Daniel Van Boom

2 days ago | capitalbrief.com | Daniel Van Boom

Labor’s controversial tax plan for superannuation accounts over $3 million has not only faced backlash from Australia’s VCs but parts of the cryptocurrency industry too. The plan, which includes doubling the tax rate and taxing unrealised capital gains, is being taken as an ominous sign about the government’s approach to crypto, says Magnet Capital co-chief investment officer Egor Sidelska, as it suggests the government is not eager to encourage “risk-adjusted bets”.

3 days ago | capitalbrief.com | Daniel Van Boom

Telstra is ending its T25 strategy and turning to artificial intelligence, opening a Silicon Valley hub and hiring key talent to accelerate its next phase. Telstra’s “T25” plan — launched four years ago to boost 5G rollout and cut costs — will formally conclude on 30 June. Its next strategic plan, regardless of what numbers it puts at the end of it, will clearly revolve around two letters: AI.

1 week ago | capitalbrief.com | Daniel Van Boom

As minister for industry and science, Ed Husic helped design the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund and advocated for the government's investment in PsiQuantum. Investors at Australia’s largest venture capital firms are mourning the loss of Ed Husic, who on Thursday lost his post as minister for industry due to internal Labor Party horse trading.

1 week ago | capitalbrief.com | Daniel Van Boom

A fresh report filed by StrongRoom AI's administrators HLB Mann Judd documents the difficulties encountered in its attempts to sell the startup — and underlines its desire to wind everything up in the coming days. Administrator Todd Gammel will recommend the startup be liquidated when creditors meet for a second time next Tuesday, he wrote in a 54-page report submitted to ASIC on Wednesday. But Gammel also said a sale is possible before then.

1 week ago | capitalbrief.com | Daniel Van Boom

NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie understands why tech policy was not high on the agenda during the federal election campaign. Agentic AI can do a lot, but it can’t touch voters in the same way that a cost-of-living squeeze can. But now that the circus is over, Scroggie hopes the returned Labor government takes advantage of the “stunning” opportunity that the coming years present.