The Merton Monthly: April
Last month, the Merton team had the opportunity to attend multiple events, including the Asena Family Office Launch and a thought-provoking panel discussion on Capital Raising in the US.
Tractor Ventures and Black Nova Masterclass
Recently our Managing Partner Anthony Curtin was invited to be a panel member for a Masterclass session with Black Nova Venture Capital and Tractor Ventures portfolio companies on the ‘Revisiting your fundraising journey in 2024 based on fluctuating markets’.
The panel consisted of Matthew Browne (Black Nova), Matt Allen (Tractor Ventures), Cheryl Mack (Aussie Angels) and moderated by Noga Edelstein.
Key takeaways:
• DD is important and expected. Be prepared.
• Growth at all costs isn’t always the case. Runway still important.
• Balance your capital raising process with running your company.
• Founders should understand where they are in the lifecycle and what type of capital raise suits (not always equity).
• US investors are not sitting on the sidelines, they are being more thoughtful.
Asena Family Office Launch
During the month Merton Lawyers celebrated the launch of Asena Advisors with founder and CEO Peter Harper and Liza Janakievski.
Capital Raising in the US – An In-Person Panel Discussion
Organised by Adrian Persi and Victoria's Commissioner to the Americas' Nigel Warren, the Global Victoria's fascinating panel with Bobby Sharma (Bluestone Equity Partners) and Ryan Gilbert (Launchpad Capital) discussing current trends in capital raising in the US and engaging with US investors was a fantastic event. A thanks also to Stone & Chalk for hosting.
New York - Merton Lawyers - Telstra Ventures and Alpha Square Group networking event
Another US business trip nears, we will be visiting key founder and investor clients as well as continuing to spend time with our Project Frontier US panel law firms in New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto and Los Angeles. As part of this trip Merton Lawyers, Telstra Ventures and Alpha Square Group are co hosting a networking drinks in New York on Thursday 2nd May. Spaces are limited, for event details please email hello@mertonlawyers.com.au
Raising Capital: Due Diligence
We are seeing a number of our clients continuing to prepare to get 'investment ready'. As part of this Due Diligence is key as expectations from investors continues to balance managing risk and deploying money fast. For our community to better understnad these processes, we revisit a popular Merton Lawyers article Raising Capital: Due Diligence.
If you would like specialist advice in this area, please book a meeting with one of our team members today.
The Merton Lawyers team are proud to have recently advised the founders of Arkana Energy Group on their exit and the acquisition by European based 1Komma5o (home energy and electrification upstart founded in Germany), who are rapidly expanding its operations into Australia. The acquisition of Arkana represents the largest acquisition for 1Komma5o in the Australian market.
The Merton team was co led by partner Anthony Curtin and senior associate Isaac Hanna and supported by lawyer Alexia Copley. Commenting on the transaction, Anthony Curtin said: “Exits are an integral part of the lifecycle of any founder or investor of an emerging growth company, this is a great result for Luke, Sarah and Tyson. We look forward to assisting Arkana into the future with the long-term strategy and support from 1Komma5o.”
1komma5° makes "biggest" Australian investment in Queensland solar installer | RenewEconomy
The Bear is returning for its third season after a successful awards season. The show, which airs on Disney + in Australia, is a critically acclaimed series that combines the intense atmosphere of a restaurant kitchen with a character study of its employees. This includes Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, and Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri. Both actors have received multiple award nominations and wins across various platforms, including the Emmys and Golden Globes, during the show's first two seasons.
Our Favourite New Aged Canned Beverages - That Thirsty VC Love, too
Upcoming*
VC Catalyst - August intake
An immersive executive education program for active investors to gain the best practice tools and skills to make successful early-stage high growth venture capital investments.
Program intensive dates 12-16 August and 26-30 August 2024
Merton Lawyers will host Brian Carnahan (Global Victoria US Senior Trade Director) on a tour of key clients, companies and advisors of Melbourne, Geelong and the Surf Coast.
Doing Business with the Americas - events in Geelong, Morwell and Ballarat
Global Victoria, in partnership with Regional Development Victoria, are leading upcoming Doing Business with the Americas seminars (in Geelong, Morwell and Ballarat). It will be an opportunity to gain insights from Global Victoria trade specialists visiting from the Americas and learn about trade opportunities in USA, Canada, and Latin America.
Starts on Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:30 AM AEST
Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct - 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong, VIC 3220
US Trip April - May 2024
Our Managing Partner Anthony Curtin will be in New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Los Angeles from 29th April to 15th May. Book a time by emailing hello@mertonlawyers.com.au, if you are a founder or investor expanding to the US or are interested in learning more about the Australian ecosystem.
Merton Lawyers to attend Blackbird’s Sunrise Conference
Sunrise is a festival of creativity, technology and ambition. It's Blackbird’s love letter to startups and the people who build them. A place to be immersed in our community. A place where ideas collide. Above all - Sunrise is for you.
May 1 -2 2024
Carriageworks, Sydney
Pangea Global Health Education invites you to a virtual fundraising event.
Four Pillars Co-Founder and Distiller, Cameron Mackenzie, will be hosting a Virtual Gin Master Class & Tasting Night, raising funds for Pangea and our 2024 Seminars.
Get in quick and book your tickets for a great night in.
In the weeks leading up to the event you will receive your Four Pillars Gin Pack delivered to your door.
Your pack will include:
3 x 200ml signature Four Pillars Gins
A few mixers, to mix up some drinks
This is a Friday night in, not to be missed.
When: Friday 31st May 7pm
Where: Your house!
Business as a force for good - Networking Event
We're back.
Join us for an inspiring networking and connection event showcasing the power of business for good on the Surf Coast.
Discover how local impact businesses and B Corporations are leading the way in creating positive social and environmental change.
Whether you're already making an impact, eager to step up, or just getting started, this event is for you. Or, you might just want to connect with other Surf Coast businesses.
EVERYONE is welcome.
There will be plenty of time to meet and connect with other like minded individuals throughout the event; hear from inspiring local businesses sharing their stories, experience our unique connection activities and get beyond the name tags.
When: Thu 2nd May 2024, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm AEST
Where: Happy Spaces - Torquay - Level 1/4 - 6 Gilbert St, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia
