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Tess Bennett

Today

A liquid immersion cooling tank  inside ResetData’s facility in Melbourne’s CBD.

Office towers v Bunnings sheds: Alternate routes in AI race

Demand for data centres to power the artificial intelligence boom is surging, but there is debate over the best way to deliver.

This Month

John Wylie said c

Wylie plots big expansion of start-up funds after Tin Alley success

Documents circulated among investors detail the companies that the Tanarra Capital-run vehicle has invested in, including many that have been revalued upwards.

Founder and executive chairman Richard White told investors customers had called the new pricing model as a “wonderful Christmas surprise”

AI rivals try to cash in on WiseTech customers’ price rise anger

The tech firm’s competitors are targeting logistics companies unhappy with the new transaction-based fees which could increase prices by 30 per cent.

AFR WiseTech Investor Day, Zubin Appoo, the CEO

WiseTech dismisses customer concerns over price increases

WiseTech Global chief executive Zubin Appoo has sought to calm frustrated customers over a new pricing model rolled out this week.

“Dude if you have any real evidence post it… waste of my time here,” Zhang posted.

Airwallex CEO brawls with Silicon Valley heavyweight over China links

Jack Zhang accused venture capitalist Keith Rabois of trying to damage the company after he claimed it was a “Chinese backdoor into sensitive American data”.

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Bodd co-founders David McLaughlin and Rob Fisher have raised $15 million to expand their 3D body scanning start-up.

Body scanning start-up worth $110m on uniform fittings, Ozempic boom

Melbourne-based Bodd has banked $15 million from high-profile backers, including former directors of Laurence Escalante’s Virtual Gaming World.

Deputy’s chief executive Silvija Martincevic said the company made big investments in AI and its international business.

AI spending hits bottom line at local tech stars

Three of Australia’s leading private software firms are spending big to keep up in the arms race, but the investment is yet to translate into higher earnings.

Eucalyptus chief executive Tim Doyle said the heavily-backed start-up is currently cash flow break even.

Eucalyptus revenue surges on UK appetite for weight-loss drugs

The high-profile Australian start-up more than doubled its revenue in the year ending June 30, driven by strong demand in the UK market.

November

Virgin says it is the first Australian airline to partner with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.

Virgin Australia signs deal to let ChatGPT make travel plans

The Australian airline says it is exploring building an app inside ChatGPT as part of a wider partnership with OpenAI.

Macquarie Technology CEO David Tudehope says the company is exploring new ways to fund a $3 billion data centre project.

Macquarie Technology tests appetite to finance $3b data centre plan

The ASX-listed data centre group has told investors it is exploring new ways to finance giant new data centre projects.

Partners Daniel Szekely, Justin Lipman and Howard Leibman of venture capital firm EVP in Bondi Junction

EVP turns page on StrongRoom AI saga after raising $100m for new fund

While the venture capital firm courted controversy after calling the police on one of its own investments this year, its backers have not lost faith.

Chief executive of DroneShield, Oleg Vornik.

Oleg Vornik defends $50m DroneShield share sale, citing risk to life

While the businessman has been circumspect about the reasons for offloading his entire stake, privately he has given an explanation to some investors.

WiseTech director Andrew Harrison, executive chairman Richard White and chief executive Zubin Appoo at the company’s annual general meeting.

White tears up at WiseTech AGM as investors deliver first strike

Richard White sailed through the company’s meeting on Friday as investors ignored an ongoing investigation into his share trading activity.

DroneShield boss Oleg Vornik warns Australia is the target of “grey-zone warfare” that is being waged via cyber attacks.

DroneShield abruptly cancels broker call to shore up shaky investors

The defence technology company’s chief executive had been expected to front a Bell Potter-run briefing amid questions about why he sold his entire stake.

Oleg Vornik, chief executive  of DroneShield and two other directors sold shares after incorrect information had been published to the ASX.

DroneShield confesses to CEO share sale during misinformed market

The disclosure in response to questions from the ASX comes amid a spike in short positions at the one-time hot defence company, and as investors dump stock.

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The counter-drone firm has faced increased scrutiny after chief executive Oleg Vornik and two directors offloaded their stakes in the company.

DroneShield struggles to keep up with evolving battlefield

Changing tactics and technology are posing a challenge for the under-fire defence contractor’s signature product, military experts say.

TechnologyOne chief executive Ed Chung.

TechOne punished as investors flee sector

Shares in the software developer slumped, despite a near one-fifth increase in profits over the last financial year, as the ASX suffered its second-biggest drop this year.

DroneShield house broker turns on ‘dead money’ stock after CEO sale

The hot defence technology business shocked investors last week when chief executive Oleg Vornik sold $50 million in shares, his entire stake in the company.

Oleg Vornik, the chief exectuive of DroneShield, has sold 40.46 million shares for a total value of $60.63 million since the start of 2023.

Hedge fund says DroneShield had 17 red flags

The multibillion-dollar hedge fund is short the drone platform stock, which has slumped after its chief executive offloaded all his shares with no explanation.

Oliver Curtis and Tim Rosenfield’s company Firmus Technologies is now valued at $6 billion.

Oliver Curtis’ Firmus lifts valuation to $6b on fresh funding round

The AI start-up has raised a further $500 million to fund its growth plans, but some sceptics question whether its lofty valuation is justified.  

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/tess-bennett-p4yw9c