The Merton Monthly: December
As we approach the end of 2024, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and share our final update for this year.
We want to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.
Please be advised that our office will be closed from 5:00pm on Friday, 20th December, and will reopen on Monday, 6th January, 2025.
Should you need assistance during this time, please contact your file manager directly or alternatively, email hello@mertonlawyers.com.au
Merton Lawyers x Investment NSW Event x ASX - Sydney Mixer
Last month, Merton Lawyers, in collaboration with Investment NSW and the ASX, co-hosted our third annual mixer drinks event in Sydney, once again bringing together founders, investors, and industry participants at The Dolphin in Surry Hills. The night celebrated collaboration and shared journeys, providing a platform for connection and innovation. This year, we recognised the incredible founders, companies, and investors who have participated in the Project Frontier Program.
We also announced the launch of our new initiative, Project Odyssey, which aims to assist Venture Capital firms in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the innovation landscape. It was deeply fulfilling to collaborate once more with Investment NSW and welcome the ASX as we continue to uplift the Australian innovation ecosystem.
Here’s to another year of exciting progress and impactful partnerships! Learn more about Project Frontier here.
Innovation Bay and ♻️ ARENA Showcase
We’re feeling truly inspired following Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) x Innovation Bay Renewables Startup Showcase 2024 in Sydney.
This event, now in its fifth year, showcased the theme ‘Solar and Beyond: The Next Generation of Renewables’—and what an incredible lineup it was. The room was buzzing with Australia’s most promising renewables, cleantech, and climate tech startups, connecting with angel investors, VCs, private equity, and corporate VCs who share a vision for a sustainable future.
We were fortunate to hear pitches from six remarkable startups shaping the future of renewable energy:
Solstice AI: revolutionising energy management with AI solutions for utilities, traders, and solar asset owners.
Hadean Energy: advancing the green hydrogen revolution with its tubular Solid Oxide Electrolyser.
Reswitch : ensuring that the economic benefits of clean energy projects reach and empower communities.
Endua: pioneering next-gen hydrogen production tech for energy storage, power, and mobility.
Halocell: innovating the solar space with cutting-edge Perovskite solar cell manufacturing.
Kwetta: transforming EV charging by integrating advanced tech with existing power grids.
A huge thank you to the speakers Alexandra Clunies-Ross, Partner, Artesian (Alternative Investments), Katerina Kimmorley, Head of Commercial & Investments, Boundless Earth, Commissioner, NSW Net Zero Emissions Commission, Angela Karl, Managing Director, Head of Energy Transition, HMC Capital and Bronwen Clune, Startups and VC Correspondent, Capital Brief, who brought depth, humour and perspective to the challenges, opportunities and actions Australia faces.
It’s events like these that remind us of the power of collaboration and innovation in driving Australia’s net-zero future. A special thanks to ARENA, whose incredible work since 2012—supporting 727 projects with $2.60 billion in funding, unlocking $12.51 billion in investment—continues to transform our renewable energy industry.
We’re excited to follow the journey of these startups and look forward to seeing their progress as they lead us toward a cleaner, brighter future.
Black Nova VC x Tractor Ventures x Merton Lawyers - US market update Masterclass
Last month, Anthony Curtin had the privilege of presenting a Masterclass session to the outstanding portfolio companies of Black Nova Venture Capital and Tractor Ventures. The session aimed to equip founders with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the US capital markets.
Key highlights included:
- **Flip Ups** – Structuring for success when entering the US market.
- **US Market Update** – Trends and opportunities in the ever-evolving US landscape.
- **Cooley US Financing Summary** – Insights into financing rounds and key terms.
- **US Investors and What They Want to See** – How to make your business pitch-ready for US investors.
This session was part of our Project Frontier, which continues to empower Australian startups to think globally, act strategically, and scale boldly. A heartfelt thank you to Olivia Doherty from Tractor Ventures and Jo Robyn from Black Nova VC for their invaluable support in making this happen. Your dedication to founders and innovation is unmatched – you truly are the best!
Here’s to breaking barriers and driving Australian innovation onto the global stage.
