The Merton End of Year Round-up 2025
This year has been a time of significant growth and momentum for Merton Lawyers. We have supported global health initiatives, expanded our team, announced major partnerships, and successfully delivered the inaugural Startup Board Course in collaboration with leaders from Australia's and the US's ecosystems. The past three months have been characterised by collaboration, impact, and community engagement. With ongoing progress in Project Odyssey, the opening of new roles within the firm, and strong engagement in the startup and venture landscape, this quarter has established a solid foundation as we move into the final month of the year.
Merton Lawyers Startup Board Course — October 27–28, Wade Institute
A Landmark Event for Startup Governance in Australia
In October, we launched the inaugural Merton Lawyers Startup Board Course, held over two days at the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship. We are immensely grateful to our Principal Partner, Microsoft, for its invaluable support. Their commitment to fostering innovation and governance in the startup ecosystem was evident throughout the event. Microsoft's involvement enhanced discussions about addressing governance challenges in the age of AI, highlighting the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
We also extend our gratitude to our other partners: HSBC Innovation Banking, Silicon Valley Bank, Carta & Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship. Their contributions were crucial to the course's success. Together, these organisations share a vision of empowering entrepreneurs and investors, creating a collaborative environment that promotes strong governance practices within the startup community. Thank you to all our partners for their dedication to advancing startup governance in Australia.
This invite-only event brought together over 50 investors and portfolio companies, along with leaders from the legal, investment, and technology sectors in Australia and Silicon Valley. Additionally, more than 150 ecosystem members joined us for the Merton Lawyers Dinner & Drinks event, held after the first day of the course at the Panama Dining Room, facilitating networking and connections.
The program concluded with reflections from Anthony Curtin, acknowledgements to our partners and contributors, and heartfelt thanks to the Merton Corporate Team — Isaac Hanna, Brittany Hansen, Matilda Porter, Alexia Buckley and Olivia Macquarie.
Pangea Global Health Education — Campaign Support & Impact
In September, Pangea Global Health Education launched a campaign to enhance healthcare outcomes in Malawi and beyond, with a fundraising goal of $50,000 by September 12. The initiative aimed to provide access to leadership events and insights for foundation members, with 75–80% of funds directed to training programs.
The campaign successfully raised $13,300, allowing for the training of 60 health professionals. Pangea's program in Malawi is now set to welcome hundreds of health workers for upcoming seminars in surgery and emergency care.
Sixth annual Innovation Bay x Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Renewable Start-Up Showcase.
📷: Innovation Bay
In our commitment to staying at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, Anthony Curtin and Isaac Hanna from Merton Lawyers recently attended the sixth annual Innovation Bay x ARENA Renewable Start-Up Showcase. This year's theme, 'Road to 100% Renewables,' highlighted six pioneering start-ups making significant strides in the clean energy sector.
The showcased companies included:
1. Algenie - Utilising microalgae for sustainable agricultural practices.
2. Banksia Minerals Processing - Offering groundbreaking copper production technologies.
3. Factor - A SaaS platform designed for automating energy contract processes.
4. Good Heat - Delivering zero-carbon industrial heating solutions.
5. Stralis Aircraft - Innovating in hydrogen-electric propulsion for the aviation industry.
6. TOTEX ENERGY - An AI-powered home energy system that integrates multiple energy solutions.
We extend our gratitude to the presenters and speakers for their insights and contributions to this vital sector. Events like these continue to inspire collaboration and development in renewable energy initiatives.
Breakthrough Victoria End of Year Founders Celebration
Merton Lawyers had the privilege of attending a remarkable evening at the Founders Day and End of Year celebration, where the vital role of Breakthrough Victoria in the innovation ecosystem was highlighted. Anthony Curtin and Isaac Hanna were both present, witnessing the powerful connections forged between founders, investors, and government representatives.
The event featured an inspiring performance by Mykel Dixon, who uplifted everyone with hopes for a bright future for all Victorians. Innovators seeking support and investors eager to assist filled the room, leading to genuine, spontaneous exchanges that fueled collaboration and growth.
A standout moment occurred when Richard Parsons from Kite Magnetics™ and Malcolm Thornton from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation connected over a simple yet crucial piece of paper. This encounter underscored the strength of our community and the importance of collaboration within the ecosystem.
Overall, the night was a celebration of the connections made throughout the year, and Merton Lawyers feels grateful to have been a part of supporting inspiring founders and breakthrough technologies.
Our Managing Partner, Anthony Curtin, provided insights for David Swan's article in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, titled "From Hallucinations to High Court: Can AI Deliver Justice?" This article examined the growing role of AI in legal decision-making and its implications for the future of the legal profession.
America’s Top Venture Capital Firms of 2025
TIME’s 2025 ranking of the leading U.S. VC firms shaping global investment trends, capital flows and emerging innovation theses.
Photo: Getty Images
MIT report: 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing
MIT’s research shows most generative AI pilots struggle to deliver ROI due to insufficient integration planning and unclear operational pathways — a sharp reminder of the gap between experimentation and implementation.
