The Merton Monthly: July
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Introducing Project Odyssey
Following the success of our Project Frontier program, which supported Australian founders expanding into the US market, Merton Lawyers is excited to announce the launch of Project Odyssey — our next major initiative focused on the venture capital ecosystem.
Why Project Odyssey?
In 2023, we embarked on extensive interviews with venture capitalists across Australia and the US. These conversations revealed critical challenges faced by both investors and their portfolio companies, particularly around governance, board dynamics, and how boards can be leveraged as strategic drivers of growth and value creation.
Our Solution: The Merton Lawyers Startup Board Course
One of the flagship outcomes of Project Odyssey is the Merton Lawyers Startup Board Course — a free, invite-only two-day program designed to equip VCs and their portfolio companies with practical tools and insights to build stronger, more effective boards.
Dates: 27th & 28th October 2025
Location: Wade Institute, Melbourne
Format: Invite only
This unique course aims to help 25 VCs and one of their portfolio companies each (50 participants in total) develop boards that go beyond compliance, embracing a Silicon Valley–style approach to governance focused on driving growth, reducing risk, and unlocking business value. Participants will also benefit from insights shared by global speakers and industry leaders, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.
Project Odyssey’s Mission:
Deepen VC and founder capability through practical education and peer learning
Tackle governance challenges identified through direct industry research
Empower boards to become drivers of growth rather than mere compliance structures
Foster meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing across the venture ecosystem
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as we prepare for the Startup Board Course!
Merton Lawyers x William Buck - International Expansion
Successfully expanding a business overseas requires careful navigation through complex commercial, regulatory, and tax environments. This week, Merton Lawyers and William Buck joined forces to host an engaging International Expansion Lunch in Melbourne, drawing together business leaders and advisors to share valuable perspectives on global growth.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Anthony Curtin (Merton Lawyers Managing Partner), who facilitated an insightful conversation between Isaac Hanna (Merton Lawyers) and Jon Wood (William Buck). Together, they examined:
The current state of the private business trading environment and shifting investor sentiment in international markets.
Strategic considerations for when and how to expand into foreign jurisdictions, tailored to each business’s goals and risk appetite.
Key regulatory and tax complexities that can either propel or hinder successful cross-border ventures.
Attendees walked away with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how to integrate global expansion into their business planning. As global markets evolve rapidly, businesses looking to expand must ensure they have the right advisors to navigate this journey.
If you’re considering taking your business international, the team at Merton Lawyers and William Buck are here to help you chart the course with confidence and clarity.
Merton Lawyers at the THRIVE Australia Innovation & Investment Summit
This week, Merton Lawyers attended the THRIVE Australia Innovation & Investment Summit and Demo Day held in Collingwood, showcasing the incredible momentum building in Australia’s AgTech sector. The summit, led by Hugo Bieber and the Thrive Global accelerator team, brought together investors, founders, and industry leaders to discuss the future of agricultural innovation and investment.
The event featured thought-provoking discussions with investors Adam Gandel and Aashay Shah, who shared insights into trends driving AgTech investment, particularly for those described as “Agri-Curious”—investors exploring opportunities to deploy capital into the sector for the first time. A fireside chat with Michelle Goldsmith from Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd highlighted pathways for commercialising cutting-edge agricultural research.
The day culminated in Demo Day pitches from the Thrive Global accelerator cohort. While BioScout took home the People’s Choice Award, the entire cohort impressed with innovative solutions across agriculture and sustainability, including AirAgri, Forte Biotech, Froff, IIF - Invest Inya Farmer, Kisui, MaxSil, Mobble, Sophie’s BioNutrients, and WasteX.
Events like these underscore the vast potential of AgTech as a growth industry in Australia and beyond. At Merton Lawyers, we’re committed to supporting businesses and investors navigating the commercial, legal, and regulatory complexities of this evolving sector.
If you’re considering investment, expansion, or commercialisation in AgTech, our team is ready to help you thrive.
Innovation Bay - Melbourne Aurora Dinner
We recently attended the Aurora Dinner in Melbourne — an intimate gathering of 15 leading venture capitalists where the conversations were insightful and deeply engaging.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to be attending a number of upcoming Innovation Bay events, including Venture Down Under. These events will bring together a phenomenal mix of VCs, founders, and operators to explore the trends shaping our innovation ecosystem.
Corporate Partner - Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital (Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast, Australia)
We are seeking a dynamic Partner to lead and grow our Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital Practice. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Australian startup ecosystem. As a Partner, you will leverage your expertise, networks, and leadership to further develop your career and elevate the firm's position as a market leader in the space.
2025 THRIVE Top 50 FoodTech Report
The 2025 THRIVE Top 50 FoodTech Report highlights the 50 innovative scaleups transforming the global food system. It covers advancements in areas such as Health & Nutrition, Supply Chain, Food & Beverage, Ingredients, Packaging, Quality, and Automation. The report features profiles of these leading companies, insights on emerging trends and consumer demands, and opportunities for investment and collaboration. Download the report to discover the future of food innovation.
THE OUTLIERS REPORT July 2025
Australia Venture & Startup Report 2025
What we are watching
The Bear - Season 4
Season 4 of The Bear centres around Carmy, Sydney, and Richie as they strive to elevate The Bear restaurant, tackling fresh challenges along the way. Carmy grapples with the impact of a poor review and navigates his personal and professional connections. Meanwhile, Sydney contemplates a tempting job opportunity. The season delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, healing, and the changing relationships among the restaurant staff.
Upcoming*
Venture Down Under 2025 - Perth
We’re excited to share that we’ll be heading to Perth this August for Venture Down Under, joining founders, investors, and industry leaders to explore the trends and opportunities shaping Australia’s venture ecosystem.
Looking forward to connecting with the community and contributing to the conversations driving innovation forward!
When: August 5 – 8, 2025
Where: Perth, WA
