> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Issue #1: From startup launches to corporate acquisitions - URL: https://www.cremornedigitalhub.com.au/newsletter/issue-1-from-startup-launches-to-corporate-acquisitions/ - Published: 2025-09-17T01:25:14.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-13T05:20:02.000Z - Description: Australia's innovation scene moves fast – from corporate ventures to startup breakthroughs, there's always something happening. ​ The CDH Innovation Download keeps you across news from both sides of the fence, so you never miss what matters in Australian innovation. - Author: Alan Tsen - Tags: #newsletter-col, CDH Innovation Download ## What's New In Corporate Innovation? --- **Acquisitions, partnerships, and key insights from the innovation ecosystem** > REA Group doubles down on investment in 3D Proptech Startup - REA Group increased its stake in IMMERSIV, building on its initial investment from October 2024. - The deal aims to help IMMERSIV scale teams in Melbourne and Sydney, enhance AI-driven 3D production, and support international expansion. The size of the investment was not disclosed. [Read the article](https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/asx/rea-group-doubles-down-on-3d-proptech-upping-stake-in-immersiv/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Anthropic pitches new financial services AI after CBA partnership - Anthropic launches Claude 4 tools aimed at financial services, claiming advanced modelling, due diligence, and rapid, “institutional‑quality” analysis using trusted data sources like Morningstar and PitchBook. - Backed by Commonwealth Bank partnership and endorsement, reflecting growing sector adoption of AI beyond traditional uses such as fraud prevention and chatbots. - Counterpoint: Open‑source enterprise AI is rising; startup New Dialogue touts Llama/Mistral-based, data-sovereign alternatives to proprietary “black‑box” systems for internal financial analysis and cost‑saving. [Read the article](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/artificial-intelligence/anthropic-launches-financial-services-claude-model-commonwealth-bank/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Other news:** > Australian Unity to acquire Plena Healthcare from Zenitas for $70m - **Australian Unity** will acquire **Plena Healthcare** from Zenitas for **$70m**, paid in two tranches (**$45m now**, balance in February 2026), to expand mobile allied health within its Home Health division. - Post-ACCC clearance, the merged operations will employ **6,700+ staff**, deliver **\~4.5m care hours** to **160,000+ customers** annually, aiming to build a leading integrated healthcare provider. [Read the article](https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/australian-unity-to-acquire-plena-healthcare-from-zenitas-for--70m.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Wealth manager Insignia Financial agrees to $3.3 billion buyout from CC Capital - **Deal terms:** CC Capital to acquire Insignia Financial for **$3.3b** at **$4.80/share**—a **56.9% premium** to the pre-bid price—with implementation targeted for **H1 2026** pending shareholder and regulatory approvals (APRA, FIRB, ACCC). - **Context and rationale:** After Bain and Brookfield exited the bidding, Insignia’s board unanimously recommends the offer, citing eight prior indicative bids, CC’s due diligence, market volatility, and Insignia’s scale (**$330b FUM/FUA**) alongside recent **2.6%** quarterly growth and **$2.1b** net inflows. [Read the article](https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/wealth-manager-insignia-financial-agrees-to--3-3-billion-buyout-from-cc-capital.html?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ## What's new Startup World? --- Key developments, funding rounds, and launches from the Australian startup ecosystem. > LaunchVic backs new VC funds and startup programs with $3.75M boost - $3.75m investment: LaunchVic is funding seven new VC funds ($2.1m total, $300k each) expected to raise $275m+ for local startups, plus backing student pre-accelerators at ACU, Deakin, Federation, and La Trobe ($1.45m) and Aussie Founders Club events ($200k). - Ecosystem lift focus: Strengthens early-stage capital, university entrepreneurship for 90,000+ students, and grassroots community, aiming for a whole-of-ecosystem boost across seed to Series A. [Read the article](https://launchvic.org/announcements/launchvic-backs-new-vc-funds-and-startup-programs-with-3-75m-boost/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Airtree’s Fund V: $650m to back Aussie and Kiwi founders from idea to global household name - Airtree launches Fund V: $650m split into a $250m Seed fund and $400m Growth fund to back ANZ software/AI founders from idea to global scale, with over 50% of the fund from tier‑one global institutions. - Focus remains on leading early (seed/pre‑seed), concentrated portfolios, deep founder support, and capacity to double down at growth. [Read the article](https://www.airtree.vc/open-source-vc/introducing-airtree-fund-v?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) **Other news:** > AI customer support startup Lorikeet has now raised $75 million in just 10 months - Series A and backers: Lorikeet raised US$35m (A$54m) led by QED, with Blackbird, Square Peg, Skip Capital, plus Capital49, Operator Partners, Airtree, Athletic Ventures also participating; notable angels include Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht. - Lorikeet is an AI support “concierge” that resolve complex issues end‑to‑end across chat, email, and voice; emphasis on regulated sectors and real problem resolution. [Read the article](https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/funding/ai-customer-support-startup-lorikeet-has-now-raised-75-million-in-just-10-months/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) > Everlab raises $15 million to fight disease in ‘healthy’ people - Everlab raised $15m seed (led by Left Lane Capital) to expand clinics, teams, and AI infrastructure; claims tens of thousands on the waitlist and targets 20x growth this year. - They blend AI-driven analysis with full-body diagnostics (DEXA, CGM, VO2, advanced biomarkers) to centralise decades of health data and deliver personalized preventive interventions, with memberships at $3,000 (full) and $1,500 (diagnostic). - To date they've processed over 1,000,000 biomarkers; about 25% abnormal and 2.5% uncovering serious conditions; positions metabolic health as the core of chronic disease and aims for global rollout from Australia. [Read the article](https://www.forbes.com.au/covers/entrepreneurs/everlab-raised-15-million-to-fight-disease-in-healthy-people/?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au) ### **What's new at CDH?** --- We've just launched our new startup membership program - workspace, exclusive events, and community to help you build your startup. [**Apply today!**](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hY3V0ZS1tYWdhemluZS05NDkubm90aW9uLnNpdGUvMjNmZjhjNTk3ZGZhODA2M2FlZWFjZGIwMmU1YjhmYTA%5FcHZzPTEwNQ==?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)​ Interested in Corporate Development? Tomorrow at Cremorne Connect: How to turn corporate development conversations into real deals, with insights from leaders from REA and Car Group. [**Register now!**](https://preview.convertkit-mail2.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdS5tYS90ZjNzYjQxZg==?ref=cremornedigitalhub.com.au)