Previously Unavailable raising $10m+ second Brand Fund

Plus Orion Health bought by Canadian firm in $200m deal, grim financial tidings from Treasury and AI summaries cause headaches for Apple.

Welcome to Wednesday!

I am not going to lie to you, it feels like it should be Friday and I know at least one Finance Minister who probably sorely wishes she was already on holiday. A lot of grim economic news to unpack this morning following Treasury delivering its dire outlook yesterday, balanced out with some good news from our friends at Previously Unavailable.

Here’s your Daily Shot news you won’t want to miss.

• Previously Unavailable raising $10m+ second Brand Fund

• Barely alive in 2025: Treasury’s grim diagnosis

• Orion Health bought by Canadian firm in $200m deal

• The curse of AI summaries strikes Apple, SpaceX booms

As always, a huge thank you to everyone who has already subscribed. You are keeping our lights on over Christmas and are permanently on Santa’s nice list.

Finn & the Caffeine team

Empowering Innovation: Ara Ake and Caffeine Daily Energise New Zealand’s Energy Innovation Future

We are excited to announce a partnership between Ara Ake and Caffeine Daily, combining our efforts to support Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy innovation. Together, we will highlight important stories from the energy innovation sector, focusing on the innovators, ideas, and technologies shaping a more resilient, sustainable and equitable energy future. Through engaging stories, in-depth interviews, and thought-provoking insights, this collaboration will shine a light on the transformative power of energy innovation.

Why Energy Matters Now More Than Ever

Energy is more than a commodity—it’s the lifeblood of our communities. It shapes how we live, work, and envision the future. As we navigate an era of rapid change and unprecedented challenges, the energy sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The decisions we make today will define the legacy we leave for future generations.

Ara Ake: Accelerating Energy Innovation

As New Zealand’s future energy centre, Ara Ake is committed to accelerating the commercialisation of energy innovation. We believe that the pathway to a vibrant energy innovation ecosystem is not only aspirational but achievable.

While technology plays a vital role, the journey to a smarter energy system also requires advancements in regulation, commercial models, and community engagement. That’s why we collaborate closely with government organisations such as Callaghan Innovation, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Electricity Authority (EA) to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and maximise impact. By leveraging these partnerships, Ara Ake serves as a conduit, connecting innovators with the resources, industry networks, investors and global expertise they need to thrive. Ara Ake has also developed strong partnerships with global energy expertise and investment networks, enabling New Zealand energy innovators to access world-class equipment, lab facilities, services, and subject matter expertise.

Driving Impact in the Energy Landscape

Ara Ake’s work continues to make a meaningful difference. This year, we’ve partnered with innovators developing practical and creative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector. From startups enhancing community energy resilience and developing flexible energy-sharing models to innovators advancing cost-effective carbon dioxide removal technologies, their efforts are contributing to New Zealand’s energy future in meaningful ways.

Through our partnership with Caffeine Daily, we will delve deep into these compelling stories. Some of these narratives, along with insights from our journey, are featured in our 2024 Impact Report.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future

The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our resolve. With a clear focus, strong collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Ara Ake remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate the commercialisation of energy innovation and adopt and adapt globally relevant innovative energy solutions for New Zealand.

Our partnership with Caffeine Daily is an exciting development. By combining Ara Ake’s expertise with Caffeine Daily’s storytelling prowess, we are creating a platform that highlights the immense opportunities within the energy innovation sector and celebrates the ingenuity influencing the future of energy in New Zealand.

Join us as we share stories of collaboration and creativity that are transforming New Zealand’s energy landscape.