VC fund to back start-ups in ‘critically important national challenges’

Australia News News

VC fund to back start-ups in ‘critically important national challenges’
Australia Latest News,Australia Headlines
  • 📰 FinancialReview
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 44 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 21%
  • Publisher: 90%

Salus Ventures raised its first $25 million in only eight weeks as investors look to back companies that extend Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

OurCrowd managing partner Dan Bennett and long-time start-up investor Marten Peck have joined forces to create a new $40 million venture capital fund, targeting fields that are important to Australia’s sovereign capabilities., robotics and advanced manufacturing.

It has already raised $25 million for the fund, and has appointed former Salesforce Ventures Australian boss Mike Ferrari as managing director.Mr Bennett said the world had changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and there was more attention being given to the country’s ability to be self-sufficient.

“We closed the first $25 million after an eight-week fund-raise. We thought that was a phenomenal response in the lead-up to Christmas,” he said. Salus will focus on seed to Series A investments and will write cheques of up to $1.5 million for initial investments. Mr Bennett said some of its investors had also indicated a willingness to co-invest to increase cheque sizes.Mr Ferrari had led Salesforce Ventures locally since late 2021, but says he had already been in discussions with Salus Ventures for six months before the redundancy.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

FinancialReview /  🏆 2. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Blackbird adds three new partners with its $1b fundBlackbird adds three new partners with its $1b fundBlackbird Ventures, Australia’s largest VC fund, has promoted Tom Humphrey, Phoebe Harrop and Michael Tolo to general partners.
Read more »

Brittany Higgins corrects claim she was paid $3 million, shows charity donation receiptsBrittany Higgins corrects claim she was paid $3 million, shows charity donation receiptsBrittany Higgins’s settlement with the Commonwealth has seen some critics raise questions around transparency.
Read more »

New Zealand v England: first Test, day four – liveNew Zealand v England: first Test, day four – liveWill England complete a tenth win in 11 Tests under Ben Stokes? Find out with Daniel Harris
Read more »

Sydney’s first queer museum opensSydney’s first queer museum opensSydney's first queer museum has been launched, showcasing the LGBTQIA+ community through history, culture and art. The Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch Foundation will donate $1 million to Qtopia over the next three years.
Read more »

Australian rookie Molly Picklum wins first WSL event in HawaiiAustralian rookie Molly Picklum wins first WSL event in HawaiiCompeting in just her first World Surf League final, Australian rookie Molly Picklum has defeated American Caroline Marks to win her first World Tour title at the Hurley Pro in Sunset Beach, Hawaii.
Read more »

Meta launches Facebook, Instagram subscription service Down Under firstMeta launches Facebook, Instagram subscription service Down Under firstMeta Verified will be rolled out first in Australia and New Zealand this week, Mark Zuckerberg has announced in a Facebook post.
Read more »



Render Time: 2025-03-05 07:39:11