The Merton Monthly: November
Merton was buzzing with activity throughout October, with a plethora of exciting events taking place.
Merton ASX Investment NSW event
Merton Lawyers hosted our annual mixer drinks with Investment NSW and the ASX at the Dolphin in Surry Hills, Sydney. The night is one of celebration and collaboration where we bring together founders, investors and industry participants into the one room to share their journey’s and have some fun. It was also a night to thank those in the room that contributed to the research that helped build Merton Lawyers Project Frontier Program. We were also able to announce the beginnings of our next program. Very fulfilling to collaborate again with Investment NSW and welcome ASX as we share the vision of working together to lift up the Australian innovation ecosystem. Lots to look forward to.
Attending SXSW
It was an exciting moment in time for Merton Lawyers to attend the first SXSW in Sydney. Great to see clients, friends and collaborators all in the same space. The last time Merton attended SXSW was in Austin 2018 when the Dave and Anth supported Australia House and saw Elon Musk speak.
Highlights from Sydney included:
- Paul Bassat and Andrew Bassat interview
- Robyn Denholm interview
- Numerous panels educating Australians about expanding to the US and raising money there
- Phillip Noyce panel about Australians expanding to Hollywood
- NSW house
- Innovation Bay's mixer drinks.
Thanks Ian Gardiner and Kelly Murphy.
Presenting to Investment NSW Goong Global AI cohort
Our Managing Partner, Anthony Curtin, presented to Investment NSW's AI Going Global Cohort on the decision making process of flipping up or not. It was a great chance to see the impact Project Frontier is having on the ecosystem. We wish all participants a safe and fruitful trip to New York in December.
Webinar 3 - Realities of expanding to the US - and raising money abroad.
Merton Lawyers, in collaboration with Global Victoria finished up the three part webinar series focussing on capital raising. The last webinar focussed on the realities of expanding to the US and riasing money abroad. Our Managing Partner Anthony Curtin moderated a panel with Adrian Persi (Senior Trade Director - Global Victoria), Scott Heyes (Founder and CEO - First Contact Advisory) and Sam Davy (Founder and CEO - Park Social).
Key points included:
- Understand your reasoning around expansion. Ie product, company, capital raise, people.
- Tough market, but there's still money to be deployed for good companies.
- The Australian way doesn't always work in the US.
- Flipping up isn't always the right thing to do. But may be an investment criteria for a prospective investor. Solution? Be prepared.
- Networks are key in the US.
What we’re listening to
In a longform podcast interview, Charlie Munger reflected upon his own career and the nearly 50-year partnership at Berkshire Hathaway with Warren Buffett. He shared his advice for investors today and discussed his favorite investments, including his speech on the virtues of Costco. The interview took place at his Los Angeles home and is considered to be a special conversation.
What we’re reading
Why In-N-Out has barely changed its business for 75 years — not even its fries
Upcoming*
Pause Awards Night 2023 & Afterparty
The Pause Awards for this year are open to the whole community, with the aim of supporting the ecosystem and celebrating the bold accomplishments of local innovators. You have been invited exclusively to join the pioneers and champions who are leading the way in Australian innovation.
Mon 4th Dec 2023, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm AEDT
Bond Melbourne - 24 Bond St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
