From a data privacy platform to a wearable maternal health device, this week’s funding roundup covers six raises across Australia and New Zealand
This week’s funding roundup spans data privacy, robotics, email marketing, sports apparel, clean energy and maternal health. Six startups across Australia and New Zealand closed rounds, with raises ranging from $700,000 to $13.6 million.
DataMasque raises US$4 million
Auckland-based data de-identification and synthetic data platform DataMasque has raised US$4 million in a round led by the early-stage fund of Wavemaker Partners, with existing investors OIF Ventures and Icehouse Ventures participating.
The company allows organisations to use sensitive data, including customer records and call transcripts, for AI development without it leaving their own infrastructure. Customers include New York Life, ADP, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, One NZ and TAL. DataMasque has tripled headcount and achieved 6x ARR growth since its seed round in late 2023.
Oscorp Energy raises A$1.3 million
Sydney-based robotics startup Oscorp Energy has closed a A$1.3 million pre-seed round led by European VC Atlas via its AI VB fund, with support from Antler and Antipodean Capital.
The company builds AI-powered vision and robotic systems to identify, classify and remove materials from fast-moving waste streams in real time. CEO Ani Goswami cofounded Oscorp during the Antler residency program in Australia.
Nitrosend raises A$700,000
Adelaide AI email marketing startup Nitrosend has raised US$500,000 (approximately A$700,000) in a seed round led by Eastend Ventures Fund 1, with Archangel Ventures and Aussie Angels also participating.
The platform was founded by siblings Edward and George Hartley, who previously built SmartrMail, an email marketing tool that scaled to six billion emails sent on Shopify before being acquired by Relay Commerce in 2022. Nitrosend is built as an AI-native platform from the ground up.
Nardo raises A$1 million
Sydney-based sports apparel platform Nardo has raised A$1 million in a pre-seed round, with former Socceroo Tim Cahill among the investors and joining as a strategic partner.
Nardo helps amateur sports clubs design, manage and order team apparel. It was cofounded in 2023 by Beau Catley, also cofounder of streetwear label Geedup Co, after a local sports club request revealed how complex the supply chain for team kits had become. The company is targeting expansion into the US, UK and Middle East.
Amber raises A$13.6 million
Renewable energy retailer Amber has received A$13.6 million in funding from the federal government-backed Australian Renewable Energy Agency to expand its vehicle-to-grid program across 1,000 homes.
The program allows BYD electric vehicle owners to use their cars as portable power sources for their homes and sell stored energy back into the grid. Amber’s initial trial involved 50 chargers, with BYD agreeing to warrant vehicles taking part, removing a key barrier to local vehicle-to-grid adoption.
Oli raises A$6.5 million
Sydney-based maternal and fetal monitoring company Oli has closed a A$6.5 million Series A3 round backed by Scale Investors, Clare Ventures and the University of Sydney. The company makes a wireless wearable device that monitors maternal and fetal signals and is currently running pivotal clinical trials across seven sites in Australia and the United States.
The raise brings total private capital to A$13 million, alongside more than A$9.5 million in non-dilutive grants. Oli was founded in 2018 by mechatronic engineer Dr Sarah McDonald following the traumatic birth of her second child. CEO Tara Croft said the funding will support regulatory submissions with the TGA and the US FDA ahead of launch.
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Dion Michaud
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