This issue’s discussions spotlight rising investment activity across multiple regions. Australia faces tight capital conditions, yet agrifood tech remains resilient. New Zealand’s exit from recession and investor-friendly policies are reigniting interest in real estate and tourism. Switzerland’s rate cut signals financing ease, while Germany boosts infrastructure and energy upgrades. Africa sees strong momentum in fintech, agritech and carbon credits, with capital flowing into scalable ventures across South, East and West Africa. The Middle East is accelerating AI and health tech investments, led by increased due diligence and global partnerships. In the U.S., trade remains active and industrial revival is underway, supporting long-term interest in sustainable and circular industries.

What’s happening in Australia?

Craig Astill, CEO at the Caason Group, shared that Australia is currently in a holding pattern economically as the country approaches a federal election. During this caretaker period, major policy decisions and investment initiatives are temporarily paused, leading to a sideways economic motion. Despite the pause, energy remains a critical topic, with growing interest in transitioning to alternative strategies, including nuclear. Investors are closely watching this space, particularly as energy security and long-term sustainability continue to drive infrastructure planning and capital allocation.

Additionally, Mark Gustowski, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Mandalay Venture Partners, shared that venture capital activity in Australia remains under pressure due to prolonged high interest rates and limited liquidity in the market. This has made capital raising particularly difficult for emerging managers, especially those focused on early-stage investments. Mark noted that top Australian startups, including Canva, Immutable, Go1 and SafetyCulture, collectively hold around AUD 6.5 billion in allocated capital, representing approximately AUD 265 billion in market valuation. However, these valuations have remained largely static since 2016, reflecting a broader capital lock in the ecosystem. Despite the challenges, Mark emphasized that opportunities remain strong in agri-food tech, particularly at the intersection of food security, sustainability and innovation, areas where Mandalay Venture Partners continues to invest both locally and globally.

What’s happening in Switzerland?

Werner Schuenemann, Founder & Managing Partner at Xandance & Partners, shared that Switzerland is entering a new phase of monetary policy adjustment, with the Swiss National Bank recently lowering its interbank rate to 0.25%. This move signals a more accommodative stance, easing borrowing costs and potentially stimulating investment, particularly in real estate and business financing. Werner noted that while this is positive news for those seeking new loans, it may not benefit those who have already locked in higher fixed mortgage rates. He also highlighted developments in Germany, where constitutional changes passed under the previous government now allow for more flexible fiscal policy. This shift opens the door to increased public investment, especially in infrastructure and strategic sectors. With more capital now available, Germany may see renewed momentum in funding projects that drive long-term economic growth.

What’s happening in New Zealand?

Andeed Ma, Partner at AIII, shared that New Zealand has officially exited recession, recording a 2.7% growth in the fourth quarter, surpassing expectations and signaling a promising economic rebound. Key sectors such as real estate, retail, healthcare and tourism are showing renewed strength, creating favorable conditions for investors. New Zealand has also eased its investment visa policies, positioning itself as a safe haven for international capital. Investors can now gain permanent residency by investing NZD 5 million over five years and meeting minimal stay requirements. With a stable economic outlook and strategic incentives in place, Andeed emphasized that now is a compelling time to consider investments in the country.

What’s happening in Dubai?

Prof. Christian Farioli, CEO at ESD Dubai, shared that real estate continues to be a major economic driver in Dubai, keeping the city’s investment landscape vibrant. A key development on the financial side is the increasing number of international companies setting up operations in Dubai, particularly relocating from or expanding beyond London. In response to the surge in demand, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has adapted its licensing policy, now allowing companies to obtain licenses even without a physical office, provided one is under construction. This move coincides with the ongoing development of DIFC2, a new district designed to expand Dubai’s financial sector capacity, further cementing the city’s position as a global financial hub.

What’s happening in the UK?

Laurent Pacheco, Partner at Solas Bioventures, shared that the UK is experiencing a notable shift in its economic relationships, with increasing alignment between the UK and continental Europe following years of post-Brexit distance. While the broader economic impact of this renewed cooperation is still unfolding, the defense sector stands out as a potential beneficiary amid heightened geopolitical focus. From an investment standpoint, Laurent emphasized that uncertainty remains across most sectors, but international expansion is gaining traction. At Solas Bioventures, the focus is now on exploring opportunities beyond the US, particularly in the Middle East, where flexible policies, like Dubai’s licensing allowances for companies without physical offices, are making it easier to establish a presence and tap into new markets.

Additionally, Jude Pereira, Managing Director at Nanjgel Group, also shared that the UK is in a transitional phase, marked by uncertainty stemming from global market dynamics. While this has introduced risk across certain verticals, long-term businesses remain stable. Jude emphasized the importance of innovation during this period, noting that companies are focusing on doing things differently, exploring new markets and domains to stay resilient. He also highlighted growing momentum in AI, with significant opportunities emerging across multiple industries.

