Funding & Finance
News, opinions and advice on capital raising and finance strategy.
Eventarc raises some cool funding from Domenic Carosa’s FCDF
Founded by web-developers Scott Handsaker and Andrew Edwards in November 2009, Eventarc has turned over AUS$4million in transactions in the past 13 months. That's approximately $300,000 per month. Becoming quickly revenue positive has proven to be an important factor when picking investments for the Future Capital Development Fund (FCDF), according to Domenic Carosa.
Aussie e-tailer eStore.com.au on acquisition trail for 2011
Australian online retailer eStore.com.au is in acquisition mode for 2011 with plans to grow its already significant business through the acquisition of local online companies. In a statement to Anthill, eStore founder Lorenzo Coppa says he is keen to speak with owners of online businesses selling technology products looking to exit the market or explore opportunities to leverage their products with eStore.com.au.
How to always get paid: Belgium company invents ‘crying’ invoice and becomes ‘remarkable’
Frustration with tardy debtors was the obvious impetus behind this nifty invention from Belgium outfit ikki; an invoice with a voice-chip that begins to make weeping noises 20 seconds after the envelope is opened. But what's truly inventive about the 'crying invoice' is its other purpose.
Anthill’s 30under30 winners revealed (2010)
This year, rather than release the 2010 30under30 'massive' in one shot, we're releasing the names of this prestigious set, three a day, for the next 10 days. Why do this? Well, aside from the unplanned loss of a laptop, containing our deliberations and winner profiles, this suspense filled, masterfully manipulating traffic-fueling tactic just seemed too attractive to pass up. Can you feel the ant-icipation?
If you owned Anthill (the business), how would you make it more profitable (quickly)
Last week, Anthill was the victim of a theft. The loss was felt immediately, not simply due to its effect on morale but also because the loss involved some important documents and many human hours of productivity. Now, there are two things that we can do: (1) Sulk; or, (2) Devise a way to turn a positive into a negative.
Nike, Power-Laces and the race for sneakers like Marty McFly [VIDEO]
Any fan of the 1980s hit movie franchise Back to the Future will remember Marty McFly's autolacing Nike Air 2015 Kicks. It seems that the R&D machine at Nike could be five years ahead of schedule, filing patents throughout 2009 for a an "Article of Footware with Lighting System" that is not too different from the fictional original. Compare the video with patents.
Innovation designed to assist other innovators scores top spot in Anthill's SMART 100
Caroline Hughes transformed her frustration into a business that boasts a suite of online tools that make the R&D tax claim process more accessible and far less intimidating. For that, Hughes and her company top the charts in Anthill's SMART 100.
Innovation designed to assist other innovators scores top spot in Anthill’s SMART 100
Caroline Hughes transformed her frustration into a business that boasts a suite of online tools that make the R&D tax claim process more accessible and far less intimidating. For that, Hughes and her company top the charts in Anthill's SMART 100.
Atlassian’s Scott Farquhar talks about raising US$60 million from Accel
Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar should be in a good mood. Last month, the company he created with business partner Mike Cannon-Brookes, as 22-year-old university...
A chance to invest in the next Kylie Minogue
Now here's an idea that raises the phrase 'investment opportunity' by a couple octaves -- purchase a stake in the career of an indie music artist. In exchange for your largess, you'll gain a say in marketing and producing the singer. You can even pitch them a song.
Past winners talk about winning Enterprize (How would you spend $100,000?)
It's been an enjoyable ride watching the evolution of the University of Queensland Business School's Enterprize competition. The winners are always an inspiring lot. But so have been the various promotional videos that the University has created in recent years to promote the awards.
The Facts and Falsehoods of Commercialisation Australia: Six myths exposed
The Commercialisation Australia program, the successor to the Government's COMET scheme, has proved a boon to many but a bane to others. Inevitably it was going to have a few teething problems. As with any new incentive program, it can involve navigating the industry-specific details to work out whether it's right for your business. Here, Adrian Spencer explains the pros and cons that the grant can have for the technology sector.
Why this angel is not investing in social networks
A young entrepreneur asked me an interesting question, “If Twitter hadn’t happened yet and you had the chance to invest in it at start-up, would you?” As it turns out this is quite relevant as I did have the chance to invest in Twitter during a very early funding round through my own networks in Silicon Valley.
Why won't prospective investors sign my confidentiality agreement?
A sale is a process and the first step in that process is not to demand exclusivity. Exclusivity is either bought or earned and, in the case of raising capital, it is usually earned. An NDA implies exclusivity and that brings with it constraints on both parties. Would you ask a date to sign a pre-nuptial agreement before the first date?
Why won’t prospective investors sign my confidentiality agreement?
A sale is a process and the first step in that process is not to demand exclusivity. Exclusivity is either bought or earned and, in the case of raising capital, it is usually earned. An NDA implies exclusivity and that brings with it constraints on both parties. Would you ask a date to sign a pre-nuptial agreement before the first date?
Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's $500 startup in 7 days… 133 days later [VIDEO]
Frequent Anthill readers may recall Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's blog series, How to build a startup in seven days and under $500. I caught up with Sebastien in Sydney last month and had a great time sampling fine coffee and sharing war-stories. Of course, I also had to ask that important question: What has happened to his 7-day startup in the past 133 days?
Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin’s $500 startup in 7 days… 133 days later [VIDEO]
Frequent Anthill readers may recall Sebastien Eckersley-Maslin's blog series, How to build a startup in seven days and under $500. I caught up with Sebastien in Sydney last month and had a great time sampling fine coffee and sharing war-stories. Of course, I also had to ask that important question: What has happened to his 7-day startup in the past 133 days?
Meet Ralph Simon: "The Father of the Ring Tone"
Ralph Simon is regarded as one of the founders of the modern mobile entertainment industry. At X|Media|Lab Global Media Ideas, Ralph will address various ways Australian Internet start-ups can find capital or smart support for their company and commercial ideas In an email interview, we asked him to share his views about the 'next' round of mobile technologies and what he thinks about Australian innovation.
Meet Ralph Simon: “The Father of the Ring Tone”
Ralph Simon is regarded as one of the founders of the modern mobile entertainment industry. At X|Media|Lab Global Media Ideas, Ralph will address various ways Australian Internet start-ups can find capital or smart support for their company and commercial ideas In an email interview, we asked him to share his views about the 'next' round of mobile technologies and what he thinks about Australian innovation.
Gerry Harvey talks about his retirement… not! [PODCAST]
Gerry Harvey, chief of Harvey Norman, is now in his 70s. In this rare interview with Gary Barker and Leon Gettler, he talks about the stupidity of people retiring at 65. He also shares insights on the future of Harvey Norman.
