Startup ecosystem Stories

Global Stories

Startup ecosystem stories

Southeast Asian tech founders visit New Zealand for exchange

The exchange aims to help New Zealand firms tap Southeast Asia's fast-growing digital economy while giving founders a route into new markets.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Digital Transformation

L'Oréal opens 2026 beauty tech contest for ANZ startups

Startups could gain funded pilots and year-long mentorship as the beauty group hunts AI, creator and sustainability tools in ANZ.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Digital Transformation

DesignVerse raises USD $5.5 million in seed funding

The funding will speed hiring and expansion after the Bucharest startup won EUROCONTROL work and passed USD $1.1 million in ARR.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Digital Transformation

Happl raises USD $11 million Series A led by Portage

Managing employee benefits across 160 countries will get easier for multinational employers after the London software firm secured fresh backing.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • 3 days ago

Data Analytics

Snowflake ecosystem startups draw USD $113 billion

Investors are concentrating on AI data and governance startups, with funding in the Snowflake partner ecosystem now skewed towards fewer, larger rounds.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 4 days ago

Data Analytics

L'Oréal opens 2026 Big Bang beauty tech applications

Startups across 35 markets can win funded pilots with L'Oréal as beauty brands seek AI, creator and circular-economy tools.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • 5 days ago

Fintech

Gigs makes APAC splash with promising ShopBack partnership

ShopBack users could soon get easier access to travel connectivity and local mobile plans as Gigs tests its expansion in Asia.

By David Shilovsky • 3 min read • Last week

Gaming

'Maturing' Australian gaming industry shows signs of growth

Government support and recent hit releases are helping Australian games studios add jobs, even as distance and skills shortages persist.

By David Shilovsky • 6 min read • Last week

Stories from Other Regions

Startup ecosystem stories

Semiconductors

Lansdowne launches GBP £150 million UK venture fund

British institutions are backing a fund aimed at bridging the capital gap that stops university spin-outs from scaling into global businesses.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Robotics

Singapore Space Lab launched to boost commercial sector

The facility aims to turn satellite and geospatial tools into commercial gains for Southeast Asian industries as space activity expands.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • 2 days ago

Crypto

Coinbase-led UK accelerator backs eight Web3 AI startups

Only eight teams were chosen from more than 800 applicants, signalling backers' focus on AI, digital assets and financial software in the UK.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • 3 days ago

Fintech

FinTech Australia warns tax changes may hurt startups

Uncertainty over planned capital gains tax changes could deter startup funding and prompt founders, investors and talent to leave Australia.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • 3 days ago

Fintech

Bossit launches Start-up Navigator for NZ small firms

Early-stage founders in New Zealand are being offered step-by-step help on tax, branding and cashflow as Bossit targets stronger business survival.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • 4 days ago

Robotics

Budget backs deep tech as CGT changes alarm investors

Innovation support may lift deep tech, but investors warn the Budget's CGT overhaul could curb startup risk-taking and talent hiring.

By Mark Tarre • 7 min read • 4 days ago

Digital Transformation

Budget wins praise but business warns of skills gaps

Business groups welcomed the Budget's productivity push, but warned small firms and agencies still lack the skills to deliver it.

By Sean Mitchell • 9 min read • 4 days ago

Agricultural Technology

Indian tech leaders call for resilient AI & marketing

Resilience, trust and local language support are emerging as the priorities as Indian founders and marketers push AI deeper into daily business needs.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • 6 days ago