Kitty Harris, Head of Business Development at Regent Capital Ventures, echoed similar sentiments, particularly from the early-stage investment perspective. She observed that while VC funding has cooled since the 2021 peak, areas like biotech, alternative energy and AI continue to attract interest. Kitty remains optimistic about the power of innovative ideas to address major challenges, especially in climate tech and financial inclusion. She shared examples of groundbreaking ventures, including one developing alternatives to cotton using banana plant trunks, offering sustainable solutions that could transform the fashion industry. Despite broader national uncertainty, she sees promise in the dedication and ingenuity of early-stage founders driving meaningful change.

What’s happening in Spain?

Marta Albert, Principal at QG Family Office, shared that while Spain, like much of Europe, is navigating economic headwinds at the macro level, Madrid stands out as a resilient hub attracting investor interest. The region benefits from favorable local tax policies, such as the absence of inheritance tax and reduced capital gains tax, which continue to position it as an appealing destination for investment. Marta noted a surge in capital flowing into technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Investors are not only funding new ventures but also supporting the digital transformation of traditional industries. Madrid, in particular, is seeing increased international attention, with many investors exploring AI-driven projects as Spain becomes a growing center for innovation in this space.

What’s happening in Africa?

Chike Igwegbe, Founder at PHUB VENTURES, shared that while parts of Africa are grappling with investment challenges, particularly in sectors like copper mining in Zambia, where over $17 billion is needed for junior miners, there are also strong pockets of growth across the continent. East Africa is witnessing success stories, with companies like Yosafra Icons expanding into major markets such as Ethiopia through automation and digital payments. In West Africa, despite persistent currency and foreign exchange volatility, Nigeria continues to lead as an economic anchor. Chike also highlighted that across the continent, there’s rising interest in scalable, AI-driven ventures, especially at Series B and C stages, with valuations exceeding $100 million. Innovation hubs in Johannesburg, Cape Town and across Kenya’s Savannah Valley are supporting the emergence of promising startups, some of which are progressing toward international listings. Despite regional disparities and FX headwinds, Africa’s startup ecosystem is seeing significant momentum, with a growing number of companies reaching unicorn status and attracting global capital.

Derek de Bres, Director at Pyrolysis Group in South Africa, highlighted that while doing business in parts of Africa, particularly South Africa, remains challenging due to regulatory hurdles and high operational costs, other regions are showing promising signs of progress. One major development is a large-scale food security project underway in Seychelles, where 98% of food is currently imported. With national support from the highest levels of government, this initiative has become a top priority, creating fertile ground for impactful investment. Derek also pointed to growing opportunities in Zambia and Tanzania, where conditions are more favorable for advancing waste-to-energy and sustainability-focused projects. However, attracting international capital remains a hurdle, as global uncertainties, especially those tied to U.S. policy shifts, are impacting the flow of funding for large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Despite these challenges, Derek emphasized that Africa holds immense potential, particularly for investors seeking strong returns in undercapitalized sectors like food security and sustainable energy.

Japheth Munywoki, CEO at Goodson Capital Partners, shared that South Africa continues to lead as a key destination for venture capital investment, followed closely by Kenya’s Savannah Valley and fintech hubs in West Africa. Fintech, agtech and health tech stand out as sectors with strong growth potential, driven by demand for improved payment systems, food security solutions and healthcare infrastructure. He also noted that mineral-rich regions in Central Africa offer opportunities in mining, provided investments are structured to allow efficient capital repatriation and international protection. Additionally, carbon credits are gaining traction as a high-value asset class, opening up new avenues for alternative investments across the continent.

What’s happening in the MENA region?

Mazin Gadir, Director of Strategic Partnerships at IQVIA, shared that the MENA region is currently experiencing heightened investment activity, particularly in health tech, med tech, biotech and edtech. Despite the traditionally quiet Ramadan period, there has been an unexpected surge in dealmaking and financial due diligence, especially in Saudi Arabia. Startups and companies operating in the Kingdom are now facing increased accountability, with a stronger focus on where and how capital is being allocated. Looking ahead, the region is expected to maintain this momentum into Q2, with many startups and corporations targeting Q4 for deal closures. Liquidity management and the shift from working capital to cash reserves have become key priorities, signaling a more strategic and disciplined investment environment across the MENA landscape.

What’s happening in the United States?

Sheldon Benson, President at 1Web, shared that cross-border trade between Canada and the U.S. remains strong, with significant volumes of transport trucks moving goods across the border, an encouraging sign for logistics and export-driven sectors. He also noted early signs of industrial activity returning in Detroit, where long-dormant facilities like the River Rouge plant are showing renewed operations. This movement suggests a potential revival in U.S. manufacturing, particularly in regions historically tied to the automotive and industrial supply chain. Despite ongoing challenges with consumer prices, these developments point to positive momentum in trade and industrial investment.

Will Zhao, Commercial Director at Ottan, noted that while the U.S. market is experiencing continued upward pressure on prices for everyday goods, there are broader implications for businesses in the sustainability sector. Companies focused on circular materials and climate-conscious innovation are navigating a complex environment, with shifting attitudes toward ESG and sustainability. Despite these challenges, the demand for sustainable solutions remains strong in key sectors and U.S.-based firms in this space are closely watching global trends and policy shifts that may impact long-term investment and growth opportunities.

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