Uni side hustle grows to nearly $70m valuation

Three friends have turned their university side hustle into a software business after landing new venture capital investors.

Tess BennettTechnology reporter

Mar 13, 2025 – 4.29pm

Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Subscribe to gift this article

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.

Subscribe now

Already a subscriber?

StrongRoom AI, which makes software for pharmacies to help patients adhere to their medication regime, has completed a $17 million capital raising, which values the start-up at almost $70 million.

Founded by three friends as a side hustle while at university, StrongRoom AI has signed up more than 1500 pharmacies across Australia, the United States and Britain, to use its software. Its customers include major pharmacy groups such as Independent Pharmacies Australia, Direct Chemist Outlet and Ventura Health.

Tess Bennett is a technology reporter with The Australian Financial Review, based in the Brisbane newsroom. She was previously the work & careers reporter.