For those craving access to real information, this issue will reveal valuable investors’ insights, such as: Australia’s political transition is shaping investor sentiment as hardware and deep tech navigate an already challenging funding climate. In the UK, early-stage innovation is gaining momentum, but a widening capital gap is forcing founders to rethink growth strategies. Across Asia, Singapore remains stable amid tensions, while India emerges as a key destination for AI back offices and pharma investments, despite policy uncertainty and uneven returns. Meanwhile, Luxembourg is seeing a rise in controversial defense funds, challenging traditional ESG boundaries as new capital flows reshape venture priorities.
What’s happening in Australia?
Liesl Haris, Co-founder and CEO at Gap Drone, shared that Australia is heading into a pivotal federal election, with potential shifts in government adding to an already challenging funding climate, especially for deep tech and hardware ventures. Liesl noted that economic uncertainty and global headwinds are weighing heavily on investor sentiment, particularly in sectors like aerospace. However, she emphasized that government support has been strong so far and the outcome of the election could significantly influence future funding opportunities.
Craig Astill, CEO at the Caason Group, shared that political and economic developments are placing Australia in a holding pattern. With the government currently in caretaker mode, Craig observed that commercial and market activity has been trending sideways, reflecting broader global volatility. He also pointed to rising uncertainty across the Pacific Islands and highlighted the ripple effects of recent U.S. market shifts. The next few weeks may usher in a change in leadership and with it, the economic direction investors have been waiting for.
What’s happening in the Middle East?
Mohammad Salem, Founder at Salem Group, shared that the Middle East is experiencing a period of turbulence, but one filled with fresh investment opportunities. He noted that recent reforms and positive shifts at the start of Q2 are giving way to a more hopeful outlook across the region. Having spent time in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Cairo, Mohammad highlighted that energy and tourism are leading the investment charge. In Cairo, EU and Saudi-backed energy initiatives are gaining momentum, while in Saudi Arabia, large-scale tourism projects are generating significant buzz. He added that Abu Dhabi remains a dynamic hotspot, buzzing with activity across multiple sectors.
What’s happening in Singapore?
Nishant Idnani, Managing Director at Vaultus Green Funding, shared that across Southeast Asia, especially in Singapore, Indonesia and India, the momentum behind the new energy economy continues to accelerate. Nishant highlighted growing energy demands from data centers, AI development and traditional industries, driving investment in renewables technologies. He also noted that falling battery costs and supportive regulatory shifts, like CBAM and carbon credit frameworks, are enhancing the outlook for sectors such as electric mobility and biofuels. This trend, he believes, is creating scalable, capital-intensive opportunities across multiple markets.
What’s happening in France?
Mohamed Hammadi, Executive Managing Partner at Walton Partners, shared that despite broader European challenges, France remains a stronghold for innovation at the startup level. He highlighted the country’s thriving ecosystem for artificial intelligence and deep tech ventures, supported by significant government funding and targeted initiatives. While macroeconomic issues persist across the region, Mohamed noted that in France, many entrepreneurs are maintaining a “business as usual” approach, with notable opportunities emerging in AI-driven startups and other high-growth sectors.
What’s happening in Luxembourg?
David Moscato, Managing Partner at Quarantia Capital Advisory, shared that Luxembourg continues to grow as a financial and innovation hub, with rising assets under management and a surging demand for skilled workers, especially among expats. He pointed to a boom in sustainability-focused ventures, particularly those integrating AI into energy and waste management sectors. David also noted the emergence of a controversial trend: the rise of defense-focused investment funds. These new vehicles are shifting away from traditional ESG mandates by targeting startups in drones and military technology, raising ethical questions about the direction of impact investing.
What’s happening in the UK?
Alexandra Kasseri, Founder & CEO at Pyxi, shared that the UK is experiencing steady momentum in its startup ecosystem, particularly within early-stage tech. Her team is currently preparing for a major launch and a media appearance focused on digital loneliness as a growing health and economic issue. Alexandra noted that the environment feels stable and investor activity is gradually increasing, signaling renewed interest in emerging ventures.
What’s happening in India?
Ambuj Mathur, Managing Partner at Indite Ventures LLP, shared that India is currently navigating the effects of shifting tariffs and unpredictable regulatory signals. While recent developments have calmed the public markets, Ambuj highlighted persistent challenges in the alternative space, where high public valuations distort risk-return profiles. Despite this, he remains optimistic about India’s role as a global services hub, noting the growing importance of AI back offices and global capability centers. He sees strong potential in healthcare and pharma and maintains that India deserves a major share of global capital allocation, citing a blend of population scale, technological adoption and long-term growth opportunities.
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