Episode Summary:

In this year-end wrap-up, Cheryl and Maxine reflect on 2024’s venture landscape, from shifting investor sentiment to the lingering effects of the zero-interest era. They dig into the rise in early-stage investments, the resurgence of AI enthusiasm, and the cautious optimism permeating the ecosystem. With equal doses of hindsight and foresight, they offer spicy predictions for 2025: from a potential surge in IPOs to the possibility of a one-person billion-dollar startup. If you’re looking for unfiltered commentary on liquidity, the fate of AI hype, and what lies ahead for the Australian and global tech markets, this episode covers it all—plus a healthy side of debate and laughter.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Annual Wrap-Up Setup

00:21 Reflecting on Last Year's Predictions & Risk Appetite Shift

01:50 Investor Sentiment & Early-Stage Deal Growth

03:06 ChatGPT Adoption & AI’s Embedded Productivity Gains

05:00 Liquidity’s Return: M&A, Secondaries & Early Exits

07:30 Increased Angel Activity & “Learning Checks” Trend

09:20 Discussing Worst Investor Terms & Founder-Friendly Boundaries

10:47 The State of IPO Markets, Political Shifts & Macro Effects

12:40 AI Acceleration, Productivity Tools & Future Potential

14:10 Spicy 2025 Predictions: IPOs, One-Person Billion-Dollar Startups & Bubble Cycles

17:00 Final Takeaways, Lessons Learned & Maintaining Optimism

Key Takeaways:

• Gradual Investor Confidence Rebuild: Despite a tough few years, investor sentiment improved slightly in 2024, with more early-stage deals and smaller check sizes indicating a return of risk appetite.
• More Angels, More Checks: The Australian ecosystem saw a surge in angels writing “learning checks,” reflecting a more portfolio-minded approach among first-time investors.
• AI’s Permanent Footing: AI is here to stay, with everyday products increasingly integrating it for productivity gains. While some skeptics remain, the hosts firmly believe AI isn’t a passing fad.
• M&A and IPO Prospects: Early-stage M&A activity is up and liquidity events may increase if certain geopolitical and economic shifts occur. While 2024 saw incremental gains, 2025 may bring either a return to “bubble” conditions or a more measured growth environment.
• Spicy Predictions for 2025: From a potential billion-dollar one-person startup to a high-profile AI company collapse, the hosts don’t hold back on bold forecasts.

Resources Mentioned

Programs like the Climate Salad Global Growth Program and BuildClub (discussed as ecosystem examples)

Notable Quotes

“We are seeing a lot more risk appetite at the earlier stages, which tells me there are more early stage companies getting funded.” – Cheryl

“I think we will see a high profile AI company collapse next year.” – Cheryl on her bold 2025 prediction

“My spicy take: You cannot build a generational company in a year.” – Maxine

“AI is here to stay—it's not a fad, it’s going to be integrated into everything.” – Cheryl

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Mentioned in this episode:

November 2024 - Galah Cyber

FC Vanta Ad March 2025_02

FC Vanta Ad March 2025_02

November 2024 - Rocking Horse

November 2024 - Galah Cyber

June 2024 – Vanta First Cheque

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