Breakthrough Victoria's Founders Day
Merton Lawyers was proud to present alongside Global Victoria at Breakthrough Victoria's Founders Day, engaging with their exceptional portfolio companies on building a winning Go-To-Market Strategy for international expansion, with a focus on the US.
Our session covered key insights and challenges for founders, including:
📄 Flip Ups – Structuring your business for US market entry.
📈 US Market Update – Trends and opportunities shaping the US business landscape.
💡 Cooley US Financing Summary – Key takeaways on US financing rounds.
💰 US Investors – What they want to see from Aussie startups ready to scale.
This presentation formed part of our Project Frontier, an initiative designed to help Australian startups conquer global markets through expert legal and commercial strategies.
The Breakthrough Victoria Fund is an extraordinary opportunity to supercharge the commercialisation of world-leading research and position Victoria's innovative mindset at the forefront of the economy. Over the next 15 years, this estimated $2 billion government fund will be invested in eligible Victorian businesses to drive transformative growth.
A heartfelt thank you to the Breakthrough Victoria team, including: Hon John Brumby, Laura Morrey, Monique Conheady, Olga Hogan, Brett Mitsch, Rosemary Peavey, Prue Lester, Aden Capaul, and Andrew Wilkie.
We’d also like to recognise the incredible presenters who shared their expertise:
Emma Jenkin from Kilara Capital, Gabrielle Munzer from Main Sequence, Dominic Pym from Euphemia, Andrew Nash, Paul Mitchinson from Think & Grow, Adrian Persi, and George Di Scala from Global Victoria.
A special thank you to Alexander Newton from Navi Medical Technologies for capturing the moments with amazing photos.
Together, we’re shaping the future of Australian innovation on a global scale.
Investment NSW - Going Global Program - Cleantech
Last month, Anthony Curtin hosted a panel featuring Australian and US investors for Investment NSW's Going Global Cleantech cohort. The panel included valuable insights from Albert Bielinko of Titanium Ventures, Vicky Lay of Artesian (Alternative Investments), and John Cassidy of SVG Ventures | THRIVE.
Read more here.
Innovation Bay’s Horizon Preventative Health & Longevity dinner
In November, Merton Lawyers attended Innovation Bay’s Horizon Preventative Health & Longevity dinner. It was wonderful to hear the level of engagement around the table.
Thank you to Innovation Bay and Adam Milgrom for hosting us at Sanders and especially to Dr Steven Lu from Everlab for sharing your knowledge, expertise and passion with us, what a great conversation!
Expanding to the US? Register for Merton Lawyers Project Frontier Program
Register for Merton Lawyers Project Frontier Program.
Breakthrough Fellowship Program aims to help researchers become founders
State government-backed venture fund Breakthrough Victoria has announced a new $7.5 million Breakthrough Fellowship Program, aimed at supporting researcher entrepreneur talent.
Airtree Ventures closes $650m across two funds to invest in technology start-ups
Sydney-based venture capital firm Airtree Ventures has closed the majority of a $650 million capital raising for two new funds to invest in technology start-ups, attracting new institutional investors from the United States and securing money from three Australian superannuation funds.
The BBQ small talk that lit the fire for car subscription start-up
It was a pleasure for Merton Lawyers corporate team to advise Karmo on their recent acquisition of Motopool alongside corporate advisors EM Advisory. This is a great transaction for the growth of Karmo in a deal that elevates the business into the nation’s biggest car subscription business with annual revenue of $33 million. The buyout of Motopool comes on the heels of Karmo securing a $138 million debt facility from the finance divisions of Volkswagen and Toyota, giving the group the firepower to help achieve its target of acquiring an extra 5,000 cars over the next 12 months. We look forward to the future of car subscriptions.
Melbourne needs a good scrub down, says this well-travelled style guru
How to survive one of the world’s most hated airports
Upcoming*
Merton Lawyers <> Dartmouth - Tuck Business School (USA)
Our Manaing Partner - Anthony Curtin will present to US Dartmouth College MBA students on their tour visit to Wade about the US / Aus ecosystems differences and opportunities for founders and investors.
