The Merton Monthly: June

Snapshot

Aug 7

In May, Merton took the opportunity to honour National Reconciliation Week 2025, emphasising the critical importance of healing and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. During this month, Merton also attended the #Sunrise25 event, as well as the Miami F1 race and the Bay Area for Project Frontier.

🇺🇸 Bay Area Dispatch: Project Frontier Connections in Motion

In early May, we continued our visit to the Bay Area, where Anthony Curtin spent time on the ground reconnecting with friends, clients, and key partners in Palo Alto — including several top U.S. law firms who continue to play a pivotal role in helping Australian companies land successfully in the U.S. via our Project Frontier program.

A standout moment: stumbling across the offices of PsiQuantum, an extraordinary Australian-founded quantum computing company operating at the forefront of the field — right off Page Mill Road in the heart of Silicon Valley. A powerful reminder of just how far Australia’s deep tech sector has come, and where it’s heading.

Anthony also carved out time for a visit to Stanford University, where the intersection of research, innovation, and capital is as energising as ever. The ideas and partnerships being fostered there continue to inspire how we think about innovation back home.

Next stop: Miami, then on to New York, as the journey across the U.S. continues.

🇦🇺 Merton Lawyers at Miami F1 — Backing Australian Talent on the Global Stage

Our Managing Partner, Anthony Curtin, had the privilege of attending the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix 2025, experiencing the electrifying energy of one of the world's premier motorsport events — and doing so with exceptional company.

It was a true pleasure to share the trackside excitement with our colleagues and friends from Sidley Austin LLP, one of the world’s leading international law firms. A special thank you to Natalie Karam for the warm hospitality and the unforgettable race-day experience.

Even more thrilling was the chance to witness Oscar Piastri representing Australia at the highest level of international competition. From fast corners to bold strategy, it was a reminder that Australia continues to punch above its weight — not just in sport, but across business, innovation, and global enterprise.

As Merton Lawyers continues to build cross-border relationships and support ambitious Australian ventures expanding abroad, moments like these highlight the strength of international collaboration — and the power of a well-timed pit stop.

🇺🇸 Final Stop: New York — A Global Pulse Check on Innovation and Investment

Now back on Australian soil, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the final stop of this recent US trip — and New York delivered in every way.

The city was a powerful reminder of the depth, pace, and global reach of innovation and investment. It was a pleasure to reconnect with friends, old mates (literally and figuratively), Australian icons, founders, and investors. Across the board, there’s clear and growing alignment between the Australian and US ecosystems, with strong support from both governments pushing the collaboration forward.

We’re especially grateful for the time spent with several top-tier US law firms — many of whom have quietly supported our Project Frontier clients as they launch and scale in global markets. Their insights, generosity, and deep experience continue to make a real difference for the founders and businesses we serve.

Plenty of takeaways from New York are already being put into motion here at home. The global mindset is here to stay, and we’re excited about what’s to come next.

Sunrise, Shelter, and Standouts at Blackbird's #Sunrise25

Sydney put on a great event at Blackbird’s #Sunrise25, creating an electric, packed atmosphere befitting one of the startup ecosystem’s most anticipated annual events.

It was fantastic to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and hear from some truly standout speakers. Two highlights stood out among many:

Tim Doyle, bringing his usual fire with sharp, practical insights on company building, and

Dr Vu Tran, who shared his remarkable journey building defence tech — including guided missile systems launched from the back of a ute — all while working as a GP in Queensland.

As always, #Sunrise25 was a celebration of ambition, grit, and the people driving Australia's innovation frontier forward. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

National Reconciliation Week 2025 — Bridging Now to Next

At Merton Lawyers, we’re proud to stand in support of National Reconciliation Week 2025 and its resonant theme: “Bridging Now to Next.”

This year’s message is a powerful call to action — reminding us that reconciliation is not only about acknowledging the past, but about actively shaping a shared future grounded in truth, respect, and unity.

As legal professionals and members of the broader Australian community, we believe it’s essential to walk this path together — learning from our history and committing to progress that is inclusive, equitable, and enduring.

We invite our community to take this opportunity to reflect, listen, and lead with purpose. Reconciliation is everyone’s business — and every step forward counts.

Merton Lawyers to launch Project Odyssey

In the coming weeks, Merton Lawyers will launch Project Odyssey, confidently building on the success of Project Frontier. This initiative is founded on over 100 comprehensive interviews with venture capital investors across Australia and the US, strategically identifying key pain points in the investment landscape.

Project Odyssey will implement effective solutions to directly address these challenges, solidifying Merton Lawyers' strong commitment to enhancing the innovation ecosystem and maximising cross-border investment opportunities.

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.

Learn more