In the kickoff of Season 2, James and Hugh discuss the latest in seed funding data and the fundraising climate in Australia compared to the U.S. We examine the controversial decision of a founder spending $1.8 million on a domain name and explore the implications of AI companions on social interactions.

Plus, special guests Claire Thompson and Toby Eggleston from Herbert Smith Freehills share insights on navigating startup fundraising with practical tips for founders.

Galileo Ventures Season 2 Podcast is proudly sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills. HSF represents the top founders and investors with deep expertise across the startup lifecycle. If you’re interested in learning head to galileo.lol/hsf.

00:12 Intros
00:59 Sponser
01:38 Grit or Quit Segment
04:16 Should we all get AI friends?
21:12 Startup fundraising: Should founders raise capital now or wait?
30:28 Guest Interview with HSF on Startup Fundraising climate and tips for founders
31:25 Introductions and Why you're doing what you do
33:17 Startup Fundraising Climate in AU
35:53 Is there VC competition for deals right now?
37:43 Agressive terms?
39:19 What terms are you seeing?
41:27 Interest from Asian VCs in Australia
43:44 Top tips for founders raising capital?
48:00 Picking the right law firm
49:45 How much should a transaction cost?
53:02 Outro

Shownotes:

• ⁠HSF Venture Capital and Growth⁠


• State of Startup Seed Funding: ⁠https://vcdownunder.substack.com/p/state-of-startup-seed-funding-in

About:

Galileo Ventures Podcast serves up VC insider insights and hot takes on the latest tech news, for early-stage founders and investors.

This podcast is presented by two investors and operators, James Alexander & Hugh Stephens, Co-founders and Partners at seed VC firm, Galileo Ventures.

Disclaimer:

Please note that all content discussed and presented on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, business, tax or investment advice or used to evaluate any investment. Information presented here is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any Galileo Ventures fund.