Seven Aussie startups that raised $495.8 million this week

By Admin

23 May, 2025

In a blockbuster week for Australia’s startup ecosystem, seven local startups collectively raised a staggering $495.8 million, signaling strong investor confidence and growing global interest in Aussie innovation. Taking the spotlight is Airwallex, which single-handedly accounted for a massive $466 million of that total — the largest single capital raise of the year for an Australian-born company.

Airwallex Soars with Record Series F

Founded in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex has cemented its place as a global fintech powerhouse. This week, the cross-border payments platform secured a $466 million (US$300 million) Series F round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $9.6 billion (US$6.2 billion).

The round was led by Square Peg Capital, marking its seventh investment in the company — and its biggest one yet. Notably, Australian venture capital heavyweights Blackbird and Airtree also joined the round for the first time, alongside DST Global, Lone Pine Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Hostplus, NGS Super, and Visa Ventures.

Airwallex’s CEO and co-founder Jack Zhang called the funding a “major milestone,” noting it will fuel expansion into new markets and the continued development of their global financial platform. The company also plans to embrace AI technology to create fully autonomous financial operations, a move Zhang believes will “fundamentally change how businesses are built and scaled.”

A Strong Week for Aussie Innovation

While Airwallex dominated the headlines, six other Australian startups also secured funding, contributing to the overall $495.8 million raised this week. Though their individual rounds haven’t been disclosed in detail, the combined momentum highlights a strong start-up landscape that continues to attract capital and confidence from both local and international investors.

From SaaS unicorns to early-stage disruptors, Australia’s startup scene is punching well above its weight — and if this week is any indication, the rest of 2025 could be even more explosive for Aussie innovation.

Final Thoughts

Airwallex’s raise is not just a win for the company — it’s a signal to the world that Australian startups are ready to compete on a global stage. With a focus on global payments, AI-driven automation, and scalability, Airwallex is paving the way for other homegrown startups to dream big and build bold.