure of Hivery, and the success of Slice in securing funding for travel advances. They also highlight a new talent management system for influencers and creators. The conversation touches on the importance of transparency, execution in startups, and the need for equitable initiatives in the startup ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• The current stock market is volatile, and investors tend to become more cautious during market corrections.
• After only founding in 2023, Leonardo.AI is to be acquired by Canva.
• Equitable initiatives for female founders and underrepresented groups are essential for fostering innovation and economic empowerment.
• Startups face numerous challenges, and it's crucial to learn from failures and make strategic decisions about when to cut losses.
• Slice's funding success demonstrates the demand for accessible travel options that don't rely on credit card debt.
• A new talent management system for influencers and creators aims to automate administrative tasks and improve efficiency.
• Transparency and open communication are essential for the growth and development of the startup ecosystem.

For more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support, follow The Growth Cartel. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

Vinisha and Deepak join Rhys in this week's episode as we delve into the latest startup ecosystem trends. From crucial funding updates to the growing importance of robust business foundations, this discussion covers essential topics for any entrepreneur.

This Week's Highlights:

• SeenCulture Funding: Raised $1M backed by LaunchVic's Alice Anderson Fund for female founders, providing tools for smarter employee management decisions, described as "Moneyball for teams."
• PREVE Investment: With support from Archangel and notable angels, they secured $550K in pre-seed funding for a patient treatment solution tailored for physiotherapists.
• Fundabl Equity Raise: Closed a $3.2M equity round and launched a new venture debt fund targeting growth-stage businesses with loans between $500K and $5M.
• Cuttable Seed Funding: Obtained $5.5M in seed funding led by Square Peg for its AI-driven digital advertising platform, aiming to automate on-brand content creation.
• Square Peg Capital Raise: Raising $840 million for its sixth fund and "Opportunities Fund 3," despite challenges, reported significant returns, including notable exits and a portfolio valued at $4.4 billion with a 44% gross IRR from exits.

Key Takeaways:

1. Building a solid business infrastructure is non-negotiable for enduring success.
2. There's a notable pivot among investors towards businesses demonstrating profitable and sustainable growth models.
3. The tech-health intersection presents exciting investment opportunities.
4. Despite a cautious approach, crowdfunding and angel networks remain active.
5. Leveraging social capital can significantly boost a startup's prospects.

For more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support, follow The Growth Cartel. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠

Episode Links

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

In this episode, Leila and Rhys introduce our new co-host, Deepak Singh, a seasoned culture strategist in the startup ecosystem. They delve into Deepak's unique career and unwavering dedication to shaping positive workplace cultures, shedding light on the complexities of balancing performance with culture in startups. The discussion also explores the significance of investing in employee development and the changing expectations of younger workers.

The conversation shifts to Australia's funding landscape, highlighting positive investor sentiment and the pressing need for funding diversity, including addressing gender bias in venture capital and alternative funding models like search funds. They discuss the challenges businesses face in securing adequate funding, the emotional toll of layoffs, and strategies for supporting founders in later funding rounds.

Lastly, the hosts share insights on managing layoffs positively, stressing the importance of open discussions and community support for affected individuals.

For more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support, follow The Growth Cartel. We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section to foster a sense of community and learning.

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠

Episode Links

Follow Leila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilaneoliveira/

Follow Deepak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepaksinghhr/

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

4Phase Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4phase-consulting/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose: https://p3studio.com.au/

Brandon and Rhys explore this week's funding landscape across various sectors within the tech and startup ecosystem. This episode unpacks the industry's dynamic shifts and growth from groundbreaking construction technologies to innovative social platforms.

• Construction Tech Boom: HammerTech secures a whopping $105 million from Riverwood Capital, showcasing the sector's strong growth.
• Biosecurity Innovations: ExoFlair, which aims to revolutionize biosecurity threat recognition, is making waves with a $5.3 million seed funding round and a significant investment from Woolworths.
• Freight Tech Advancements: Alvys, backed by Titanium Ventures(formerly Telstra Ventures), raises $20.5 million Series A to enhance logistics and freight management.
• Medical Startup Spotlight: Go Locum raises $350,000 to facilitate better recruitment solutions for doctors in regional areas.
• Social Networking for Neurodivergent Individuals: Wable, the unique social app, is expanding internationally with $1.5 million in funding.
• Green Tech in Retail: Willow partners with Bunnings to bring their innovative plant monitoring system to more indoor plant enthusiasts.

For more engaging discussions on the startup ecosystem and to show your support, follow The Growth Cartel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-growth-cartel/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode links

Teamified: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teamified.com.au/

Follow Brandon on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjkburns/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

4Phase Consulting

Follow Rhys on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyshenderson/

The Hype Man: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7095555528629633024/

Follow Dickie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickiecurrer/⁠

p3 studio - people, partnerships, purpose

https://p3studio.com.au/

Follow Vini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/